I write a lot about starting over. Those times when you realize it’s time to get out of a rut and make a change whether big or small. I’ve done it many times myself, after my divorce, when I became a yoga teacher, learning to cross-country ski in my 30’s, downhill ski in my 40’s, and so many other things. Trying new things and starting over are the spice of life. It keeps you on your toes, keeps you engaged in life and as far as I’m concerned keeps you young. (Ok…mentally young!)
Sometimes we just all need to get out of a rut and try something new. Recently my husband and I did just that. We took the big leap and moved from Connecticut to Florida without jobs and without a final destination in mind.
Why
For the past couple of years, Chris and I have wanted to move south. It was actually Chris’ plan before he met me. So we’re just continuing the path. Two years ago I was laid off after 25 years. We might have gone then except my mother was 97 and having a harder time getting around so instead of moving south, we moved in with her. For the last two years, I was her primary caregiver and unable to work outside of the home.
But recently, Mom passed and we decided that now was the time. It was one of those feelings that if we didn’t do it then we might never do it. So we called the movers, packed up everything and left for the sunny state of Florida. And apparently just in time! I’ve been watching the weather in Connecticut this weekend. Snow, rain, and freezing rain. So glad I’m here.
Luckily we have time to use with our timeshare points. So the first four weeks we are here will be spent using those points. I found a job within the first week and Chris is still looking and will attend a Culinary job fair at Disney next week. It’s the same day I start my new job. Now, we need to find an apartment and we’re looking at the first one today.
Things are coming together for us and when we do hit a hiccup on the path we just look at each other and say, “at least we’re in Florida,” as a reminder of how far we’ve come (and not just distance wise!)
Once again I am so sorry for your loss. I think sometimes you just have to take the plunge and make that move. I’m so pleased you’ve found a job so quickly I hope everything else swiftly falls into place for you both.
Thank you Rachael. I do agree about sometimes just taking the plunge. This is the first time I’ve ever moved from than a town away from my home town.
I took the plunge back in 2012 when I left everything and every one I had ever known and moved by myself to start over in a new city 250 miles from home. It’s the best thing I ever did – gained so much confidence, I’m now in a career I love, met my husband and fell back in love with my native North East. Wishing you the very best of luck x
I am so happy to hear this story (not the mom passing away part, very sorry to hear of your loss), but the moving to Florida adventure part. LOVE IT!
Thank you. And my story is nothing compared to your moving to Germany without speaking the language story! So glad I got to interview you about that story. Maybe you gave me a little bit of courage!
Congratulations on your move forward Jennifer! It’s far too easy to talk ourselves out of things so your move and your willingness to keep learning and trying is inspirational. For whatever reason we all tend to hunker down and come up with the why nots instead of the why yeses! And while I’m sure it hasn’t all been completely easy and smooth, who said life ever is? The big point is recognizing that it is coming together and that your new life holds incredible promise. ~Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. It’s scary and exciting at the same time.
Wish you both all the best!!!
Thank you.
Wow–how exciting. And warm! Well done for you two, and good on ya for taking your own Starting Over advice!
Jennifer, Wow. Such courage. Hubby would like us to move here to Florida full time. I agreed to a snowbird this winter. (Gulf Coast near St Pete). He’s hoping I get hooked on it – the no snow shoveling & no below freezing temps has been kinda nice.
Exciting times! Look forward to following your adventures.
Thank you!
What a great ‘start over’ story. Wish you well in Florida!
Thanks. The plan is to keep everyone updated on how things are going down here.
Such a time of change for you Jennifer – the sorrow of losing your Mum on one hand and the excitement and anticipation of making a new start on the other. I think you’re both really brave leaping into the great unknown, but “if not now then when?” as the old saying goes 🙂
thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
Hello Jennifer, I’m here courtesy of MLSTL, and happy to discover you and your blog. It’s great to start a new adventure in a new place. I did that 12 years ago when I moved from Australia to Russia. But, you know what, I’m just starting to realise that maybe I’m in a rut again, but this time in Moscow 🙁 Time to do something about it, and thank you for the reminder that it’s possible! All the best for you and your husband in Florida, and sorry to hear about the loss of your mum.
Nice to meet you, Cheryl, and thank you. Moscow sounds exciting but I guess after 12 years, not so much? Good luck on finding your way out of your rut and onto your next adventure.
Jennifer, Moscow is still exciting after 12 years! I still have a lot to explore here before I get ‘out of my rut’! I guess for me it’s more about my job than location – I think I could spend many more years here if my visa wasn’t tied to my job and I could do something different. Anyway, it’s always exciting thinking about the next adventure!
I understand the job rut, that was something I’d gotten into in the past. I hope new adventures come across your path.
Totally agree that there are times in our lives where we need to just take that leap so that there are no regrets Jennifer. You’ve been there for your mother and now it’s time to put in place your life moving forward. Good for you! I’ll be sharing this on FB and Twitter for #MLSTL.
Life has a way of taking twists and turns doesn’t it Jennifer? I’m sorry for the loss of your Mum who I know was a wonderful character and lived life! From your loss though you have shown that new opportunities can and should be taken. Congratulations on getting a job so quickly and best wishes to you and your husband for your new adventures. Thank you for linking up at #MLSTL it is great to have you back!
Thank you, Sue. Yes, my mother certainly was a wonderful character and we were all lucky to know her. There will be future stories about my mother to laugh about. I know there are so many that I haven’t told yet!
I, too, am sorry for your loss. What a treasured time – to be able to spend with your mother in her final days. But now, what a fabulous new beginning.
We have toyed with the idea of pulling up stakes and moving to a warmer climate… but for now, grandchildren keep us here.
I look forward to reading about your new adventures – and wish Chris best of luck at the job fair!
Thanks, Molly. If there were any grandchildren I may have thought a little more about it.
I’m happy that you pulled the trigger and how wonderful that you found a job so quickly!
Your plan makes perfect sense!
Lots of big changes – very exciting! Congrats on finding a job so quickly. While you’re enjoying that nice weather, I’m up north staying indoors during sub-zero temps. Brrr! Anxious to hear about all the wonderful things come your way in your new home state. Good luck!
You are such an inspiration! I love that you were willing to throw caution to the wind and take a huge chance. I’m a bit sad we didn’t meet up first, but now I’ll just have to take a longer road trip!
Wishing you both all the best <3
I know, I’m sad we didn’t get a chance to meet when we were so close. Now you’ll have to come to Orlando and meet up with me and Jess!
So glad you both have this chance for a new start in a new place, after the past few years which I know have been so draining and at times challenging. And congrats on scoring a new job so quickly – that is amazing! I am so excited for you both, and for all the new things 2019 will bring!
Thank you. I can’t wait to settle into our new apartment.
I love the idea of starting over and how brave of you and your husband to take that leap of faith. I’ve always believed the brave are rewarded.
It’s been scary, and exciting. We’re unsure at times and yet rock solid about where we landed on other days!
Good luck on this new start in your lives together!