When I started talking to people about my decision to move out west for a little while, Sean weighed in with his experiences and offered some advice for me as I pack up and head out. Shorty after that, I connected with blogger Matt Cheuvront, someone with whom I share a fascination with the city of Chicago, a love of social media, and Tennessee roots. We got the chance to connect over coffee while I was in Chicago last week. I’m jealous of his move there, yet I am excited for so many of the projects he’s got in the works right now.
When he started looking for hosts of his epic Guest Blog tour, I quickly raised my hand for a couple of reasons:
- He’s got a great blog and you all should know about it.
- He took his own leap of faith and relocated from the comforts of his hometown to a big, new city and I wanted him to share some of that experience with us as I prepare to do the same thing.
I have one more guest post lined up from another someone who’s uprooted and taken wild chances to live big – you’ll get that one here next week.
For now – here’s Matt Cheuvront from Life Without Pants and his story; enjoy! Thanks, Matt!
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This post is part of the Guest Blog Grand Tour over at Life Without Pants – an epic two-month journey of over 50 guest posts. Want to learn more about Matt Cheuvront and see how far the rabbit hole goes? Subscribe to the Life Without Pants RSS feed and keep in touch!
Those who know me, or at least have been a follower of my blog over the past several months, know that the year 2009 has gone down as one of THE most eventful of my illustrious 24 year tenure. I got engaged, quit my job, left home, and moved to Chicago. In retrospect, I don’t know how I survived it all and maintained a decent level of sanity.
I’ve talked about the transition process time and time again – and to spare you the details – in short, it was hard. Damn hard. Hard to leave my friends and family behind, hard to leave the only place I ever called home, hard to quit a stable job wondering if I’d find something half as good in another city.
But I also understand that my situation is not unique – that many people have taken this “road less traveled” before me, and that many will follow behind in my footsteps. The lovely Doniree herself is about to take one heck of a leap of faith. Quitting her job, moving cross-country, and embarking down the path of entrepreneurship.
It’s freeing – really (not to mention terrifying) – but as Doniree and I have discussed, there’s nothing better than knowing that you’re living life on your terms. Your success? Your failure? It’s all you. You run full speed ahead, you stumble and fall, and you pick yourself back up and keep moving.
I remember the first day I got a check as a freelancer – those of you reading who have been there can probably relate. It was one of those moments where I held the check in my hand and said, “Wow, I can do this“. Granted – that check was for $100 – but it was the principle – work with me here people.
One of the first things I asked D when we started talking about her decision to move was “What if you can’t do it? What if you try and fail? What’s the worst that can happen?”
“Work a couple part time jobs – do some freelance work on the side – whatever it takes to get by until I get things figured out”.
Whatever it takes. Doni isn’t too proud to admit that she’ll do whatever it takes to achieve what she wants to achieve. Neither am I. When I moved to Chicago, I applied for everything from Noodles & Company to Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Was I selling myself short? Maybe. Would much of the Gen Y community labeled me as “settling”? Of course. But to me it wasn’t about any of that – for me it was about doing what I needed to do, whatever it took, to get myself to where I wanted to be. Still, to this day, at this very moment, I’m doing everything I can to take the next big leap. I bust my ass today for a better tomorrow.
So before you jump, think about the worst case scenario. Odds are it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows. Are you prepared to do whatever it takes? Are you prepared to wait tables while you pursue your career as a freelance consultant? Are you willing to take a step back to take 10 steps forward?
Considering and preparing for the worst brings out the best. When you know how hard you can fall, it doesn’t hurt nearly as much as when it catches you by surprise.
In the end, knowing that you CAN do anything, no matter what it takes, is all you need to get to that light at the end of the tunnel.
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
I ran away to Ireland without knowing anyone, having a place to stay or a job. It remains the single greatest memory of my entire life.Doniree, my dear? You'll be fine.
When did you do that?!
I took a leap of faith also by moving to Chicago. I left my home, job, and family behind to take my chances on a new city with a new guy. It certainly hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows; I was unemployed for several months and spent plenty of time crying and wondering if I made a huge mistake. It's been almost 2 years now and because I took a chance I am now engaged to the guy I moved here for. Worth it? Definitely. Even though we are planning on moving back to Pittsburgh to be closer to family, I don't count my time spent in Chicago as a failure. I achieved what I set out to do: I left my comfort zone and grew as a person. I think anyone who does the same is successful.
I love this because honestly too often we think about what we want to happen, not necessarily the reality of what could happen. It's true that sometimes to move forward it's two steps forward, one step back (and now the Janet Jackson song is stuck in my head, or is it Paula Abdul?) to get to where we need to be but I have no doubt that like your friend Matt, you'll be fine. You are determined and strong and amazing inside and out. I'm just thrilled you're sharing the stories with us through this blog!
I ran away to Ireland without knowing anyone, having a place to stay or a job. It remains the single greatest memory of my entire life.Doniree, my dear? You'll be fine.
I took a leap of faith also by moving to Chicago. I left my home, job, and family behind to take my chances on a new city with a new guy. It certainly hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows; I was unemployed for several months and spent plenty of time crying and wondering if I made a huge mistake. It's been almost 2 years now and because I took a chance I am now engaged to the guy I moved here for. Worth it? Definitely. Even though we are planning on moving back to Pittsburgh to be closer to family, I don't count my time spent in Chicago as a failure. I achieved what I set out to do: I left my comfort zone and grew as a person. I think anyone who does the same is successful.
I love this because honestly too often we think about what we want to happen, not necessarily the reality of what could happen. It's true that sometimes to move forward it's two steps forward, one step back (and now the Janet Jackson song is stuck in my head, or is it Paula Abdul?) to get to where we need to be but I have no doubt that like your friend Matt, you'll be fine. You are determined and strong and amazing inside and out. I'm just thrilled you're sharing the stories with us through this blog!
For a girl who's just recently decided to freelance in addition to her full-time PR job, this blog post certainly hits close to home. While I love where I'm living, what I'm doing and where I'm headed, it took a lot of long nights of consideration, questions, meetings, etc. for me to take the leap into the blogosphere. Trust me, my site and blog are nowhere near where I want them to be yet (nor is my freelancing career, mind you, it's in the works) but I've taken the first step to getting there. Thanks for your words of inspiration, Matt (and Doniree). I'm a fan.
When did you do that?!
Such a good post! I have found the same frustrations and elation as Matt (and you will be Doni!)Maybe some of these posts will help to specifics as to what I did when I first moved. Many you will know, maybe something will help. Giving is living
http://smallhandsbigideas.com/change/ive-moved-…..http://smallhandsbigideas.com/generation-y/the-…..http://smallhandsbigideas.com/change/relocation…..Hope it helps. Love the post, Matt!
This is a great post. I need to sit down and think through my career choices. I'm obviously bored doing what I'm in right now. It's definitely not where I thought I'd be. So I'll need to reevaluate and ask myself what's the worst that can happen.You've both got balls. I'll tell you that. I can't even find mine right now to quit and NOT move and find a new job let alone imagine quitting, MOVING and finding a new job. I'm a pansy.
Great story! Reminds me of when I moved. It was one of the hardest but most memorable things I done. I would trade it for anything.
I relate to this post SO MUCH. Three years ago I up and moved to Paris. Not transatlantic move but an international one – bound with language and cultural obstacles and no existing network of friends. While I did have a Frenchman taking me in and telling me that my choice to move would be worth it, I was besotted by fear. If I get attached to him and start creating a life there, how could I ever go back? Moving to another city can change a person but after living in another country you're never the same. Through the painstaking battles with the primitive French administration, educational discrimination (France is very elitist and if you didn't go to one of their ivy leagues, they don't really know what to do with you), and the realization that I'd need to go back for my Master's if I even wanted to entertain the idea of staying, I made it work. My father, whose words I take for gospel, said exactly this to me "What's the worst that could happen if you guys breakup?" Well, I'd move back to the States, probably fledge into a deep, profound depression and then pick up the pieces. I made it work because I had an affinity for Paris and speaking French long before I even made the move. I knew, and still know, that I could never perfect my language skills living in the States. This was my one chance to see how far I could go. A master's and a wedding later, I'm starting my "career". It's not clear what lays ahead but I know that I should feel proud for being so corageous to make the leap into Cheeseland.
Well said Maggie. I think you proved to yourself that you could leave your comfort zone and make it on your own. At some point in life, we all owe it to ourselves to prove our self-sufficiency. Props to you – and here's to hoping we can meet up for coffee before you ship out of town.
Paula Abdul…sad that I know that.Doniree has a great head on her shoulders and seriously has nothing to worry about. It's a risk, but she's played her cards right and has the right attitude that while there may be obstacles to overcome, the sky is much brighter on the other side. Now that I'm standing here in the light, at least for now, I can attest to the fact that the difficult journey was worth it.
Thanks for the comment Laurie. You and I are VERY similar. I am currently doing the full time thing and freelancing on the side. My fiance thinks I'm absolutely nuts when I stay up late to work and wake up at 4am. It is a little crazy – but I know that the sacrifice now will get us to where we want to be – that's what keeps me going through the more difficult times. Good luck to you!
I'm so glad I had the chance to meet you while you were there! I have plans to come back to Minnesota after this adventure, but I don't know when or how that will happen. Thanks for sharing your story – I'm well aware that things will be tough, but it's inspiring to know that it's possible to make it if you work hard
You have always been an inspiration for me Grace. I saw what you had accomplished and seeing everything you had done for yourself let me know that I could do it too, if I pushed myself and hustled, I could make anything of myself. So thank you, seriously, for indirectly being a huge contributing factor to where I stand today
Definitely Paula Abdul. Oh, her glory days, ha! Thanks for the encouragement lady. And you know that if you decide you'd like to try a new city on… I'll start looking at bunk beds
This is my first step, and it's encouraging to feel as though I've finally taken it – baby step or giant leap? Not sure yet! But I'm excited to find out – and good luck to you!
"Giving is living." I LOVE that. Can't wait to share ideas and stories next week
You make me want to scrap Colorado and head overseas. I've had this idea of Italy and Spain in my head for YEARS. Oh, and now I also want cheese.
I don't think you are a pansy – much of this is based in the fear of the unknown. I still fear that at time – not really knowing WHAT I want to do. At my old job I knew I was unhappy – but I didn't know what to do about it, didn't know what I'd rather be doing (other than being my own boss). Eventually I had to make a decision, and even though I had no idea where I would end up – I knew that I would find something better in time. I was prepared to work some pretty dead end jobs in the meantime while I pursued my dreams – but luckily ended up in a good place.The only thing holding back is yourself. But believe me when I say – if you want something better for yourself, you deserve it TO yourself to make it happen. Don't waste your life away settling because you're not sure if you can do better – if you want it – you can have it.
What you did takes real guts L – Moving 8 hours away from home was scary enough, much less moving to the other side of the world. But your experiences will be irreplaceable. One of my life goals is to live and work abroad for at least some time – not forever, not for years on end – but I feel like something is calling me from across the ocean to come check it out for a bit. I hope that I get there sooner than later – and I'm counting on to show me around Paris when I make it to your neck of the woods!
hehe Start with Colorado first then seen if you still have the migration bug! I can tell you that Italy's bureaucracy is no better than France's! But at least they have pasta. mmm!
Oh I would gladly show you around Paris!! You just let me know when that day comes
For a girl who's just recently decided to freelance in addition to her full-time PR job, this blog post certainly hits close to home. While I love where I'm living, what I'm doing and where I'm headed, it took a lot of long nights of consideration, questions, meetings, etc. for me to take the leap into the blogosphere. Trust me, my site and blog are nowhere near where I want them to be yet (nor is my freelancing career, mind you, it's in the works) but I've taken the first step to getting there. Thanks for your words of inspiration, Matt (and Doniree). I'm a fan.
This is a great post. I need to sit down and think through my career choices. I'm obviously bored doing what I'm in right now. It's definitely not where I thought I'd be. So I'll need to reevaluate and ask myself what's the worst that can happen.You've both got balls. I'll tell you that. I can't even find mine right now to quit and NOT move and find a new job let alone imagine quitting, MOVING and finding a new job. I'm a pansy.
I relate to this post SO MUCH. Three years ago I up and moved to Paris. Not transatlantic move but an international one – bound with language and cultural obstacles and no existing network of friends. While I did have a Frenchman taking me in and telling me that my choice to move would be worth it, I was besotted by fear. If I get attached to him and start creating a life there, how could I ever go back? Moving to another city can change a person but after living in another country you're never the same. Through the painstaking battles with the primitive French administration, educational discrimination (France is very elitist and if you didn't go to one of their ivy leagues, they don't really know what to do with you), and the realization that I'd need to go back for my Master's if I even wanted to entertain the idea of staying, I made it work. My father, whose words I take for gospel, said exactly this to me "What's the worst that could happen if you guys breakup?" Well, I'd move back to the States, probably fledge into a deep, profound depression and then pick up the pieces. I made it work because I had an affinity for Paris and speaking French long before I even made the move. I knew, and still know, that I could never perfect my language skills living in the States. This was my one chance to see how far I could go. A master's and a wedding later, I'm starting my "career". It's not clear what lays ahead but I know that I should feel proud for being so corageous to make the leap into Cheeseland.
Haha thanks man – no idea how I came up with that one. Talk about a random epiphany
Well said Maggie. I think you proved to yourself that you could leave your comfort zone and make it on your own. At some point in life, we all owe it to ourselves to prove our self-sufficiency. Props to you – and here's to hoping we can meet up for coffee before you ship out of town.
Paula Abdul…sad that I know that.Doniree has a great head on her shoulders and seriously has nothing to worry about. It's a risk, but she's played her cards right and has the right attitude that while there may be obstacles to overcome, the sky is much brighter on the other side. Now that I'm standing here in the light, at least for now, I can attest to the fact that the difficult journey was worth it.
Thanks for the comment Laurie. You and I are VERY similar. I am currently doing the full time thing and freelancing on the side. My fiance thinks I'm absolutely nuts when I stay up late to work and wake up at 4am. It is a little crazy – but I know that the sacrifice now will get us to where we want to be – that's what keeps me going through the more difficult times. Good luck to you!
I'm so glad I had the chance to meet you while you were there! I have plans to come back to Minnesota after this adventure, but I don't know when or how that will happen. Thanks for sharing your story – I'm well aware that things will be tough, but it's inspiring to know that it's possible to make it if you work hard
Definitely Paula Abdul. Oh, her glory days, ha! Thanks for the encouragement lady. And you know that if you decide you'd like to try a new city on… I'll start looking at bunk beds
This is my first step, and it's encouraging to feel as though I've finally taken it – baby step or giant leap? Not sure yet! But I'm excited to find out – and good luck to you!
"Giving is living." I LOVE that. Can't wait to share ideas and stories next week
You make me want to scrap Colorado and head overseas. I've had this idea of Italy and Spain in my head for YEARS. Oh, and now I also want cheese.
I don't think you are a pansy – much of this is based in the fear of the unknown. I still fear that at time – not really knowing WHAT I want to do. At my old job I knew I was unhappy – but I didn't know what to do about it, didn't know what I'd rather be doing (other than being my own boss). Eventually I had to make a decision, and even though I had no idea where I would end up – I knew that I would find something better in time. I was prepared to work some pretty dead end jobs in the meantime while I pursued my dreams – but luckily ended up in a good place.The only thing holding back is yourself. But believe me when I say – if you want something better for yourself, you deserve it TO yourself to make it happen. Don't waste your life away settling because you're not sure if you can do better – if you want it – you can have it.
What you did takes real guts L – Moving 8 hours away from home was scary enough, much less moving to the other side of the world. But your experiences will be irreplaceable. One of my life goals is to live and work abroad for at least some time – not forever, not for years on end – but I feel like something is calling me from across the ocean to come check it out for a bit. I hope that I get there sooner than later – and I'm counting on to show me around Paris when I make it to your neck of the woods!
hehe Start with Colorado first then seen if you still have the migration bug! I can tell you that Italy's bureaucracy is no better than France's! But at least they have pasta. mmm!
You have always been an inspiration for me Grace. I saw what you had accomplished and seeing everything you had done for yourself let me know that I could do it too, if I pushed myself and hustled, I could make anything of myself. So thank you, seriously, for indirectly being a huge contributing factor to where I stand today
Great story! Reminds me of when I moved. It was one of the hardest but most memorable things I done. I would trade it for anything.
Oh I would gladly show you around Paris!! You just let me know when that day comes
Great thoughts Matt! I recently uprooted my very well set-up life back in India, where I had a promising career, family and dear friends, and moved to the US, to marry my then fiance, and be with him. My last job was my first after an MBA, which meant the company had a clear career path outlined for me. I would've been an assistant manager by now if I stuck on! I moved because I knew then that being with my husband was far more important than anything else.After not being able to find suitable career opportunities for more than a year now, I often think of how happy I'd really be if I had stayed back. Is the grass really greener on the other side? I don't think so. Life is wonderful. I'm glad I took the risk.On taking a step back to move 10 steps forward, I've mentally prepared myself to do so. I know I won't get the job my qualifications deserve, inspite of having a Masters degree. I'm willing to slog it out and start from scratch again. I think that at a given point in life, you really can't have it all. Value what you have. Treat the rest as work in progress.
Such a good post! I have found the same frustrations and elation as Matt (and you will be Doni!)
Maybe some of these posts will help to specifics as to what I did when I first moved. Many you will know, maybe something will help. Giving is living
http://smallhandsbigideas.com/change/ive-moved-…
http://smallhandsbigideas.com/generation-y/the-…
http://smallhandsbigideas.com/change/relocation…
Hope it helps. Love the post, Matt!
Haha thanks man – no idea how I came up with that one. Talk about a random epiphany
Great thoughts Matt! I recently uprooted my very well set-up life back in India, where I had a promising career, family and dear friends, and moved to the US, to marry my then fiance, and be with him. My last job was my first after an MBA, which meant the company had a clear career path outlined for me. I would've been an assistant manager by now if I stuck on! I moved because I knew then that being with my husband was far more important than anything else.After not being able to find suitable career opportunities for more than a year now, I often think of how happy I'd really be if I had stayed back. Is the grass really greener on the other side? I don't think so. Life is wonderful. I'm glad I took the risk.On taking a step back to move 10 steps forward, I've mentally prepared myself to do so. I know I won't get the job my qualifications deserve, inspite of having a Masters degree. I'm willing to slog it out and start from scratch again. I think that at a given point in life, you really can't have it all. Value what you have. Treat the rest as work in progress.
I did this! I moved to NYC from Alabama (a fellow Southerner y'all) a year ago with nothing but two suitcases and a whole lot of dreams. Well, and some extra cash to help me along. But I love to hear about other people doing the same thing. Here's my blog, which is all about my move and my new life in NYC: http://blackberriestoapples.blogspot.com/I relate to Matt's experience about 2009 being the hardest year of his life. Mine was too. Moving somewhere by yourself, on your own terms, without a job, not knowing what the hell you're getting yourself into – it's a fucking frightening thing. BUT, even with all the heartache I've been through this year, I can really say it was all worth it.Honestly, Doniree, there is nothing that can really prepare you for what you are about to do. I don't mean that to scare you; it's just the way life is. You can never understand life but in retrospect – hindsight is 20/20 and all that. All you can do is follow your heart. It will lead you in the right direction. That, and never give up and never stop believing in yourself. That's the trifecta really. Heart, perseverance, and confidence. They will take you places.
I did this! I moved to NYC from Alabama (a fellow Southerner y'all) a year ago with nothing but two suitcases and a whole lot of dreams. Well, and some extra cash to help me along. But I love to hear about other people doing the same thing. Here's my blog, which is all about my move and my new life in NYC: http://blackberriestoapples.blogspot.com/I relate to Matt's experience about 2009 being the hardest year of his life. Mine was too. Moving somewhere by yourself, on your own terms, without a job, not knowing what the hell you're getting yourself into – it's a fucking frightening thing. BUT, even with all the heartache I've been through this year, I can really say it was all worth it.Honestly, Doniree, there is nothing that can really prepare you for what you are about to do. I don't mean that to scare you; it's just the way life is. You can never understand life but in retrospect – hindsight is 20/20 and all that. All you can do is follow your heart. It will lead you in the right direction. That, and never give up and never stop believing in yourself. That's the trifecta really. Heart, perseverance, and confidence. They will take you places.
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