We made the move. After several months of research, telephone calls, sleepless nights and prayer, and inordinate amounts of stress, we reached our decision. We chose to move from California to Tennessee.
Lots of people have moved this past year or so. Many did so out of necessity- Covid forced many to lose jobs, businesses closed and lives were turned upside down by a pandemic. Regardless of your view of the events (and the politics) of the past eighteen months or so, one truth remains- we were all affected by something we couldn’t control. The pandemic and it’s impact were felt by all, regardless of your geographic location, status, wealth or background.
My wife and I were fortunate. We are both employed by companies that embrace a remote work culture and provide the tools and connectivity that allow us to work from pretty much anywhere in the world. For us, moving out of California and across the country, as big a decision as it was, wasn’t that difficult to commit ourselves to after weighing out our options, the financial implications, the logistics and the discussion with family still in northern California.
Both of us are native Californians, born and raised in the Bay area (northern California). I never really thought this was something that we’d do- we’ve both built careers through Silicon Valley relationships, start up companies, fortunate choices and hard work. We raised our children in California, bought and sold and bought and sold and bought and sold homes in California. Our kids went to school in CA., and all of them graduated from great UC and California state universities (in northern and southern California). But for us, it was time for a change, time to stretch ourselves, and also time to prepare for that next chapter in our lives. Moving to Tennessee, we decided, was going to be part of that process.
And so, here I sit, in my home office in a suburb of Chattanooga, in a beautiful home that sits squarely between two golf courses with a view of the local hills. We’ve had painters, landscaping workers, multiple delivery people, moving teams and a handful of neighbors who have all welcomed us to Tennessee- with genuine sincerity. We like it here. It’s got a good vibe, there’s a lot here to explore (which we are planning for now)- and it already has started feeling like home.
Do we miss California? Yes, of course we do. We miss some of our kids (others are already living in different parts of the country), we miss friends and the familiarity that comes with living in the place where you grew up as a kid yourself. But we like it here- and it’s home. We’re even starting to say an occasional “y’all” (only occasionally though :-).
Thoughts? Here’s a couple of “take-a-ways” for you. Nothing incredibly eye-opening, but perhaps something to consider with your own current situation:
- Moving can be stressful, exciting and rewarding all at the same time.
- People can still surprise you with kindness when you least expect it.
- Dogs and cats can survive a road trip across the country- and my dog Nigel was a great copilot for the drive to Tennessee.
- Don’t fear the unknown- it’s usually not nearly as horrible as your mind wants you to believe.
- You can choose to live small, stay put and stay with the familiar- or you can venture out- it’s up to you- your life will be however you choose to build it, one step at a time.
- It’s great to have a dream, a goal, an aspiration. It’s way more rewarding when you actually act upon them to make them a reality. Be bold.
-Tim
Tim Talks - Thoughts about Life 