10 Benefits Of Moving Out Of Your Hometown

Considering moving away from your hometown? We’re all for it.

There are SO MANY benefits of moving out of your hometown. Especially if your hometown is small.

It’s no easy feat to pick up your life and move somewhere else. But, getting the heck out of your hometown and experiencing a new place can be amazing.

It’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for your own self-growth, and living your life in a new town or city can feel SO different, but in the best way. 

And the reality is, you don’t know what you don’t know. Right now, it might seem like your hometown is great, and that everything you experience there is totally normal. But, that might not be the case. And you won’t know until you get the f*ck out of there. 

So, how do you know you need to leave your hometown?

Well, maybe you’re experiencing FOMO and you feel like your life is passing you by. Maybe your inner voice is calling from several states away. 

OR, and we don’t mean to get all dark and sh*t, but maybe there are just too many bad memories in your hometown. Maybe there are too many toxic people there, and it’s not good for your mental health for you to live there. Maybe there’s nothing wrong and you just feel like a fun change!

If any of that sounds like you, moving out of your hometown might be an exciting new adventure.

So today, we’re going to go over the benefits of moving out of your hometown and some tips to help you through the process.

10 Benefits Of Moving Out Of Your Hometown

A fresh start? Yes, please!

When you move somewhere new, odds are no one is going to know you. This is a great opportunity to start over and become the person you really want to be.

It’s like a reset for your vibe, your reputation, your style, and so on. You can finally be YOU, without any predetermined expectations from the people you grew up around.  

Moving out of your hometown can be a life-changing decision, offering a wealth of advantages that extend beyond personal growth and new opportunities.

Opens the door to new opportunities.

Opportunities are TAKEN, not GIVEN. And there are only so many opportunities available to you when you stay in one place.

Looking at your career advancement, this will offer exposure to diverse industries and companies can open doors to exciting career paths. Relocating to a city with a thriving job market can significantly enhance your professional prospects.

When you move away from your hometown, opportunities start flowing in, in all shapes and sizes. Think job and career opportunities, networking opportunities, relationship opportunities, and more. 

Expands your network. 

Speaking of networking opportunities, moving away from home is one of the best ways to grow your network. Especially if you dream of being some type of creator or business owner – like an artist, musician, comedian, podcaster, influencer – whatever.

There are tons of business and entertainment hubs out there. So, go get involved – your dreams are waiting for you.

Interacting with people from different backgrounds can broaden your social circle and create valuable professional networks.

Changes your perspective. 

Believe it or not, TONS of our beliefs, values, and morals come from what we’ve learned from people in our hometown. So, we only see the world through that perspective.

Immersing yourself in a new culture can broaden your worldview and challenge your preconceived notions.

In order to become a better person and have empathy for the people around you, you HAVE to get out in the world and experience some new perspectives. 

Forces you to step out of your comfort zone.

It’s so easy to get comfortable in your hometown and never experience new things. And the thing is, there are SO MANY benefits to stepping out of your comfort zone.

Just to name a few, stepping out of your comfort zone can inspire and motivate you, improve your overall self-confidence, and help you get more comfortable being uncomfortable. 

Teaches you new skills. 

Moving out of your hometown will help you develop all kinds of super helpful life skills.

It will make you more adaptable and resilient. And, it will make you more independent and self-sustaining. All of which will give you a greater sense of confidence and help you learn to trust yourself.

Moving away from home is a significant life event that often leads to the development of valuable new skills. Here are some of the key skills you can acquire:

Essential Life Skills

Independent Living: From budgeting and cooking to cleaning and home maintenance, you’ll learn to manage your own household.

Time Management: Balancing work, studies, social life, and household chores demands effective time management skills.

Problem-Solving: You’ll face various challenges, from minor inconveniences to major setbacks, forcing you to develop problem-solving abilities.

Interpersonal Skills

Communication: Effective communication becomes crucial for resolving conflicts, building relationships, and navigating social situations.

Empathy: Living with roommates or neighbors requires understanding and respecting diverse perspectives.

Networking: Building professional and social networks can open doors to new opportunities.

Financial Skills

Budgeting: Managing your income and expenses becomes essential for financial stability.

Money Management: You’ll learn to save, invest, and make informed financial decisions.

Debt Management: Understanding how to borrow responsibly and repay debts is a valuable skill.

Emotional Maturity

Self-Reliance: You’ll learn to rely on yourself for support and decision-making.

Resilience: Overcoming challenges and setbacks builds resilience and adaptability.

Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions becomes crucial for navigating life’s ups and downs.

By embracing these challenges and opportunities, you’ll emerge as a more confident, independent, and well-rounded individual. 

Teaches you to be truly independent. 

Going off of the last benefit, one of the greatest benefits of moving out of your hometown is learning to be truly independent. Moving away is a journey toward self-discovery and autonomy.

When you can’t call mommy or daddy to help you through every little inconvenience, your problem solving skills will dramatically improve. And being a good problem-solver will benefit you for the rest of your life. Both in your workplace and in your relationships. 

Gives you a new sense of freedom. 

With hometowns come expectations…you have to go to every family gathering, you have to go to church, you have to BLAH BLAH BLAH.

The reality is: you don’t have to do ANYTHING that doesn’t bring you joy and fulfillment. (Ok, sometimes you do, but you know what we mean). Moving away from home means you’re on your OWN schedule, and with that comes so much freedom. 

Helps the heart grow fonder of those back home. 

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? So, unlike the common misconception that moving away from home will negatively affect your relationships, it could actually improve them.

Sometimes a little distance can go a long way, and help you realize just how grateful you are for those people. 

Removes you from the toxicity of your hometown. 

This is not to say ALL hometowns are toxic – so many are special places filled with amazing memories.

HOWEVER, some of us experience some form of trauma growing up. Either from our family and friends, a high school bully, an unwanted experience, etc. And getting away from the constant reminder of that trauma can improve your overall mental health and help you overcome it. 

Tips For Moving Away From Home

Go to a college outside of your hometown. 

We totally understand that college isn’t an option for everyone. HOWEVER, going to a 2-year or 4-year college is a great excuse to move away from home.

Plus, going to college can provide a sense of stability and purpose when you move. 

Apply for jobs away from home. 

One of the hardest parts of moving is finding a new job. Especially if you don’t have the luxury of working remotely. So, consider applying for jobs away from home. You must identify industries and companies that align with your career goals.

When you land the job, it’s the perfect reason to transfer to a new location. Alternatively, if you work for a company with multiple locations, consider requesting a transfer to a different (farther away) location. 

Develop a clear plan & budget. 

Moving is such a big decision and a huge life change. So, it’s important to develop a clear plan and budget. First things first, you’ll need to decide where in the world you want to move AND if it’s actually financially feasible for you to move there.

Then, develop a step-by-step plan, detailing how you will make the big move. 

bring your comfort items.  

Moving away from home is hard…at first. One way to ease the feelings of homesickness and loneliness is to pack some comfort items that remind you of home.

Whether it’s your favorite blanket or teddy bear, or some of your favorite family recipes for good home cooked meals – bring a little bit of home with you.

Remember, the key is to choose items that bring you comfort and help you feel at home.

Get out and meet new people. 

Once you move, you’ve got to get out there and meet new people. This way, you can quickly make new friends and start getting out into your new city or town a bit more. After all, meeting new people and experiencing new things are probably some of the main reasons you moved in the first place.

Look for groups related to your hobbies, like book clubs, sports teams, art classes, or board game nights.

Also consider joining online forums and Facebook groups in your new area, where you’ll meet new people, hear about fun events, and possibly make new friends before you even move. 

Cope with your homesickness. 

Feeling a little bit of homesickness is inevitable. Just remember that this feeling is only temporary, and you’re only having this emotion because you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.

Instead of giving into homesickness, cope with it. Practice good self-care, hang out with your friends, give your hometown homies a call, go to a nice dinner, and just distract yourself. With time, these feelings WILL subside.

Don’t let anyone hold you back. 

And finally, don’t let anyone hold you back from leaving your hometown. Not your parents, not your siblings, not your friends, no one.

There are TOO MANY benefits of moving out of your hometown to let someone talk you out of it. Instead, take control of your life and go wherever your heart desires.

Don’t be afraid to take the leap.

Living in your hometown can be so nice and fulfilling. Being in a familiar place where you can be close to your family has a lot of benefits. However, moving to a new place can be super fun and life-changing.

Remember, moving away from home is a significant step. Embrace the opportunity for growth and independence. With careful planning and a positive mindset, you can make a successful transition.

To hear why Lauryn and Michael made the big move from LA to Austin and some lessons they learned alon gthe way, listen to this podcast episode.

x, The Skinny Confidential team

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