Figuring out what to do after graduation can be a struggle for many. This week’s advice column deals with the difficult decision of what to do next.

I graduate in May and I’m tempted to just take my degree, find a job, and move to a city I’ve never been to before, but that I absolutely see myself in. Another piece of me doesn’t want to take the chance if I’ve never been and play it safe and get a job in Chicago or nearby and be close to family. I feel I’m at a constant back and forth battle with myself because truly I want both, and I know life is short, but I just can’t decide. I know I should see the world and there’s no “right time,” but I’m not sure which path to choose.

Anonymous

Moving to a new city that you’ve never been to and starting a job sounds exciting, but it’s understandable that you are also nervous and maybe don’t want to be far away from your family.

I can’t tell you exactly what to do, but I do have a few ideas and thoughts that I hope are helpful and of use to you, and anyone else in a similar situation.

You could go and visit the city, since you have never been before, and see if it meets your expectations and if you could see yourself in that environment. If you visit and are still unsure of what path you want to take, then personally I would go, because if you didn’t dislike it, then you may come to love it.

Your family will understand, love and support you and they probably would not want to be the reason you don’t go out, explore and live your life. You can always visit them and if you end up not liking it there, you can always move back and then you won’t have any regrets about what could have or would have happened if you had taken the chance.

If you were to move to the new city and realize that you don’t enjoy the environment and can’t see yourself continuing to live and work there, then you can always leave. While it may seem disappointing, you wouldn’t have any questions along the lines of ‘what if?’

If you decide to stay where you are, you may continue to think about what could have been if you had taken the chance. 

What do you feel yourself being pulled to more? A new start can be refreshing and I’m sure your family would be happy to hear updates about what’s going on and live vicariously through you as you grow and explore, if you decide to take a chance.

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