Anyone ever run away? I think I'm going stir crazy stuck in the same place!

[fujiyama]

I've lived in the same town for over twenty years and with my parents. It's been driving me nuts. I know I gotta move outta here...My biggest regret was not leaving for college...

Well, now I've got a degree. I have a job, but it doesn't pay very well (one of the reasons I still stay at home) and it's mind numbingly stupid work. I only stay at this job because it's a big name company and well, it's a job...I had an interview for a much better position, but didn't make the cut...

So, anyone else ever feel stuck? It's driven me crazy for years, but it's been getting worse and worse. I've been up at night (I haven't been getting very good sleep either), sometimes just wanting to pack up and drive away...

Has anyone actually ever done that - just picked up and left? I'm not talking about the usual relocating - like for college or based on a new job - but I mean, just picked up and went wherever, not having any set plans?

[noamnety]

1. If I were going to do that

I'd make arrangements to do relief work somewhere for a sabbatical. Something else more meaningful may come of it. And you'd get a place to stay, if you pick the right place.

[bluedigger]

2. Not exactly.

But I have worked in something like 21 states sice '91. (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, (Washington DC, San Juan PR). Always had a job waiting on me when I got there though. And I know classmates who have never left home. I never got that, myself. I guess my advice is get a plan, and go for it. What with the intertubes and all, it really is a national job market. Keep plugging away at your current job, save up a little money, decide where you want to go, and start sending out that resume. Change is scary for everybody, but you can't let it hold you back! Just be patient and ready to take a chance when opportunity knocks! (Oh yeah, check with your current employer for openings elswhere - if they're big, they may prefer transferring you to the expense of training a new hire.)

[skygazer]

3. I have

Nine years ago this December. I was working construction in Vermont and got laid off. Had no idea what I was going to do for work, hadn't been at it long enough to get anything from unemployment and was in a rut.

I had an email friend in California who I'd never met - he'd told me a few times that if I wanted to try it out there, I could stay at his place.

I went to pick up my last paycheck one morning which was all of $300 - all I had to my name. Totally depressed. On the drive home, I decided, "fuck it, I'm going to California."

Went home, packed my clothes, some dog food and my saddle in my '85 VW Golf that I'd bought for $400 and by that afternoon, I was driving.

Called my buddy from Nebraska and told him I was on my way.

Put the last ten bucks in the tank at the top of Donner Pass and got to his house on fumes.

I've been in California ever since - best move I ever made. Not the first time I did that, either. I don't like being tied down in my life.

[fujiyama]

9. Love your story

I have a coworker who was fired. She basically decided the same thing. Her and her b/f are moving to another continent.

Granted, I'd rather not get fired though...I don't want to burn any bridges...but I think it's time to get the hell outta here.

[enigmatic]

4. I was on the road for 15 years

Going from job to job, place to place. I never regretted packing up and moving whenever I wanted to, but it's not for everyone..

[pitohui]

5. yes i have

i don't see why not, it sounds like you have nothing to lose

[Richard Steele]

6. Yes I have. Twice.

Just chucked it all and got the hell out of Dodge.
The second time, I moved to a strange city in a
strange State with no job or home awaiting me. Just
a pickup load of my stuff, and $700 in my pocket.

I recommend it highly. One of the most universal
themes expressed by old & wise folks down through
the ages is that they seldom regret the mistakes
they made as much as the chances they didn't take.

[fujiyama]

10. I'm gonna have to do it soon

Fortunately, I've been able to save up a decent amount of cash, so I can make it for a little while. Granted, that wouldn't be prudent...but fuck, I'm goin kinda crazy, so I'm thinking of picking up and leaving.

I like the west coast. I think I'll move somewhere out there.

[Richard Steele]

15. That whole "saving up cash ahead of time" thing; that's something I regret NOT doing, y'know?

"Having money" isn't truly important in the grand scheme of things,
but it's damned CONVENIENT at ground level, ItellyaWhut!

[Perseid]

7. I moved every two years or so

as a kid, and kept it up as an adult for a very long time.

the longest I ever lived in a place for many years was for two years.

Take what you have, what you've learned, and make the best of it is all I can say.

[JVS]

8. hit the road

[Heidi]

11. Here's another perspective: perhaps it would be running TOWARD something better,

rather than running AWAY from the current situation. :hi:

[fujiyama]

12. To those that replied

Thanks for the advice. Kinda confirms what I figured.

Time to get out!

[QueenOfCalifornia]

13. Do you know that song: I've Been Everywhere?

That is my anthem -- Here goes:

I was totin my pack along the long dusty Winnamucka road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
If your goin' to Winnamucka, Mack with me you can ride
And so I climbed into the cab and then I setteled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Reno
Chicago
Fargo
Minnesota
Buffalo
Toronto
Winslow
Sarasota
Whichta
Tulsa
Ottowa
Oklahoma
Tampa
Panama
Mattua
LaPaloma
Bangor
Baltimore
Salvador
Amarillo
Tocapillo
Pocotello
Amperdllo

I'm a Killer
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Boston
Charleston
Dayton
Lousiana
Washington
Houston
Kingston
Texas (County)
Monterey
Fairaday
Santa Fe
Tollaperson
Glen Rock
Black Rock
Little Rock
Oskaloussa
Tennessee
Tinnesay
Chickapee
Spirit Lake
Grand Lake
Devil's Lake
Crater Lake

For Pete's Sake
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Louisville
Nashville
Knoxville
Omerback
Shereville
Jacksonville
Waterville
Costa Rock
Richfield
Springfield
Bakersfield
Shreveport
Hakensack
Cadallic
Fond du Lac
Davenport
Idaho
Jellico
Argentina
Diamondtina
Pasadena
Catalina

See What I Mean
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Pittsburgh
Parkersburg
Gravelburg
Colorado
Ellisburg
Rexburg
Vicksburg
Eldorado
Larimore
Adimore
Habastock
Chadanocka
Shasta
Nebraska
Alaska
Opalacka
Baraboo
Waterloo
Kalamazoo
Kansas City
Souix City
Cedar City
Dodge City

What A Pity
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

[SeattleGirl]

14. I have.

Did that back in '83. Was going through a divorce, didn't much like my job, and was feeling stifled by the small town I was living in. So, I called a friend, asked if I could camp on her couch, and moved to Everett, WA for a few months before moving into Seattle. Never regretted a moment of it. Ever.

[astral]

16. That's how I left

Anywhere was better than 'here.' I put stuff in the back seat of my big gas guzzling car, and went south.

lots of adventures:
--accidentally 'gave away' my car
--had $1,000 stolen from me by being an idiot
--learned to clean fish for the first time
--learned how prone I am to seasickness
--worked 'mulching trees
--worked as a bartender :O!
--worked as a room cleaner
--worked as a janitor
--worked as a table busser
--worked as a baaaad waitress

Learned:
--I can be the happiest I had ever been in my life when I am the poorest I had ever been in my life
--I can do whatever's in front of me to survive
--Doing a 'geographical' can be a good thing
--I liked beads
--I didn't like alcohol
--any idea of safety or security is a silly little lie
--we are all in this thing together

I am surely forgetting some great adventuresin this summary, and I do forget the lessons learned as well. I think the time's coming up for me to re-learn them again.

[Matariki]

17. Yep.

Until I finally found a place I love.

[Mythsaje]

18. I was known for packing up and taking off when I was young...

It was my thing.

I hitch-hiked the West Coast from Seattle to Northern California or back again a total of seven times. I've visited close to 40 of the 50 states at some point in my life.

So, yeah, I know what you're talking about.