Question? I am thinking of moving. Just packing everything in storage

[2Design]

and get in my car and head West.

I have school loans and lots of debt, so I would be looking for a place to settle and get work.

I am not a spring chicken. I travelled the country for three months in 1976 and never regretted it.

I worked for a major corp for 15 years and spent the last 10 jumping from job to job and self employed. Been teacher aide, computer tech, now in the middle of master degree IT, but feel I am 'slugging' my way through the books.

I have been a massage therapist. Currently teaching adjunct computer web work online for community college while going for my Master degree.

Not sure where I want to live. Been that way for probably 20 years. Brought up in NewYork/Conn. Lived in Raleigh, NC for 18 years. Went back to Conn for 7 years, quit my corporate job. Sold most of what I owned. Borrowed on credit cards for photography business.

Moved to Virginia Beach because I had been drawn here since 1987 ....went to massage school...did that...went to community college for computers again...computer IT field 'crapped' out, but I finished associate degree. Started teaching while going to school. Started master to get school loans to pay rent....

Been here 7 years...been feeling like I want to go live somewhere else for about 2 years... many of the things I was doing for income have been 'crapping out'. IT students aren't enrolling so adjuncts have been falling by the wayside....

So now that I am physically 56, I still don't know where I want to live or what I want to do....

When I see pictures of out west, I just want to go. I love the ocean though. But never go in because of sharks about 2 years ago....

Feeling like I should plan this, but the urge is so strong,,...it says you can't wait any more.... feels irresponsible.....yet I would like something exciting, adventrous to get my engine running in the morning....

I want so much more than what I have...I can't stand sitting in a cubicle anymore, yet I sit at my computer at home day in and day out.

I have rambled enough.....jump in anywhere and telling me what you think.....

Eileen

[searchingforlight]

1. I think you need to explore the hidden landscapes of

your soul.

There is nothing out there to fill the restlessness. Learning to be still is the greatest freedom of all.

[Susang]

10. Being still can also lead to asphyxiation

Muscle atrophy, blood pooling in your extremities, obesity and bed sores. ;-)

Sometimes when someone's been still too long, action and movement are just as freeing as silence and introspection.

[2Design]

17. I think I have explored my soul so much it has burn holes

In 1994 finish my BA after 28 years, spent 1 1/2 years to do it. I read all kinds of spiritual books, Jungian stuff, did some reading on polarities, animus and anima....lots of psychology stuff...

I can anaylze the hell out of an ant hill and why and what they are doing. Anaylsis of paralysis.

So I understand that meditative feeling. Best time I got that was when I did my trip in 1976...aug to Dec. 15,000 miles....I was mellow when I came back....I had given up a drafting career. I knew I didn't want to do that any more. I knew changing companies wasn't going to change anything...

Once back in Raleigh, I wound up in Corporation..... I think that sucked my soul out for 15 years...

[Rabrrrrrr]

18. Sounds to me like you already know the answer

[2Design]

21. maybe I do.....just have black and white thinking when in fear

feel like I want to know how it will turn out

if it goes bad....then I jump on my case that it was the WRONG thing..

fear gets in my way...and so much is so uncertain......

[achtung_circus]

2. Please define what you think of when you think west.

There is a world of difference between the coast, the mountains, the prairies. They all have attractions.

[2Design]

4. some areas...

I wish I had gone to san diego in 1980....

thinking of several areas..
arizona, new mexico, las vegas, carson city nevada
california, northern coast....oregon....coast and mountains, portland, washington state (Bellingham, mt baker)

Canada Vancouver or victoria or something in that area...

don't like driving in the snow though....

[achtung_circus]

12. That's a wide field

Rather than move immediately, think about a road trip. Just go and see, spend time in places, see what the palce and the peoples are about.

I have a friend who in 1977 stuck a pin in a map and moved there. It was a small, closed-minded mine town on the Coal Branch in Alberta. She didn't last long there. She is still out west, but says that she should have done her homework before jumping.

I jumped in 1978. It worked out for 25 years but I'm back east again. I guess I'm saying to keep ypur eyes open.

[2Design]

19. jump or not

since my job is adjunct, I have no permanent job. I just received a rent raise and renewal that would start in Sept.

Not sure how to do a short road trip that would tell me... was thinking it might take a couple of months....

I should have done my homework before quitting corporate in 1992. The rest has been moving from one kind of job to another.....no more professional job or the pay that went with it....

[achtung_circus]

31. I think my sig line may apply here

there are practical considerations, but most of them can be overcome. A several month road trip is doable for moist people, especially if, as it appears in your case, the alternative is looking for more of the same where you are.

I've moved a lot, but got into a rut the last few years. In September I did the best/worst, on the one hand/on the other hand arithmetic. I moved 3,000 miles with 2 suitcases at the age of 48. Now there were other considerations than just a job, but it was the best thing I could have done.

Just be pragmatic about the logistics. On the other hand, don't let fear of the unknown make your decision for you.

Read my sig line.

:hi:

[2Design]

32. Providence moves too.....once you begin it...

Goethe quote.....
Basically make a decision, take action, and the universal forces will back you up.

Where are you on the East coast now?
You left furniture, and everything?
Why back East? What were you drivers.
:)

[achtung_circus]

34. Well,

I decided that I was tired of being the bad guy in my marriage. Too many years of everything being my fault caught up with me and I decided that life was too short to spend the rest of my life unhappy.

I tried to explain, oh Lord I tried to explain, that marriage is supposed to be a two way street. I finally stopped denying that she would ever change.

I put my stuff in storage and moved "home". By stuff I mean the things that are important to ME, generally can't be replaced. It includes heirlooms, letters, photos, books and tools. The rest is just "stuff".

I moved from British Columbia home to Toronto. The idea of living in a mountain valley sounds nice, but it wasn't for me. I spent 25 years out west, in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, mostly in rural settings.

I am told that I was a mess when I arrived, but that the improvement was visible on a day-to-day basis.

I'm happier than I've been in years, things are working out. I found a job, one that I had done before and loved, one that I had left at her insistence. One interview, one job.

I'm not a religious person, but some members of my family are. They say that God (or the universe) had this planned for me.

It was made somewhat easier by the fact that I have just picked up and jumped before. Granted, it was when I was younger, but the knowledge that it CAN be done was a catalyst. No regrets.

And for all my talk in earlier posts about being pragmatic, I was skating very close to the line in practical terms.

Your Goethe quote is very apropos in my case.

[flamingyouth]

3. I think you should do it - come out West

If you're drawn out here (as so many are), just take the chance. I'm going through a huge upheaval in my own life now and I admire people who take chances like this. Life is really short. Live your dreams, and if at all possible, don't be trapped in a cubicle. As Jim Morrison once said, "The West is the best. Get here and we'll do the rest" (or something like that).:hi:

[2Design]

6. where in the west are you......just feeling irresponsible at 56 and

no real direction and loans....

but do feel life is short and wanting to live some where new..where I can hop in a car and drive 15 hours and be some where else... I like going places..and seeing scenery....and churches....

[flamingyouth]

7. I'm in Seattle

But there are lots of nice places to settle in Washington, and all of the other states around here. It's just great out here, I think. I partial to Washington, personally. If you want to PM me about anything, feel free.:hi:

[bahrbearian]

11. You know, I'm in the same mode just different skills

but maybe we could time share our resources, I have a beautiful location but quiant abode, I'd love to feel free to move about the country. Signed Out West.

[2Design]

20. what do you mean time share resources or were you talking to

another poster.....

are you thinking of subletting your place....

where is the beautiful location...

[bahrbearian]

33. Yes , sharing resources, I have an urge to travel, but it would take

a lot of planning ,then someone to manage the endeavor. My home is in a pretty farm valley in south King county Washington , 40 miles outside of Seattle.

[Misunderestimator]

5. Go!

Man, that was inspiring. :bounce: you make me wanna pack up and move too. :)

[Susang]

8. It sounds like you need an adventure

I think you should go. I'm all for fresh starts and new beginnings. I'm smack dab in the middle of one myself. ;-)

[luaneryder]

9. Wow, another 50 something who

can't decide what, where or who. I'm totally with you. I've moved around all over the southeast and can't seem to find a place to light or work that calls to me. It must be something with our generation because I know plenty of us. The first suggestion was great since it is only inside of ourselves that we can find peace and completion. But, man, that wanderlust is a driving force. Here's hoping you find what you need for the serentity of your soul.

[LDS Jock]

13. Have you ever heard....

the song "What About Now?" by Lonestar? If not, you should. It is the perfect song to go along with what you are thinking about. Every time I listen to it it makes me wanna pick up and start over somewhere else. I've done it before and its been great each time.

Lyrics to the song

The sign in the window said for sale or trade
On the last remaining dinosaur Detroit made
Seven hundred dollars was a heck of a deal
For a four hundred horsepower jukebox on wheels

And that road rolls out like a welcome mat
I don't know where it goes but it beats where we're at
We always said someday, somehow
We were gonna get away, gonna blow this town

What about now, how 'bout tonight
Baby for once let's don't think twice
Let's take that spin that never ends
That we've been talking about
What about now, why should we wait
We can chase these dreams down the interstate
And be long gone 'fore the world moves on and makes another round
What about now

We've been puttin' this off baby long enough
Just give me the word, and we'll be kickin' up dust
We both know it's just a matter of time
'Til our hearts start racin' for that county line

What about now, how 'bout tonight
Baby for once let's don't think twice
Let's take that spin that never ends
That we've been talking about
What about now, why should we wait
We can chase these dreams down the interstate
And be long gone 'fore the world moves on and makes another round
What about now

We could hang around this town forever making plans
But there won't ever be a better time to take this chance

What about now, how 'bout tonight
Baby for once let's don't think twice
Let's take that spin that never ends
That we've been talking about
What about now, why should we wait
We can chase these dreams down the interstate
And be long gone 'fore the world moves on and makes another round
What about now

What about now

[Rabrrrrrr]

14. Follow your heart

Something is tugging at you, screaming at you, to do something - your heart knows it. I can't tell you what to do, nor can anyone else, but I give you permission to make whatever decision you feel is the right/best FOR YOU.

There is a time for pragmatism. There is a time for jumping. Neither is better than the other, neither is bad, neither is good. Just saying there is a time for each.

Follow your heart - your spirit - your gut instinct.

I like to have people answer one question (and you don't have to answer it to me, just answer it): look at each of your options, and ask What's the best that can happen? What's the worst that can happen?

Avoid options that lead to death or prison or whatever/anything that you deem to terrible to live with/contemplate, but otherwise, consider each and weigh it all.

best of luck to ya!

[2Design]

15. worse = live in cardboard box .....best = meet new friends and

feel alive

[Rabrrrrrr]

16. And what's the worst and best if you do nothing?

[2Design]

22. If I stay here.....Mmmmmm

Best = find a job where I travel but have the freedom to be flexible and not have to be in a cubicle
I live within 6 blocks of the ocean....
Make enough money to travel
Take advantage of City REcreation centers for $37 year
Take advantage of City Golf course for $20

Worst = pay more rent, get worse neighbors upstairs, never get to go anywhere exciting again....
Feel stuck, feel undecided, nothing new, I have seen it all
I guess it isn't so bad here.

Just want adventure.

[Rabrrrrrr]

23. Take a look at your last two lines

they are much in accord with what you've said elsewhere, circumlocuting around trying to zero in on an answer.

I guess it isn't so bad here.

Just want adventure.

All one needs do - and this applies to pretty much everyone - is listen to oneself. Though I find for me that it's easier to listen to myself when I'm saying it to someone else, as you are here.

"isn't so bad" is much different than "good" or even "acceptable", don't you think? "just want adventure" - there's a cry of an answer if I've ever heard one.

[2Design]

24. ok you got me going....

not so bad...
so when I sit and do pro/con list
I look at all the nice things here in virginia Beach and say...so why do you want to leave here.

when I was down listening the free street music that the city pays for every summer, I think ..see this is nice....bands are bands...but that other voice says...but you have heard all these guys for the last 4 years.
________________________________________
Just want adventure
That is the 'throw it to the wind me'
Just go for it
That is the one who up and quit a corporate job after 15 years

__________________
not so bad = reminds me how we are now broke and in debt because we quit that corporate job. How can you even possible think of an adventure now.

______________________
Just want adventure
If not now, when? I will be in debt for the rest of my life.
Let's just go.
Let's try something different

______________________
not so bad
you want to create choas again.
we must be afraid, we don't want to live on the street
how are you going to pay your debts
if you stay here, you have shelter and look at all these lovely things around you.
Now if you had more money and better job, you could enjoy them.

____________________
Just want adventure
I am tired of here
I am suffocating
Why can't I have fun? (Because you tried that and it did not work)

_______________
So you can see the committee in my head has an ongoing polarity conversation.... Just like all my opposite planets in my astrological chart....

I saw on your description, you sell paintings.
I have sold some of my photography. I have some in a gift shop at the state house in Hartford Conn.

[Rabrrrrrr]

26. sounds like it's "debt with happiness vs. eternal soul-sucking misery"

Though I might be reading too much of myself into your dilemma, but it sounds to me like that's what you've boiled it down to.

or if not necessarily "happiness" in the above, at least, perhaps, "satisfaction of having at least given it a try"

[Rabrrrrrr]

27. And much as I hate giving advice and/or trying to steer someone in one

direction, I *will* say this: why worry about the distant future? Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die. Yeah, debt's an issue, and not to be cast away willy nilly, etc., but also you have been given TODAY - what will you make of TODAY? 10 years from now (assuming you live that long), will you look back at all the todays and wonder what happened to them? Or will you look back and say, "Wow - those were lived, each and every one of them."

[2Design]

28. yep that adventure ME understands that part totally

advice

I kind of threw this out there in that manner.
Like you said, sometimes the best way to think things thru is by talking with others.

I find I have to talk to several 'others' because I can make people nuts with my polarizing thoughts. I know. I live with them.

What will I make of today? I am on a computer talking to a stranger in NYC. I have become addicted to this message board in three short months.

This need to talk to like minded people. It at least has given me an outlet for my pent up anger toward bushCo.

But it is interesting people's answers on my question.
When I was in my 20's picking up and going around the country was scary but in a very different way. I had never travelled in the country. Everyone bet I would be back after 3 weeks because of loneliness. But I found I met lots of people along the way. 20's you are more agile too. Can climb and hike, although at the time I smoked, very heavy.

I was in search of my soul/self. Found my spiritual bible in Washington state. Book called Mr. God this is Anna. SMall powerful book.

Ten years from now, I don't want to say, yes I survived and got to live in a nice area with a roof over my head.
I would much rather say, wow it was exciting, I saw this, I met these people, look at that great church, look at that mountain. What a beautiful ship.

My mother used to say when we were 'bad' she would sell us to the gypsies. I think I would have liked that. A travelling band of people to have fun with on your adventure.

Yet I meet people who travelled together, they would be at each other's throats in less than two weeks. Each wanting to do something different. There is a real advantage to travelling alone.

I have enjoyed this connection tonight.

I will be in a workshop on the pennisula next week. My adjunct community college system is paying for it. Maybe it will give me a break from my routine enough to decide whether to decide.

Thanks for throwing out your thoughts. I am going to bookmark this thread in my browser for checking on later...

[Rabrrrrrr]

29. LOL! My mom used to say that, too!

And, oddly enough, I've led a somewhat (thought not entirely by any means) gypsy life. She also used to threaten to sell me to the indians (native American, not Indians), but never understood what the hell that was about.

I find myself every few years demanding of myself to push through my comfort zone and do something that is terrifying. And dammit, it's always worked. And all my "let's continue to be safe" times have been, at best, livable, but not really interestingly cool. But that's me - I was born with the soul of the wanderer. EVen in fiction,the stories I love are the ones of the people wandering, or the ones on a quest. But after the quest, I feel constricted and sad - like in LOTR, after the ring is destroyed, I felt sadness, because it means that Aragorn is gonna be king and stuck in Gondor, Legolas will return to the Elves, Gimli to the dwarves, and the hobbits back to the shire to get married and have a career, etc., and no more shall they go off on an adventure and (as I see it) really live.

Don't know if you read the Belgeriad or Mallorean, but that one also is the same - adventuring for ten books, then the evil is defeated, and the hero ends up stuck as a king dealing with the daily bullshit of kingly life and no longer going off on long adventures with a cause and a purpose.

[2Design]

30. didn't see lord....too scary for this wuz

when I travelled the country in 1976, I read the three books Hobbit, Maybe same name but similar story...It was fun to read them as I was travelling.

Things I have read on gypsies are they were into astrology and the magic arts, folk arts. With some of my travels inward and outward, it seems closer to who I am. Not sure how to make that work as a marketable skill that will earn a high paying living.

Funny, I was born in Bronxville.

maybe our moms knew each other. It is probably one of those things/sayings of those times. Like eating all your dinner because of the poor starving children in xxxx country.

There is a part of me that likes to travel, but I seem to need to know I have a home base.

when I was with the corporation, I had some years I got to travel 2-3 times a year. I always made that work for me by coming back by way of another city and having the plane flight cost less.

The hardest part was when I got home. My neighbor would say, I would hibernate for 3 days and be really grumpy. I had been out, on adventures, seeing things, meeting people, and now I was back.
It was comforting but dull. I felt I had to watch my Ps and Qs and my reputation, etc. Although, in my travels I would meet people who would later meet fellow workers in another school or workshop and there went my secret adventures...

My life would be exciting when I travelled. I got to go to Paris on business for 5 weeks. Now that was another kind of adventure. Europe. I saw so much. Meet people. Took 2 extra weeks. Was scared because I didn't know any of the languages. More scared than travelling this country but safer feeling in the many cities.

Not like I feel in NYC. I am cautious in NYC. I don't have a clue what blocks are ok and which ones aren't ... And when I would have to walk back on 42nd steet to the train station to get to connecticut....that was frightening. But I believe much of NYC has improved in the last 10 years.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

25. I say do it.

My motto is that I want to die with zero regret.

[molly]

35. Would you be happy in a "red" state?

or where you just considering California? I know that I could never-ever live and function in a "red" state - especially now.

[2Design]

37. I currently live in Virginia I don't know if there is a redder state

I am open to other states....no guarentees when you live in a state if you neighbors will be red or blue...

[GOPisEvil]

36. My romantic side thinks it's a great idea!

My practical side would be scared to death. My practical side usually wins. I like to have SOMETHING lined up before I move.

[2Design]

38. when I did the around the country in 1976

I had no particular plan. But I did sub let my apartment since it was so cheap. I had no idea how long I would be gone then either.

Having something lined up would be good too. Sent out about 10 targetted resumes this morning. Will have to see how that pans out.

What happens for me sometimes, is I wait until I get to the point, I want to bust. Then I just go for it. Not the best plan sometimes. But usually it is because it was overdue...