Austin, TX
Raleigh, NC
Well I told my parents last week about this big move and they were ok with it. Both of them would really like me to come back to North Carolina where I’m from but I’m leaning more towards Austin. The other day, my mom calls because she’s freaked out about the guy flying his plan into the IRS building in Austin. She then proceeds to give me a lecture on how dangerous it is in Austin.
Whoa whoa whoa! Simma down! While the situation in Austin isn’t minor, there are a ton of bad people everywhere in the world. Regardless of where I go (unless it's Raleigh where most of my friends from college now are) I’m going to be a single girl in a new city with like no friends. Sometimes when I think about it, it feels like I’m going to have a target stuck on my back. Then I remember the power of social media.
I’m currently a member of LinkedIn, Brazen Careerist and Twitter but before these were around, I was a member of PartyEastCarolina.com (which is currently down) This was my original social media place because I didn’t even have MySpace then (I didn’t see the point of myspace) but this message board was THE place to be for East Carolina students. I pretty much made all my “in real life” good friends from this site including one of my best friends. I’m pretty much hoping that I can do this again with different networking sites. I plan on going to tweetups when I actually get to Austin and to try some new activities like actually going to a class at a gym to meet some new peeps.
I’m friendly so that must mean I can make friends right? Well we can only hope…
What do you think are good ways to make new friends when relocating to a new area?
6 comments:
SHane and I moved to farmville with no friends.granted, we had each other, which made a huge difference. But it was just a matter of getting out there. We found a nice laid back church, went to local events and just made ourselves part of community. WE've been here for a year and a half, and it'a been great. THat said, I grew up Ib Raleigh, and he grew up close to it, and I lost touch with a lot of my college friends anyway. So we'ce decided it's time to go back home. I miss being able to make a quick phone call to meet friends for lunch. And can't wait to get food delivered to my house again!
Tracy,
So are you moving back to Raleigh? I might see you there lol!
It's nice to have that adventure, but for me, college was far enough. We're getting married in the dall and would like to start a family, my best friend is expecting her first kid, when I think of where I want to be and where I want to raise a family, and who I want to be close to me when that happens... there's just no place like home. I know not everyone feels that way, but that's what works for me.
I'd you do go to Raleigh, I'd love for some of the old PEC crowd to get together.. it'a been a long time for me, And I miss everybody. - Tracy
We too are moving to a location with no friends...it is scarey and exciting all the same...FRESH START in life!!! I wish you the best, and you will definitely succeed in friends and employment no matter where you choose to go!!! Funny how we are both contemplating "west" or "NC"!! :) I will miss you but we will always have Facebook!!!
To answer you initial question of moving without friends.. Yes Regina.. I did it. Traveled out to the West Coast and lived out there for close to 2 years.. Granted I had Kim, but I truly did not have any connections outside of her or her family. It had its good times and bad ones, but overall it was a great learning experience, and best of all, I wound up with my wife. It was nice to travel and see everything across the US.
IMO.. you should go wherever you want to go.. whether its Raleigh or Austin.. just do what will make you the happiest.. (Granted being in Raleigh would put you a lot closer for a visit sometime.. lol)
be bold.
get out of your comfort zone.
pack only what you can carry in your car.
become a stranger.
struggle to make it.
try different jobs until you find the right TEAM. you will discover this is what matters most in your career.
feel intensely emotional and write/photograph it.
realize you can always go "home" if you don't like it, and take comfort in that.
but don't forget: you only live once. and right now, you are young and resilient. explore the depths of your courage - and your world. no better time than now. xo
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