u/Seeking-Starlight

Hope this doesn’t the break the rules! It isn’t meant to be a diary/vent post but just trying to add context for some advice 🙂

TLDR: Recently ended a very long term relationship, moved out from our place in the city, moved into my parent’s house in the suburbs while I figure out next moves. Not sure if I want to stay in the city or move far away?

When I initially moved out I was very set on the idea of moving far away. This was probably largely due to intense emotions surrounding the breakup, but we also have a lot of mutual friends in the city and I knew I needed some space regardless. I’ve been considering moving to DC or the PNW, I’ve never lived elsewhere and I’ve never really had the opportunity to before (remote work). But now my mind keeps going back to Chicago.

I have friends in DC so I’d have a core group of people. It’s also similar to Chicago in the sense I wouldn’t need a car, it’s busy, lots to do, food scene, etc. The men there…idk yet. I plan to start dating again eventually but I’m really not interested in people who are just networking to climb the ladder forever. I was fine with that in my 20s, I’m 31 now. But I like how DC is a bit more buttoned up and has people from all over the place.

In Seattle I don’t know anyone at all but I’m very outdoorsy and I typically prioritize outdoor activities when I travel. I love hiking, I love the mountains. But I am a fashion girl at heart, I don’t even dress that upscale but I know I stand out fashion wise because hiking gear is not my regular attire. I like my designer stuff, but I know I’d probably start to feel weird about wearing it which makes me sad. My fashion is a big part of my identity. Also I know the food scene in PNW is meh and pricy.

Idk, I just feel very lost and I’m sure the emotions with everything are still strong. I felt way more set on leaving Chicago right after the breakup, now that some time has passed I’m not sure. I love Chicago, I have friends here, I love the vibes, I always felt at home and that I fit in here. But the winters suck, I have to travel to get my outdoor fix in, and I worry I’m settling for what feels comfortable. Also I have no idea how the dating scene compares to other cities I mentioned.

Has anyone else moved to Chicago from these places? Or gone back and forth? Curious is anyone else has been in a similar predicament ❤️

Hi all! Long story short, went through a breakup, moved out from our place in Chicago to my parents home in the suburbs where I was raised. First time ever I am working 100% remotely and am not tied down to Chicago by a lease or partner.

While I initially wanted/intended to find a place of my own in Chicago, I realized this is an opportunity to try out some new cities I’ve always wanted to visit and maybe live. Seattle is one of those places!

I’m still ironing out details but I’m hoping to stay for a couple months to get a sense of the area and lifestyle. I love city life, being car-less, and always being able to walk and find something to do. I’ve never visited the PNW but when I travel I prioritize hiking and the outdoors since I don’t get that in Chicago. PNW has always been on my list but never had a chance to make it out there.

A bit more about me/my lifestyle:
- Early 30s, will get back into dating eventually
- Big on walking/transit and not needing a car (at least right now, I have no interest in adding a car payment to my bills)
- Prefer cooler climates typically
- A bit of a fashionista, I like my designer items and dressing up when I can
- I don’t know anyone in the PNW and am moving alone (unless I bring my kitty!)
- I’m pretty social, like craft beers, enjoy gin cocktails, and am big on wine! In Chicago I’m a foodie and friends always come to me for restaurant or bar recs.
- I’m active, workout, and like to play pickleball
- I’ll be doing a short stint in DC as well since I really loved the city and all the things to do (minus the current administration…)

I was hoping to hear from any ladies who made a big move like this or what your thoughts are on the shift from another major city to Seattle?

To start, I’m based in Chicago and I LOVE Chicago. I grew up in the suburbs and knew I wanted to move downtown when I graduated college. I’ve lived in Chicago for nearly a decade until a recent long-term breakup. I’m sure the breakup is clouding my perspective some…I still love Chicago but I’m not sure if I should stay or leave.

Currently I work fully remote, and after the breakup I opted to move out to my parents back in the suburbs while I figure things out. I’m doing some travel soon and in the heat of the post breakup I thought I’d be a digital nomad for a while. I’ve simmered down some and while yes I want to travel, I know sooner rather than later I’ll want a place of my own. I value having my own space and independence, so while I appreciate my parents letting me stay for a while I know I can’t find real peace and healing here.

I’m at a loss for what to do. I love Chicago but part of me wants something new. I have friends in DC so I was heavily considering moving there this fall/winter but now I’m not sure. I really am a city girl at heart, I like the busyness and how there’s always something to do, I love walking and not needing a car. Chicago is also great for all ages, I’m in my early 30s and will be dating again. But when I travel I tend to prioritize the outdoors, I love to hike, I love being in nature. And obviously that’s something I’ve missed in Chicago, no mountains, no hiking, no nature aside from the parks. I have Washington state on my mind too but I don’t know anyone out there.

I feel at a loss for what to do. Chicago still feels like home in many ways but it also feels different to me right now. But I also have endless options at this point in my life which I’ve never had before. As a side note, I’m not jumping back into dating yet but I’d like to be in a place where the dating scene is at least decent and leans liberal.

I’ve only ever lived in Chicago so I’m very used to the lifestyle there, but I wonder if there’s something better out there! Ideally similar cost of living if not cheaper, lots to do, renter friendly.

Hi all! TLDR of my backstory: Broke up with my long-term bf recently and moved out (no lease currently) so that I can digital nomad travel for a bit as I heal and move forward. Just turned 31 and am figuring out what I want to do now!

I’m from Chicago (a place that I absolutely LOVE and is part of my personality/soul) but my feelings about the city feel very blurry due to the breakup. We also have mutual friends and overall I just need space from seeing him in social circles. I visited DC before the breakup to see friends and I absolutely loved it. It has the feel and busyness of a city like Chicago but on a smaller scale without the high rises.

I’m traveling elsewhere for a bit then was planning to do a 1-2 month short term lease in DC this fall to help me determine if I’d want to commit to a full on move. I’m still healing from my breakup but I want to start casually dating to get myself back out there. I am naturally optimistic but I know there’s a lot of opinions about the dating scene right now.

I was wondering if anyone else made a similar solo jump in their early 30s, especially if you moved from Chicago to DC and how it went! I work remotely so realistically I can live anywhere, but I love city life and I’d like to live in a place where I have a good friend group (so Chicago or DC lol). Even though I wfh I like to go out, meet new people, find new hobbies and groups, etc. I’ve never considered such a big life jump before!

Curious what everyone thinks about these semi-established (or even fully established) social media influencers who got laid off and are posting about what a blessing it was. How glad they are to have gotten laid off and can pursue their actual passion of full time influencing.

This is more so about them publicly saying how glad/thankful they are about losing their jobs, rather than the fact they have some other career avenue to pursue.