Like job, hate city

[mandymae92]

I moved to a new city for a job in February earlier this year. I am overall enjoying my job though I do have the ups and downs of being a new nurse as expected and am adjusting to the role. However, I HATE the city I live in. I have tried to be positive the last 6 months and be open minded but I am exhausted from it. I do not have a support system here, it's been tough to meet people who I click with, and in general the culture is just not one I am adjusted to (I am from a bigger city and this is small town). I have moved around a bit in my twenties-studying abroad, nursing school, undergraduate etc. and have always been able to figure it out and find my spot but where I am now, is just not a fit for me. I do not regret my overall move here but I feel anxious and bitter about being here. I am trying to avoid the grass is greener on the other side mentality but what should I do? I am trying to decide if I should just leave after I get that year of experience or if I need to give it more time? I also recognize that I may land a job in a city I do enjoy but who knows if I will even enjoy it. Thanks for any advice!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

What have you done to try and become a PART of the city? Church? Social groups? Volunteering?

Trust me- I moved from Chicago to a town of 13,000 30 years ago. I get it- but YOU have to go out and find those things in the city that will make it more home-like for you.

[brownbook]

Sounds tough, I'm not religious but joined a church just for the socialization factor. It's not perfect but has helped. Luckily I found an easy-going lots of young people church.

[Sour Lemon]

I moved to a new city for a job in February earlier this year. I am overall enjoying my job though I do have the ups and downs of being a new nurse as expected and am adjusting to the role. However, I HATE the city I live in. I have tried to be positive the last 6 months and be open minded but I am exhausted from it. I do not have a support system here, it's been tough to meet people who I click with, and in general the culture is just not one I am adjusted to (I am from a bigger city and this is small town). I have moved around a bit in my twenties-studying abroad, nursing school, undergraduate etc. and have always been able to figure it out and find my spot but where I am now, is just not a fit for me. I do not regret my overall move here but I feel anxious and bitter about being here. I am trying to avoid the grass is greener on the other side mentality but what should I do? I am trying to decide if I should just leave after I get that year of experience or if I need to give it more time? I also recognize that I may land a job in a city I do enjoy but who knows if I will even enjoy it. Thanks for any advice!

Well, what are your priorities in life at the moment? Are you looking to meet "the one" and have a bustling social life? ...or do you have career goals that take a front seat and that this job might help you meet? I see no reason to force the small-town life if it's not helping you work towards something that you do want.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

If you've given it a chance for six months but still hate it, you're never gonna love it. Just my opinion. Start looking for work elsewhere.