It sounds like an old country western song: every day feels the same, and you want to change your name and move to a new city. But it’s not a song. It’s your day-to-day life!
Whether your job feels like a dead-end, you’ve lost your love for the city you’re living in, or a relationship recently ended, one thing is clear: You’re ready for a new chapter in your life. If you think, “I feel stuck in life,” you’re not alone. A 2021 study by Oracle surveyed more than 14,000 people, revealing that 76% reported feeling stuck in their personal lives, while 27% reported feeling trapped in the same routine. Remember that this is a temporary period in your life, though!
So what can you do about it? These tips will help you learn how to start over in life.
1. Assess the Situation
The first step to starting over is to step back and take an honest look at your life. In a dream world, what are you doing with your day-to-day? What are you prioritizing in life? How do other people view you?
Next, identify steps to move in the right direction. Breaking goals into small steps that you can practice daily can help. You may not be able to change your lifestyle overnight, but identifying small steps to build new habits can start the process.
2. Start Over With a New Job
Your career can be daunting to change. After all, it’s a massive part of your life! However, it can also be the most rewarding experience to change. According to a study by Pew Research Center, more than half of workers who changed jobs reported a 9% or higher wage increase!
If your job doesn’t align with your interests, skillset, or values, a change-up can be the refresh you’re looking for. It helps to list your top priorities when preparing for a career change. Are you looking for a certain salary? Do you want to find more meaningful work, maybe in the non-profit sector? Is there a stepping stone you need to take to reach larger career goals?
Another critical factor to consider is location. Do you want to stay where you are, or are you willing to relocate? Are you set on moving to a particular city, or are you interested in spending time exploring? If it’s the latter, consider finding a remote job.
Become a digital nomad with a remote job.
Whether you’re interested in trying out new cities or simply want to spend less time commuting, finding a remote job can be helpful when rebuilding your life. Remote or even hybrid positions offer greater flexibility with location and cut out the dreaded commute that eats into your day.
Hear how CORT customer Beth became a digital nomad:
3. Move to a New City
Starting over in a new city may be just what the doctor ordered. If you already know where you want to go, it may be a matter of just making the move! Find a new job (or clear it with your current employer), pick a new place to live, and get packing. If you’re unsure of where you want to live, it may be a little more complicated, but still possible.
Maybe you don’t have a specific location in mind, and you’re wondering where to move to start over. Make a list of cities or characteristics you’re interested in. Do you want a big city? Small town? Bike lanes? Snowy winters that allow you to hit the slopes on the weekend? Or maybe you want to move to a city with a strong tech industry for your career. Identifying your priorities will help make your research easier.
Move temporarily to find the right city.
If you’re asking yourself, “Where should I move to start over?” you might want to test several places. While weighing your options, consider getting a short-term rental or signing a lease less than 12 months long. A short lease allows you to test drive a new city with minimal commitment and visualize yourself living in that city better than a hotel stay would.
Hear how CORT customer Beth navigates living a flexible lifestyle:
Rent furniture to make moving easy.
When test-driving a city, consider furniture rental instead of a moving truck. Loading up a truck and hauling a house full of furniture everywhere can feel overwhelming, especially if you plan to do it several times while figuring out where you’d like to go. It may be worthwhile to rent furniture instead! Furniture rental enables you to move into a new space with complete furnishing, stay as long as you need, and schedule pick-up when you’re on to the next place. Renting furniture is a great solution for managing a temporary period of your life, as well as facing the disruptions that can come with it. It’s one thing that you can take off your plate while you’re figuring things out.
Here’s why Beth recommends renting furniture:
4. Immerse Yourself in New Activities
Whether you’re testing several cities or have decided to settle down, immerse yourself in new hobbies that help push you toward your goals. For example, if you want to be the sort of person who bikes, rent a bike and join a group ride. Are you trying to reprioritize your art? Take a class or join a workshop group to meet people, get a feel for the local scene, and decide if you want to become a permanent part of that place.
5. Embrace the Challenge!
Daydreaming is the easy part of uprooting your life. Making it happen is more complicated. You may get lonely and feel like change isn’t happening quickly enough. That’s okay! Keeping your long-term goals at the forefront and moving toward them is essential. It will help your daily life feel more purposeful.
Give yourself both long and short-term goals to work towards. Significant change can be jarring and complex, but taking small, precise steps toward building a life you love can be more fulfilling. Don’t let fear hold you back; take consistent action to keep growing.
How to Start Over With CORT
If you feel stuck in a rut, making a drastic lifestyle change may seem like the only way to get out. But moving to a new city and starting over can be daunting!
Furniture rental can ease the burden when you’re ready to try out a new city without being tied down to moving trucks and loads of your old furniture. Build your furniture package online or in-store, pick a delivery date and location, and your furniture will be waiting for you when you arrive. When it’s time to move on, schedule pickup and get on with your life. Free yourself of your old life–furniture included! Get started in-store at your local CORT showroom or online today!
