As my mother set the table for dinner, my father paused, putting his fork down. “I got a promotion, everyone! And guess what? We’re moving to Texas! How exciting is that?” My younger siblings cheered while I, at 11 years old, sighed and pushed my uneaten peas and carrots around my plate. Another move meant facing a new school, making new friends, and adapting to yet another neighborhood—just when I was starting to feel settled. That evening, I cried into my pillow, dreading the chaos of moving men invading our home and uprooting my life once again.
By the time I reached college, I had relocated with my family eight times across the country. Frequently, we spent less than three years in one place, transitioning as my dad climbed the corporate ladder. Thankfully, he survived several company shakeups, always landing on his feet with a stable job to support us. But with every takeover came the familiar anxiety about moving, leading to many dinner table discussions about leaving behind the towns we had come to love.
When I met my husband, I made it clear: if he wanted a life with me, I was done moving around. I envisioned a home where our kids could feel a sense of stability, where I could put something in the basement and reminisce about it 20 years later. Although we did move for his first job, I finally got my wish—we’ve now lived in our town for 17 years, the longest I’ve ever stayed in one place.
Now, as a parent, I’m beginning to see the silver linings of my childhood moves. While my children benefit from watching our town evolve and attending school with friends they’ve known since birth, I sometimes question whether I’ve deprived them of valuable experiences by resisting the idea of moving during their early years. Despite the challenges, my childhood relocations offered unforgettable adventures that shaped who I am today.
If you’re contemplating relocating for a job opportunity, consider these points:
- Exposure to Different Cultures: Moving to Texas was a revelation for us. Before that, most of our moves had been confined to the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic. The Southern lifestyle, customs, and even the landscape felt almost foreign. However, I developed a love for country music and discovered the best Mexican food was always in Texas.
- Social Skills Development: While being the new kid in school came with its challenges, it also pushed me to engage socially. I learned valuable skills from the other kids who went out of their way to make me feel welcome. This experience taught me to break the ice with humor and a friendly introduction, skills I still use today.
- Nationwide Friendships: My childhood moves gifted me friendships across the country. Reuniting with these friends during travels has made the world feel smaller. Whether it’s sharing a drink with a high school buddy during a layover or visiting an old friend while on vacation, those connections are invaluable.
- Enriching Experiences: Each time we moved, my parents made it a point to explore our new surroundings. We visited national parks, monuments, and local attractions, broadening our horizons. Now, I cherish sharing similar experiences with my kids, whether it’s dining at a favorite restaurant or marveling at the grandeur of redwood trees.
While I adore where we currently live and wouldn’t change our decision to settle down, I occasionally feel the urge to move again for my kids to experience life from a different perspective. Then I remember how overwhelming it can be to pack up 17 years’ worth of memories. My mom was a true saint for managing eight relocations with three kids!
For now, I’ll stick to planning cross-country road trips with my kids—living out of boxes and searching for the coffee pot just isn’t as fun as it sounds.
If you’re interested in topics related to family planning and pregnancy, check out our other blog posts like this one on home insemination kits to further engage with the subject. You can find more information on the topic at Make A Mom and learn about resources for pregnancy at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Summary:
Moving during childhood can be challenging but can also offer unique benefits like cultural exposure, social skill development, and lifelong friendships. While settling down provides stability for children, considering relocation for professional opportunities can enrich their lives in unexpected ways.