I find myself fortunate that my parents moved around just enough and traveled even more to give me a taste of new places. The only problem is that they also moved and traveled just enough for me to gain a taste for it period. Pretty much since college anytime something doesn’t go my way, it meant it was time to move. I haven’t stayed in one house, one state for longer than a year or two since I turned 18.
So it is only natural that my mind and body are itching to go now. I’ve put my two years in here – time for a change. It is the fight or flight response. Except, I’m really trying to stay here and fight it out.
I really love Phoenix. It’s no Chicago but it has its own charm. There is too much I still have left experience. Hell, I’ve never even been to Sedona or eaten at Cibo.
More importantly however, is the work I’ve put into this place over the past year and a half. Though people may have faith in me to be a big fish in a big pond in places like San Fran or Chicago, I would have to start back at square one building a support system and a network of contacts. I already have that in place here. I know the market here, the way PR and the media interact and the major clients in the area.
I’m hoping it doesn’t come to a move. I’ve got faith in Phoenix.
Ah, be warned, she will test your faith, that bird of fire.
We have been here 6 1/2 years, and thought about leaving on a regular occasion, until about a year and half ago. There are many reasons for the switch in thinking. Grad school and an HOV plate were big motivators for me, Beth’s job a clinch for her. But, we are pretty happy here now, and I would recommend it to anyone!
The problem is really Phoenix is the city you hate to love. It’s not really big enough, the urban center still lagging. It’s too spread out and it can be hard to make friends, unless you work at it (nativers don’t understand this btw). And the politics are dominated by the right, and the old, and the white, and they are awful.
But, in Phoenix, everyone has a shot to make a difference. Once you start making friends, they usually stick and are open to introducing you to others. You can build your own network, it may not be huge, but it can be close. The weather is to die for, 9 months out of the year, perfect. There is so much to do in Phoenix, it does have almost everything, except the beach. And, of all the economies, is riding out this recession better than many, and I truly think the job market will come back strongly here in Phoenix.
In short, Phoenix has potential. Will it live up to it? That’s an open question. Can you wait? Can you be patient? Only you can decide =)
I know exactly how you feel. I’ve been the same way for ages. I generally move every year or two. It’s the military kid in me. Starting to get comfortable? That means it’s time to get out! But since we’re buying a house now, guess we’ll be sticking around for a little while longer.