🌴LEAVING HAWAII🌴
To start, I moved to Hawaii the summer after graduating college. I was ready for a fresh start and was moving with one of my hometown friends who was very familiar with the area. I had visited once for about three weeks and had a great time. And although finding housing came with challenges and was pretty stressful, I was really excited and happy to be living there at first.
🌴Why I decided to move away:🌴
(1) Location: I grew up on an island in Alaska and when I was 18 I was ready to go and I had that same feeling here. Aka island fever. Although I lived on the Big Island, after awhile it didn’t feel big enough. It was also more difficult to get to the mainland and much more expensive.
(2) Population Size: After living in Alaska, Washington, and now Hawaii, I discovered that I want to live somewhere busier. And I know that isn’t for everyone, but I want to live in a city with a large population of people 20 year olds, with lots of things to do. Don’t get me wrong, there are things to do on the island, but most involve the outdoors which is still great, however, the bar scene and young adult scene wasn’t very apparent.
(3) Sense of Belonging: In general, I just didn’t feel like Hawaii was the place for me. I had a hard time meeting people and therefore did a lot on my own. It did help with my independence, but overall I just didn’t feel like I fit.
(4) Cost: This one is pretty self explanatory. Rent prices, groceries, gas, etc. were all high. I had an okay paying job and I wasn’t fully struggling with paying for everything, but I also wasn’t saving as much as I wanted to.
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With all that being said, I have nothing against Hawaii, but it’s not the place for me to live right now. I loved my coworkers and learning about Hawaii from their local standpoints and I absolutely loved living right by the ocean. I went to the beach almost everyday, sometimes once or twice and It felt like a long vacation. I enjoyed spending my time exploring all that the island had to offer, but as time went on I began to feel dissatisfied and I didn’t love my living situation.
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#hawaii #movingoutofstate #moving #travel #Lemon8Diary #embracevulnerability #embracevulnerability #shareyourthoughts #bigisland #lemon8diarychallenge @Lemon8 US @Captain Lemon8
Leaving Hawaii after a brief yet impactful year was a decision fueled by several factors. The sense of isolation echoed my past in Alaska, where I longed for a livelier environment. Despite the stunning beaches and warm sun, the high cost of living significantly impacted my quality of life. After experiencing the challenges of adjusting to island culture, I craved a bustling city with a vibrant social scene. Connecting with fellow 20-somethings and finding a sense of belonging in a larger community became essential for my personal growth. While Hawaii offered natural beauty and a serene lifestyle, I acknowledged my need for a more engaging urban setting where I could thrive. Each element of my move intertwined with a deeper understanding of my preferences and aspirations. Although I hold fond memories of the beaches and my coworkers, embracing change proved necessary as I embark on new adventures beyond the horizon. Ultimately, life’s journey is about growth and change, and sometimes, that means stepping away from paradise to find your true path.
