Yesterday Roomie/Hot Doctor guy told me he's moving out at the end of the month. It's been a good run, almost a year. And I'm sure I am capable of locking down another Roomie, but at this point, I'm kinda done scrambling and with the status of my new job up in the air, I am very much considering my friend Gloria's offer to move out west to Denver.
Woke up around 5am and researched how I might get my shit out there, it's literally keeping me from sleeping, again. It could break my heart to leave the city I love so very fucking much, but maybe it's time to try something new. Nothing is holding me down here, besides my AWESOME friends, and that alone gives me reason to pause.
I love my place, my 'hood and such, but I've been here for almost 5 years, and I feel like I'm not growing, in fact, I feel like I'm stagnating. And I can always come back; also it seems like my brother and his soon-to-be-wife will end up in Denver as well in the next year or so.
Short of something MAJOR happening (like winning the lottery) I really think it's time to move on and try something new. Chicago has been kicking my ass and the overall atmosphere seems almost hostile. Plus, moving to Denver would be a mostly soft landing; I got a place to stay and a job waiting for me, amongst other opportunities.
Still...it's...I've lived here all my life (with the exception of a brief interlude in LA) and this IS MY HOME. There's a reason I have the Chicago flag tattooed on my left arm. It feels like home, although lately not so much. UGH, I just don't know if I suck at life or if life just sucks right now.
13 comments:
Hmmmm, so I went out to visit Denver last month, to see a friend who moved out there from NYC. While it is not for me, if you do move, it will give me another reason to visit the Mile High City!
Everyone needs a change now and then. I think this is a great time in your life to make that change. A fresh start would do you good and might help you realize what path to take in life. I say go for it, you really don't have anything to lose.
It's your chance to move out west! I think you should take it especially since you are being let down by Chicago right now and you don't have any anchors.
Also, some separation will help you to be able to enjoy the high moments of the city itself more.
If I'm being honest, I don't know how to respond to this, Justin.
I've lived in Chicago my whole life so the thought of just leaving it all would be a shock to me.
But your circumstances are different than mine. At least you have Gloria to keep you company in Denver. Though I am wondering how you have a job waiting for you already if you don't currently live there.
In the end, only you can make the final decision.
If you go, you will be missed, Justin!
-Dean
From what I hear, Denver is a great place to live. Some change may be refreshing. Best wishes in whatever you decide to do.
-CH
Your blog is titled "Guy from Chicago."
Move to Denver (opportunity and jobs are where you find them) and make it true...
What happened to the Latino guy?
*Warning - Unsolicited advice to follow*
Hey Justin - It was funny to see this post today, as I live in Denver and got a job offer in Chicago earlier this week.
I moved here from Chicago about a year and a half ago, and there's a lot to love. The people are great, I love seeing the mountains out my window, the activities (hiking, camping, biking, kayaking and rafting, boarding and skiing), and The Cheeky Monk (my favorite bar in the world. great atmosphere, good music, and more Belgian beers than you can count). There's also the potential for 70 degree days in January and February, as well as 300+ days of sun a year. And snow that melts within days of falling.
So, why am I moving back to Chicago? Because Denver is weak as a city. Living in Chicago you can go months without ever leaving the city. Here? I live blocks from the state capital and can head any direction and be in the burbs in 10 minutes. I really miss the urban grittiness of Chicago. And the architecture.
And there's a lot fewer gays.
But, if you want a change, and have some support here? It could be a lot of fun. I'm so excited to move back to Chicago (giddy would be the word, if I wasn't trying to act all manly and such), and also sad because there's a lot of good things here.
Let me know if you have any questions, or just tell me to shut my trap if you don't want to hear it. ;)
Hmmm...I've never been to Chicago... and I've never been to Denver either, but hey, either place sounds good from here.
Good luck!
Hey Caleb! I would actually like to ask you a few questions, but I don't have your e-mail address.
-J
Caleb!
Welcome back here to Chicago!
And Justin.....
Whatever you decide, just make sure you do your research beforehand.
Moving is a big step and you want to be as informed as possible.
Good luck in your decisions whatever they may be!
-Dean
I've lived in both cities (but not in either now....), and would have to say that while I enjoy visiting Denver, it's not someplace that I'd choose to live again. Chicago, on the other hand, is one of my favourite places in the world, up there with London and Tokyo...
I am all for making a change! Obviously I am thinking of one myself.
I think you should go visit for a week and see where you would want to livce... hang out at local spots and pretend like you live there. A test drive.
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