Posted by Date, Rinse, Repeat on January 26, 2010

Z and I recently returned from a fabulously-relaxing vacation aboard a Carnival “Fun Ship.”  Escaping the frigid and brutal Chicago weather for the floating city and crystal-clear Caribbean water was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.  As was previously mentioned, the winter weather and I aren’t exactly best friends and soaking up glorious vitamin D in mid-December gave me a much-needed positive-energy boost.

Except, our escape to paradise(s) makes being back feel so much worse.  While I was somewhat miserable before leaving, I have been markedly miserable since my return.  Snow, ice, below-freezing temperatures and dreary days — they’re all too much to weather after seven gloriously sunny and warm days.

With this in mind, I’ve been thinking more and more about relocation.  The thought of spending my winter days in a warm-weather climate is incredibly appealing.  Z and I have definitely discussed starting our life anew following his 2011 dental-school graduation but never with much sincerity.  However, this year’s winter trip (and dreadful weather upon our return) has added a layer of reality not previously present in our relocation discussions.  Yes, we both are madly in love with the city of Chicago and are somewhat reluctant to leave friends and families behind, but we both would benefit from slowing down and soaking up life (and the sun). 

Having said that, we are neither particularly adventurous nor risk-takers.  We’ve both readily accepted that, despite the occasionally-unrealistic dreams of those who watch far-too-much reality television and entertainment/celebrity news, we are better suited to follow the “safe” and “expected” path.  The thought of packing up our lives and navigating the unknown is somewhat overwhelming for a couple of Safe Suzies like us.

What are some pros and cons to relocating — particularly as newlyweds?  Would anyone recommend/not recommend this and why?

Since you're newlyweds and (I assume) don't have children. I would think this would be the best time to relocate. I have a friend who moved from Vermont to sunny Southern Cal with her (then boyfriend) husband. They stayed for two years, but decided that the wonderful weather in California wasn't worth it. They missed their family and friends and they ended up appreciating all that Vermont's weather has to offer. So they moved back to Vermont and never regretted the experience they had living in California and there were no "what ifs" either. I say do it.
posted by Angie on 02/11/2010 Flag Comment