Take The First Step
As with all big dreams and ideas, there are a few preliminary steps you should take before you shove all of your belongings into your car and drive away from home. These sticky, and seemingly complicated, steps are what I want to provide some clarity on; consider this my personal advice for how to make your next move, whether that move is across the country or across town. I wished every day for some kind of guide for what to do next. Particularly in post-grad life, people consistently encourage you to try new things and explore new places, but not many people can give you specific advice on how to move somewhere new and share what life is like in this season. While I certainly don’t have all the answers, I know what has worked for me and what has helped me in my post-grad journey.
Step 1: Decide what it is you want, or where you want to be.
The first decision I had to make as I sat on my childhood bed while my parents made dinner (never take that for granted, kids) was where I wanted to be. Knowing that I wanted to move somewhere new, I chose location first. When Jordan posed the idea of moving to Raleigh with her, I had both an opportunity and a friend to go along with it. Moving somewhere alone is hard, and I’ve never done it. I commend those who do, and I encourage you not to discount a location you may be dreaming of just because you don’t know anyone there. Since I had a friend who was encouraging and gracious enough to help me find my next step, I chose to search for jobs based on a city. This both simplified things and complicated them at the same time; while I knew what to search for, I also knew searching for a job in a place I didn’t yet live would be a challenge. More on that later.
If you're open to any kind of new location, spread your job search wide; apply for anything and everything that appeals to you and see what comes your way. If you're set on a dream city, take a look at what life there would look like for you. Do you know someone who lives there? Call them. Ask them every question you can think of. Don't know a soul there? Do some research. Figure out what you want and where you want to be, and decide in your mind that you aren't taking no for an answer, no matter what your timeline is or how many (or few) miles lie between you and your next move.
Does this still seem overwhelming? Good, because that means you’re doing something and reaching outside of your comfort zone. But if you’re struggling to figure out the answers to these questions, try asking yourself the following:
What is your favorite part of what you’re doing and where you are now? What did you love about your past opportunities, jobs, or organizations? How can you incorporate those things into your next dream?
What do you want to change about your current situation? What is not inspiring you?
Is there anywhere you pictured yourself living as a child? What did your 10-year-old self expect you to be doing right now?
Have you visited a place and wondered what life would be like there?
Where do you have resources or connections? If you’re coming up short, who can you reach out to? Are you part of any alumni groups? Do you have family or friends in certain areas? Who do you consider a mentor in your life that you can confide in and ask for advice?
I knew I wanted to live in the south, I liked medium-sized cities, and I wanted to be in an area that boasted new growth and charm. I had never been to Raleigh before, but I liked that I didn’t have any preconceived notions of the place. It was truly new to me and a fresh start.
However, if you are moving alone and have never been to a place before, I would highly recommend visiting first in order to figure out where to live. Jordan went to college in North Carolina, so she did the apartment touring for us. I cannot express enough how fortunate I was to have her as a resource and a roommate, and I fully realize that not everyone is this lucky. But if you and a friend take some time to visit a few apartments in a city, you'll figure out your own logistics and what works for you.
Has a place or a dream popped into your head yet? No? Take a little more time to look at the questions about your life. Call up a trusted friend, ask your mom about what she did at your age, reach out to a mentor. Talk candidly about what you’re craving from your life.
If the gears in your mind are already turning about new opportunities you’re dreaming of, I think you’re heading toward your next move.