There's a lot of inertia in our lives, and it can keep us moving in the same direction even after that path stops making sense. Whether because of our own mistakes or circumstances outside our control, we can end up stuck in a terrible situation, just going through the motions while the fire inside us slowly dies down. The idea of starting over often seems terrifying, but at a certain point, reinventing yourself might be the only way to survive. A few days ago, Reddit user GirlAvoider asked people who left it all behind why and how they did it. Here are some of the most memorable stories they’ve received.
#41
Emigrated from syracuse, ny to bellingham, wa in 1976. the wife, our 6 month old son and i. no job prospects but we felt NY was getting ready for bad times. left family and friends behind. no internet back then to keep in touch.
few regrets.
few regrets.
6points
#42
Sublet my apartment with most of my things in it, loaded my car with as much as i could, rented an airbnb for one month in my new city, drove there. The one month in an airbnb gave me time to explore the city and find a permanent apartment.
I moved for better work opportunities. Got a job offer two weeks before the drive. No regrets.
I moved for better work opportunities. Got a job offer two weeks before the drive. No regrets.
6points
#43
I did this, I’m very happy with how it went. I moved to the opposite side of the world with my job, I still have a mortgage for a lovely apartment back home. But I’m starting a family, I’m married in a foreign country, and I have great job security. There were ups and downs, loneliness, some culture shock, I had to keep persevering and I feel strongly that I made the right choice.
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6points
#44
I drove from ny to ca in 2015, left everything and everyone I knew behind except my dogs. Life is peaceful, I've never been happier or more content. Absolutely zero regrets.
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5points
#45
I left and stayed almost a year at a women’s shelter. Fast forward to over ten years later, I’m pretty happy and enjoying my life. Do I need therapy? Yes. I sometimes use Stardew valley to cope with it.
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5points
#46
Wasn’t going anywhere in the cesspool hometown I grew up. One Sunday morning in 2001, I packed my things into my Jeep Cherokee and drove cross country. Started a new life, met the love of my life and formed a family, although wish i should’ve kept the Jeep.
I finally visited my hometown in 2016 for a funeral, after 15 years. Seems my old high schoolmates were still “living” in high school.
I finally visited my hometown in 2016 for a funeral, after 15 years. Seems my old high schoolmates were still “living” in high school.
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5points
#47
In 1987 I figured out that what I was doing wasn't working. So, for a couple of years I just worked and saved a little, biding time.
I met a beautiful woman with a heart of gold and also afflicted with a wanderlust.
We sold everything that wouldn't fit into a 70s Chevy Van and a 4x 8 trailer and set off to the "West."
Three months later, with tales of UFOS and dysentery behind us, we arrived at the Oregon Coast, Coos Bay.
We eventually managed a high end condominium complex, parlayed that into sweet gigs back east. Only for the love of my life to succumb to cancer.
Subsequently, I found my high school crush back in my old stomping grounds and we have 20 awesome years in the books.
I met a beautiful woman with a heart of gold and also afflicted with a wanderlust.
We sold everything that wouldn't fit into a 70s Chevy Van and a 4x 8 trailer and set off to the "West."
Three months later, with tales of UFOS and dysentery behind us, we arrived at the Oregon Coast, Coos Bay.
We eventually managed a high end condominium complex, parlayed that into sweet gigs back east. Only for the love of my life to succumb to cancer.
Subsequently, I found my high school crush back in my old stomping grounds and we have 20 awesome years in the books.
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5points
#48
I had nothing left to lose and nothing keeping me where I was. So I packed up a suitcase, bought a bus ticket, and moved 1,000 miles from my hometown. I have no regrets at all about it. I’m in a much better place mentally, I’ve had better jobs, and without this move I’d have never met my husband. Leaving was the best decision I’ve ever made.
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4points
#49
At 27 I moved from the USA with my dog to Italy and then from Italy to Germany and it’s been a learning experience for sure but I’ve been so miserable and met such awful people who stereotype me for being an American without even getting to know me. Next month I’m 31 and in two weeks I’m regretfully returning back to the USA.
4points
#50
Fantastic. I got married, own a house and two cars. I hate returning there though.
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4points
#51
I moved from CA to TX 23 years ago. I quit my job and did temp work, got a small apartment, and started over. Best decision I ever made.
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4points
#52
Moved cross country from Washington state in the US to the Midwest Kansas City metro area with 2 kiddos and 2 kitty cats. I like it way better so far. Lease was up in WA and felt like God had better plans for us to move and we sold and donated almost everything but the essentials (clothes shoes, some kitchen stuff, special belongings and toys, important papers, some camping stuff like blankets and pillows and of course Snacks. Prayed ahead of time and got the green light to go and peacefully made it here Thankfully! But ya it was crazy and I already loved road trips and I think it was worth it. Where we live now I have so much more peace and they have lots of food pantries out here to help and the people seem to be much more friendlier too which was a big improvement and made me feel so much better about moving out here too. :) It's insane tho we r so much poorer here (thankfully we have a roof over our heads and food to eat and I can take care of my kiddos too) than we were in Washington but I have more peace and it's wild. :).
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2points
