Clarissa Sunny

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I’m a single mom with a 13-year-old daughter, and we’ve been living back in my hometown for about 3.5 years now. Neither of us are happy here. My daughter is miserable, and I’m not much better. While we have family here, I’m currently not in contact with my parents, and although I have my sister and nephews, they’re busy with their own lives. Neither of us has been able to make any close friends, and we don’t feel safe here due to the very high crime rate. When we first moved, I started noticing a series of odd “signs” about Columbus, OH. One of my clients moved there and kept telling me I’d love it, my daughter has a friend who lives in Cleveland, my childhood neighbor moved there with his wife, and many other similar things have happened over the past three years. My daughter is eager to move, and I know our quality of life here is low. Columbus seems to offer more opportunities for us, and it’s definitely more affordable than Colorado. But I’m scared. I’m nervous about traveling that far on our own and worried that things won’t work out once we’re there. I’m also afraid of failing, or that the stress might become too much for me to handle. Has anyone here made a big move like this and found that their quality of life improved? Did your child adapt well? Were you happy with the decision? Did you make good friends? Response: It’s completely understandable to feel both excited and scared about such a big move. A fresh start, especially with your daughter, can open up many opportunities for both of you, but it’s also a huge step into the unknown. Here are some things to consider: Quality of Life: Moving to a place with more opportunities, better safety, and a lower cost of living can have a big impact on your and your daughter’s happiness. Columbus, like many growing cities, has a lot to offer in terms of activities, jobs, and educational opportunities. If it’s affordable compared to where you’re currently living, it could ease some of the financial stress you’re facing. Your Daughter’s Adjustment: Kids are often more adaptable than we think, especially when they know it’s a change for the better. If she already has a friend in Cleveland, that might make the transition a little easier. It’s also possible that she will find new friends and activities that she enjoys, helping her feel more at home. Support System: One thing you might want to think about is building a support network. While your family might not be in Columbus, you can start to look for local groups or communities where you and your daughter could meet new people—whether it’s through your work, school, or social hobbies. Having people around you can make the transition smoother and help with any tough moments. Taking the Leap: Fear of failure and uncertainty is natural, but remember that no decision is without risks. If you feel like Columbus is where you and your daughter could thrive, it might be worth pushing past that fear. You can always take it step by step, making sure you have a solid plan in place for jobs, housing, and finances, and be ready to adjust as needed. Past Experiences: Many people who’ve made similar moves to new cities have found that, while the transition can be challenging, it often results in positive changes—new friends, better opportunities, and a safer, more comfortable living situation. It’s all about building your new life one piece at a time. In the end, you know what’s best for you and your daughter. The fact that you’re considering all angles and preparing thoughtfully shows that you’re already on the right path. If you feel that Columbus is the place where you’ll be happier and have more opportunities, it might be worth taking that leap of faith.