Picture it: Summer 2011. West Palm Beach, Florida. A recent college graduate (that’d be me) has his first opportunity to go on an extended, non-family-oriented, vacation.
But, where does one go on vacation when you live in a tropical climate all year round?
Why yes, you escape the butt crack of Satan by flocking North with your feathered friends.
You find out a coworker of yours is visiting family (free room and board because don’t forget: just out of college here) in Chicago.
Love at first sight, May 2011.
That’s when it happens: you fall in love with a place you just know you belong. I mean, just look at how much fun I look like I’m having:
Okay, that’s the Sear’s Tower, zoo, and bean all in one day. Champion tourist.
Reality sets in: you’ve got to go back to your “regular” life. The agony of not being able to flourish in the new home you’ve already imagined for yourself is unbearable. You’ve got to make it happen. You have no idea how or when, but it is now your sole purpose to make the move.
This is exactly how it unfolded for me. There was no post-graduation trust fund waiting for me to just up & go. There was no relative willing to fund my seemingly knee jerk desire to leave home. There definitely wasn’t any fancy job paying me enough to make end’s meet and pocket enough to be on my own in a town where I didn’t know a soul.
Wait a second: I totally do know someone.
That coworker from earlier, she knows someone. I’m in.
Step 1: Know at least one person where you want to go
Fair warning: you are forever indebted to this (or these) person/people. I was extremely fortunate to receive open and welcoming arms by the coworker’s very close friends. Without these people my journey was completely blockaded.
Step 2: Find a company in your hometown who is also established in the destination city
If you are not willing to make major sacrifices in all aspects of your life, you can stop reading here. The act of finding a company was the easy part. The hard part–and the reason Step 2 took me about 2 years to complete–is because I started in an entry-level role and needed FOUR promotions from within the company before I was able to make the move.
You must be prepared at any moment to make the move. Any commitments you have in place will only hold you back. The role you want in your destination city could open up tomorrow. You must acknowledge and accept there will never be “perfect timing.” When the opportunity presents itself: go.
I had everything against me once my offer was in writing. No money saved for a place (first, last, security). I didn’t know what part of town was right for me. I was in a relationship where none of those details were worked out. I didn’t even know who would pick me up at the airport.
Step 3: Be ready to sleep on a sofa for two months
This is not your home. You are welcome here, but, kind of like, over there, by the dog.
Also, you just moved to a city where nobody has extra storage. Plan on living out of a suitcase for just as long.
Step 4: Quickly make friends and turn them in to your room mates
Network with everyone. Ask all your coworkers: “who is looking for a place?” Tell them you will sleep in a walk in closet. The den. ANYWHERE.
But then, realistically, ask if they’d be interested in finding a three bedroom home, instead of a two bedroom, so you can actually have your personal space.
Having room mates is a great way to split those pesky overhead costs that come along with getting a place. Bonus: if one of those room mates has a bunch of stuff for the common areas–you just saved yourself a ton of money!
Whatever steps will lead you to any goal, my best advise is, take them. Take them now. Quit making excuses about your obstacles. Come up with a plan and execute.
xx
Cory
According to Cory 