To move away after high school or even college is something that many dream of, but rarely do many actually go forth and accomplish this. Whether it's college debt, life is too expensive out there, your close relationships are right there at home, you already have a job lined up, or it's one of those "I'd like to do it someday" type of things, it's hard to move away.
Moving away is something that's exhilarating, and yet nerve-racking at the same time, especially when it's longer than just a few hour drive home back to all of the friends and support systems that have been there from day one. Questions swirl around before you move, and then they are always lurking around whenever there's a dull and lonely moment.
But the truth of the matter is, there will be times when everything is going great and you'll feel like you're on top of the world because moving away was the best decision, yet there will be times that life will come up from behind and hit you at the back of the knees so you go tumbling down wanting to call it quits and go back.
From somebody that's moved to a different state, and even lived in another country, these are the things that have stuck out the most when you leave home.
1. Trying to plan holidays is a fun time of it's own.
It's impossible to go home for all of them, so which ones are the most important? Deciding which holidays to go back home for and which not to gets interesting when you obtain a job, become part of a relationship, or have events going on at your new home during those times. Not to mention trying to plan schedules to be home when your other friends or family members that moved away will be back home, too, so you can all catch up.
2. Group chats will hold conversations and long distance friendships.
Group chats are what keep the close group of friends you had all throughout your time living at home alive. They can consist of nothing at all yet everything at the same time. Whether it's a short conversation of emojis, screen-shot photos being shared, talking about times in the past, or being there for when one of them needs to vent or a virtual shoulder to cry on, each annoying buzz is worth it. Group chats will be the best friend that keeps those best friendships alive for so many years after you move away.
3. People won't be off-put by you being from somewhere else, rather they will be open with questions. And yes, you will make friends!
The moment you mention that you're not from around these
parts, people always have questions. They want to know how the
temperature is, why did you decide to move, what is your family like, how big was
your high school, are the people like the stereotype for that area, and
so much more. You'll make friends that share common interests with you,
and you'll realize that everywhere you go in the world, there are people like
you. Even though these friends won't ever be like the friends you had back
home, they match up pretty close and you'll make many great memories with them
too.
4. Understanding that you'll miss out on a lot of family birthdays and important moments.
Going home to find out that your brother's voice has dropped tremendously, a grandparent can't walk like they used to, or that your dad now has streaks of gray through out his hair, all which weren't like that when you were home just six months ago, shows how much changes when you're away. It's a call home to tell somebody happy birthday, and realizing that you've missed four of them in a row and these times remind you that as you're getting older and finding yourself out in the world, they're getting older too.
5. Calling to just say hello, is okay.
Whether it's having a two hour conversation on the phone, a Facetime session, or a quick minute phone call to say hello, they all will bring a smile to your face and help keep you close even when you live so far away. Texting is the way of the people and you may have never been a phone person, but when somebody actually picks up the phone to call for a moment after you've been gone for so long, it'll make you appreciate being able to talk on the phone.
6. Some things change, while others relevantly stay the same.
The people that never moved away are all still hanging out at the same spots and with the same people. The school and sports haven't changed too much, nor the spots around town where younger versions of you and your friends used to hang out. It's when they ask you about your life wherever you live now that you have much to tell them and you realize that you're really not the same person you were when you lived there. Some traditions, like getting together with your high school best friends and just doing adult versions of what you used to do or going out to a certain restaurant with your parents whenever you're home, will show that some things change, while others never really do. And you'll cherish every moment of it.
Moving away brings days full of excitement and lonely days where all you want to do is break down and call home. Either way though, moving away opens you to new challenges and excitement in your life. You find out what you can handle and what is too much.
