New City- New Job

New City- New Job

I would love some feedback.

I have experienced some hardships over the past few years. ( ended an 11 year engagement, lost Dad to sudden stroke, one of my best friends to suicide and 2 other friend deaths) These events paralyzed me from making changes and taking risks. However, I am ready to move forward.

I have been living in the New England area since 2001. I love the history, culture, city vibe, art, architecture, quaint little towns, 4 seasons, water, mountains, -..... the beauty of this area. I truly love jumping in my car on the weekends to visit a town, explore a new neighborhood, walk a reservoir by my house, or tour a historic home. However, I am longing for a bit more inclusivity, friendliness, ease, longer days, and an affordable cost of living . My values of beauty and culture etc. have kept me here but I am curious about other parts of the country that offer similar experiences.

I was recently laid off from what i thought was going to be an amazing well paid job! I went from receiving " we are so lucky to have you" notes and texts to " you are not a good fit" within a month from my employer.

My career started off in hotels- ( management) then transitioned over to becoming a Personal Assistant to HNW individuals. I narrate audiobooks/voiceover as a side hustle. Audiobooks is a fun side hustle but can be lonely. I am eager to find a career that allows me to use my voice as a speaker, trainer, or group facilitator.

I would love any ideas on cities that offer similar experiences and any ideas on how to find a new career path in public speaking. I am working with a life coach but always love connecting with others to hear their perspectives.

Thanks !

Cheering you all on!! ;)

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35 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    I forgot to mention that I am 57 as a reference point .

  2. CMP_88

    We are just about the same age.

  3. CMP_88

    Come discover the charm of the deep south in Hattiesburg, Mississippi! This university town offers easy living, fabulous arts and cultural events, an amazing live music community, exciting sports, beautiful senior- and retirement-living choices, ongoing education at every age and stage, and the convenience of a location near major entertainment and culture of all kinds. Nicknamed "the Hub City," Hattiesburg lies within short driving distance of New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Mobile, Laurel, Meridian, Jackson, and Memphis. One unique aspect is that Hattiesburg breaks the oft-maligned stereotype of Mississippi living. Outdoor adventures are always in season due to the mild climate, like the Longleaf Trace, a paved pathway linking downtown Hattiesburg to Prentiss, MS, and numerous creeks and rivers to float. Jobs are available, and with your interests and talent, you can easily succeed and run your V/O business, too. There are two universities, a community college, broadcast media outlets, and community organizations that need talented speakers and professionals for various events. Seriously, don't overlook it. You might truly find your place here in South Mississippi.

  4. Sabrina Cortes

    I'm so sorry for your loss! I lost my mom, and it's sad how it's changed me. I'm sure you miss your loved ones a lot.

    I don't know much about different cities, I'm a country girl.(lol) I found this article (https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/slideshows/best-affordable-places-to-live-in-the-us) that might interst you.

    I love that you are optimistic through your job search.

    I'm a professional Resume Writer and want to encourage you to tailor your resume to each job you apply for. This greatly increases your chances of passing the applicant tracking system (ATS) and allows Recruiters to find you using the keywords in your resume.

    I'd love to offer you a free resume review. If you're interested, feel free to email me at sabrina@writewithsabrina.com. And nope, I don't spam people because I don't like being spammed. :)

    I hope some of this was helpful!

    Best wishes on your job search!

  5. Anonymous

    Thank you! I have heard that. I have so many revisions that I overwhelm myself . I will reach out. :)

  6. Sabrina Cortes

    Great, looking forward to connecting! I'm also providing a link to my LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinacortes-writewithsabrina/) if you'd like to connect there too!

  7. Anonymous

    So, I have been looking to make a change as well. I have been closely looking at Pittsburgh because it offers a large enough population and access to an airport and Amtrak for easy access to the East Coast (a flight to NYC is one hour).

    In addition, Pittsburgh has good healthcare (university hospitals), some public transit (a bit on the fence about that one), and is affordable.

    It also happens to be closer enough for day trips to rural areas and mountains.

    Hope that is helpful and good luck.

  8. Anonymous

    Thank you for suggesting! I remember visiting Pittsburgh back in 2000. I really liked the people and the area! I will check it out.

  9. Anonymous

    Unless you're going to work in healthcare or take a remote job, I wouldn't move here.

    Additionally, please do your research. We don't have a great transportation system. Not sure if you're looking to move into the city or suburbs. Downtown is way different now, and it's gotten dangerous. Just putting that all out there as a heads up.

  10. Anonymous

    Hi, Which city has gotten dangerous? Pittsburgh or New Orleans? Sorry I am a little out of order with the replies. Thanks

  11. Rachel

    What state/city are you referring to when you say,"I wouldn't move here?"

  12. Anonymous

    I highly recommend looking at New Orleans. Cost of Living isn't bad compared to most cities, the healthcare industry is BOOMING, hospitality is back after COVID, and the city itself is a CHARMER. It's the only place I've ever lived that really encourages people to be 100% themselves.

    Drawbacks, obviously- the city is a hot mess as far as infrastructure, and sometimes the sky, sea, river, and lake conspire to kill you, but I'd move back in a heartbeat if I could.

  13. Kat

    Lots of great options in the Midwest if you like/don't mind winter. Madison, WI is a good option - college town with plenty of cultural/sport/outdoor activities, easy access to hospitals, lots of job potential in health care, state government, and education. Lake Geneva WI (near the WI/IL border) is close to many larger cities and has lots of small town appeal (nice shops and restos) but it gets crowded in summer with lots of tourists. Lots of smaller/medium sized towns around the Chicago area too that would offer what you're looking for. Cost of living is lower in most of the Midwest than in the New England area. If you like desert, one of the smaller towns around Vegas might work, as the cost of living is pretty low.

  14. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  15. Anonymous

    Native Bostonian here.
    I understand about the New England housing costs.

    I see that many are suggesting university towns and I concur.

    Charlottesville, Virginia (University of Virginia) has history (Thomas Jefferson founded the University and Monticello is close by.) There are many pretty towns within 60-90 minutes and Washington, DC is ~2 - 2.5 hours away. Housing costs in Charlottesville are well below the Boston area and environs.

    Philadelphia is a great university town (University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, Temple) and has wonderful restaurants, museums and galleries.

    There are also schools to the west of Philadephia (Swarthmore, Haverford and Villanova). The region has an excellent public transit system and is an Amtrak hub. You can live anywhere from Wilmington, Delaware through the western suburbs. Housing costs in Philadelphia proper are below New England, and many surrounding areas should be quite affordable, too. The Delaware Valley has some beautiful spots for recreation, as well as some interesting museums. The Delaware beaches are about an hour away by car.

  16. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  17. Anonymous

    Minneapolis/Saint Paul is a great spot! Low cost of living, plenty of companies to work for, lots to do (no offense to Madison but it's not a very big city so a lot of people end up leaving). As a current New Englander the cold weather won't be too much of a shock.

  18. Anonymous

    True- I feel that I can handle most winter weather at this point. Tired of the gray skies up here.

  19. Marie Lazaro

    I'm near your age and if you want to stay in the East Coast, you might want to look at Stamford, CT. It's a small city, diverse, close to NYC, beaches, mountains/woods, historic towns...and HNW. Good Luck!

  20. Anonymous

    :) thanks

  21. Anonymous

    Move to Long Island! My lifelong home. Everything you have where you live now are here too! Plus so much more. NYC. Beaches everywhere (it’s a big island) and lots of good paying jobs.

  22. Anonymous

    :) Done!1 :)

  23. Shirley Lents

    Nashville is fun, historic and BOOMING. We get all 4 seasons and although not cheap I’m sure the cost of living is cheaper than the NE. I’m interested in starting with Audiobooks can I email you? I recently lost my job too and looking for something I can do now & keep as a side hustle.

  24. Anonymous

    Of course - by all means. Audiobooks is not an easy or quick way to make money. Take a course . Train with coaches. Nashville is beautiful!!

  25. Michelle London

    I am a born and bred Midwesterner, and I concur with those that have recommended the Midwest -- low cost of living, friendly and hospitable people and, depending on where you choose to live, lots of history, architecture, culture, nightlife, museums, shopping and plenty more to explore!

    I have lived in Maryland, California, Tennessee and Texas (mostly due to my then-husband's job moves), and I have always returned to my Midwest roots. I'm originally a Chicago native, but I have lived in small towns as well. I currently live in Dubuque, Iowa (the Midwest's best kept secret, in my opinion). The Dubuque Greater Development Corporation has staff whose sole purpose is to help new or prospective residents find employment, network with professionals in their field, find housing and just acclimate to their new hometown in general.

    Dubuque is on the Mississippi River, and is literally minutes from Illinois and Wisconsin. Larger cities like Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Des Moines and Minneapolis are just a few hours away. And while most people think cornfields when they think of Iowa, Dubuque is a city surrounded by towering river bluffs and beautiful rolling landscapes.

    Just a plug for the place I now consider home (I've been here almost four years).

    Sounds like you'll be doing a lot of research ahead of any move you make, so I'm sure wherever you land will be the right place for you.

  26. Anonymous

    Thank you!! I resonate with the friendly nature of the midwest. Interesting that you have lived in states that I have considered. Do you feel your love for the midwest is due to it being "home" ?

  27. Michelle London

    I'm sure that has a lot to do with it. But it's also a very welcoming part of the country. We're happy to call you a Midwesterner when you move here no matter where you come from. The more, the merrier! Yes, there are those winters -- but coming from New England, you're probably used to them. We're having a very mild winter this year. And when we don't have a mild one, and we get those single-digit temperatures -- well, that's what crock-pots, fireplaces, cozy blankets and good books are for! :-)

  28. Anonymous

    Haha I am looking for welcoming,- . I am doing my homework. I was recently laid off so worried the job market which will influence my decision as well. Thanks for your time!

  29. Michelle London

    My pleasure!
    And as to your new career path, Dubuque is home to over 700 nonprofit programs and organizations, so it could be right up your alley! :-)

  30. Sandra Warren

    Totally understand. I moved from New England to Charlotte NC. Best move. My move was in 93 and never looked back. Now Charlotte is Boooming, so many up and coming sections, some older and quaint, some robust with a walking population. Easy to get to Lake Norman, walking trails. 3 hours to the beach and the mountains. Seasons are varied, winter shorter and not as drastic. Summer not as hot as other southern states. Love it here.

  31. Anonymous

    I have Charlotte on my list. I am from Texas so considering a move back home too...

  32. IntentionGirl299847

    Before you jump anywhere, go to counselling. Get counselled for grief and loss first. Remember, a geographical fix will not make things better or right. Wherever you go, there you still are.

  33. Anonymous

    Thank you. I have been working with a grief counselor and life coach for the past 3 years. Both women have encouraged me to make this post and take these steps.

  34. Christi Miller

    For a career, what about corporate educator? It's a job that can be done remotely from anywhere and most large corporations have a team of training people.

  35. Anonymous

    Great idea! Thank you

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