For those who had to leave home for their first job...

[Chitown26]

If you couldn't tell by now, I am from the Chicago area, and I have always hoped to stay around Chicago. I go to college at U of Illinois, just 2 hours south of where my parents live, so I am used to seeing them at least once a month. However, by traveling with parents out west one summer in college and out east to New York during high school, I am realizing there are many great cities across the nation.

I just would like to know from those who have moved away from home, what it was like? What steps did you take to get to know your new city? How and where did you meet new friends? How was it finding your new place to live? If you could answer any questions I may not have asked, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

[binky_4me]

what it was like? What steps did you take to get to know your new city? How and where did you meet new friends? How was it finding your new place to live? If you could answer any questions I may not have asked, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

i'm originally from louisville, ky, and couldn't wait to move away! my friend had sisters that lived in atlanta, so he invited me down to visit with him. i looked for apts during that time using those apt books. i didn't have any leads for jobs yet, so the kroger i worked at while i was in college offered to transfer me, so i looked for krogers in the area. of course, the only area i was familiar with was the area his sisters lived in... once i got down here 2 weeks later, i made friends with some of the people i worked with. i would always look at the free publications that are always posted at grocery store entrances and gas stations, etc. i would pick up a house book and go driving around to other neighborhoods. everytime i'd get a new job, i'd move to that part of town to learn a new area. i'd pick up free mags that listed things to do in atlanta, and i'd get out. go places alone and meet people there. i joined a dance studio (or a gym) to meet people. if i had it to do again, i would. it's not as hard as you think; i have no family here and i didn't get to keep in touch with my friend's sisters, so i was alone when i got here. but some strangers are actually friendly and helpful. and co-workers, too. :smiloe: