Anyone here ever move for a job to a place with no family/friends?

[AaronB]

I may have the opportunity to move to Dallas TX for work. Doing so would be the next step along my career path but other than a few people that work for our Dallas office, I don't know anyone there.

Have any of you ever moved to a place where you knew no one and ended up being glad you did? How many of you hated it?

This would likely be permanent btw.

Update:

Well I flew out there for 3 days after which I came home to New Orleans for a couple of days and then drove to Dallas for a two week stay so that I could make a final decision.

The verdict? I love it there.

The people at work are great. Sure they have they have their problems and there are the usual office politics to deal with, but they are still a great bunch of people. Also, the people in and around the area where I will be living are completely off the chart when it comes to being friendly and outgoing.

Most important of all is the change in myself. While I was there I went from rarely doing anything other than sitting at my computer after I got off of work, to going out each and every day, to bars, clubs, a concert, and museums while making quite a few new friends in the process. All in just two weeks.

Overall, this is an easy decision. Goodbye New Orleans. Hello Dallas.

 

[Buck Armstrong]

No, but I've dreamed about doing it for years.

 

[conehead433]

This would only be a good situation if you are either : 1- Comfortable being on your own with no family or friends or 2- Easily make friends and are happy making new friends.

And I have done it and didn't have a problem as I easily make new friends.

 

[GeekDrew]

I could never do it. I need at least one person I know with me... there's no way. heh.

Ironic, I say that, and I've been through similar situations, but I'd never willingly do it.

 

[Plasdom]

yup. sucks. 7 months and still no real friends to speak of.

 

[thirtythree]

I like living near my family, but I think I'd like being on my own too. I don't really have or want any friends besides them, so that's not really an issue.

 

[Descartes]

I've done it three times. Each time I knew no one in the destination city. It's both empowering and empty at the same time. I always found friends really quickly, and I wouldn't trade the experiences for anything in the world.

Do it. It will build character and you'll learn a lot about yourself. Just don't forget about your family!

 

[knoxweather]

Well be being in the Military thats all I have done for the past 4 yrs. Its alitle crazy and may be more difficult for you, but if it helps you and your career I would do it.

 

[AaronB]

I'm bumping this because all signs are pointing to a formal offer to join our Dallas office.

To help give some idea of what I am looking at, I will explain my situation: (yeah, it's long but ADD won't kill you so read it)

I am the operations manager for a small, 15 employee, service company. Due to my years of experience here, I have been promoted to a position that my lack of a higher education wouldn't allow if I were to look for a similar position (and pay) elsewhere. Unfortunately there is nowhere for me to go at our office because the only position above mine belongs to someone that owns a small part of the company and he isn't going anywhere. There are also no plans for any serious growth for our company. (there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the future of the New Orleans market)

Anyhow, we have a "parent company" in Dallas TX that deals in sales, manufacturing, and distribution of a line of products. The owner of the company I work for also owns the Dallas based company but while the New Orleans company was inherited and is a bit of an afterthought, the Dallas company was started by him and is his passion.

The Dallas company currently employs about 50 people and is growing at such an amazing rate that the owner has actually "stepped down" and brought on a CEO with a history of successfully turning small companies into medium/large companies.

The position I would be offered is to manage the technical support department. Even with no further growth of the company, which is unlikely, that would leave a promotion or two to work for. Another issue is the vote of confidence I seem to be getting if the new CEO wants me there. (I feel warm and fuzzy).

Career-wise it is an easy decision. Without a doubt, the quickest way for me to make more money in the near future is to accept the offer and move to Dallas.

It's also attractive in other ways. For example, houses are much cheaper where I would be buying. I am amazed at the sort of home I could afford there compared to where I currently live.

The downside is that I have a lot of family here. My dad, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

*Sigh*, this is one of those really tough decisions.

 

[JS80]

My friend did that. He moved to San Francisco. Needless to say he's one miserable mofo.

 

[Bryophyte]

Yeah, I moved over 4 hours away from all my family/friends when I was 23 years old. Best thing I EVER did. I'm pretty shy and I had no problems with finding friends.

 

[GT578]

I did it.....builds character man...just like what the others have said. I go home as often as I can to visit. I think you know the answer to your own question....you obviously know that not taking this job would only keep you right where you are with no chances for advancement.

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: JS80
My friend did that. He moved to San Francisco. Needless to say he's one miserable mofo.

I wouldn't say that's needless to say since that's what the OP is asking about...

 

[Rage187]

Yep, moved to Reno 3 years ago. I just made friends at work and that held me together till I moved back.

 

[pkananen]

Yes, did it 11 months ago. Only 4 hours away, but knew no one here. I am really glad I did it, I now have a ton of friends here. The first 3 months were really lonely, after that was good. The thing that helped me the most was getting plugged into a church.

 

[bctbct]

Unless you live in hell, moving to Texas would be a step down in your quality of life.

 

[Ricochet]

That's exactly what I did. It sucks but it's better than being unemployed.

 

[AaronB]

Originally posted by: bctbct
Unless you live in hell, moving to Texas would be a step down in your quality of life.

Why do you say that?


I live very close to New Orleans so draw your own conclusions there.

 

[bctbct]

Originally posted by: AaronB

Originally posted by: bctbct
Unless you live in hell, moving to Texas would be a step down in your quality of life.

Why do you say that?


I live very close to New Orleans so draw your own conclusions there.

damn, you do live in hell

For you it might be a good move.

 

[daveshel]

I've moved to a place with no friends/family. It sucked. Boy, a job sure would have helped.

 

[bennylong]

I just moved from SF, CA to LA, CA for a new job and I have to say I love it.

I love being by myself and not have to answer to anyone.

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: Descartes
I've done it three times. Each time I knew no one in the destination city. It's both empowering and empty at the same time. I always found friends really quickly, and I wouldn't trade the experiences for anything in the world.

Do it. It will build character and you'll learn a lot about yourself. Just don't forget about your family!

QFT. Some of my best memories was packing up and leaving going to a different state with no one close to me. Soooo many new friends and sooooo many parites meeting people. WOuldnt of changed it for the world for I feel it trully has made me a better person. Plus I can sit back and say I DID THAT then to go I coulda but I didnt. I have no life

 

[jadinolf]

I hopped in my car and left Connecticut for California in 1960. I had never been there before. I knew absolutely no one there.

Now 46 years later, here I am.

Yes, I came here as a child.

 

[Ameesh]

i moved to seattle like that

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am only 22 and still in college..and going to college doesnt really count. Still I would do it...I love just going...I am really trying to figure out a career where I get a chance to travel and meet new people all the time.

For instance this summer I went to 7 concerts so far.....All but one by myself. Granted I only had to travle 9 hours at most..but still its a lot of fun going someplace..having a lot of fun meeting cool people, and just being yourself. Its very cool thing how if you go off by yourself you can totally be who you are. You realize that none of these people have any judgements against you...