As my mother set the table for dinner, my father paused to share news that my siblings and I had grown all too familiar with. “I’ve received a promotion! And guess what? We’re off to Texas! Isn’t that thrilling?” While my younger siblings cheered enthusiastically, my 11-year-old self rolled my eyes, pushing peas and carrots around my plate. The thought of moving again filled me with dread—new school, new friends, and yet another house to adjust to, all after finally feeling settled in our current city. That night, I cried into my pillow, overwhelmed by the idea of movers invading our home and uprooting our lives once more.
By the time I reached college, I had relocated eight times with my family, often spending less than three years in any one city, following my dad’s career advancements. We were lucky that he navigated several corporate takeovers and consistently landed jobs that supported us. Yet, every time a takeover was on the horizon, the conversations around the dinner table would inevitably shift to the impending move, leaving me anxious about leaving behind yet another home.
When I met my partner, I made it clear: if we were to build a life together, I was done with moving. I craved stability—a place where my kids could grow up knowing a home as a constant, where I could stow items away and reminisce about them twenty years later. While we did relocate for my partner’s initial job, I finally got my wish: we’ve settled in our current town for over 17 years, the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere.
Now that I’m a parent, I’ve begun to recognize that my childhood relocations had their upside. Although my children benefit from the familiarity of staying in one place, I sometimes wonder if I’ve deprived them of valuable experiences by resisting moves. Moving as a kid was tough, but it also offered me incredible adventures that continue to shape who I am today.
If you find yourself weighing the options of relocating your family for a job opportunity, consider these points:
- Experiencing Diverse Cultures: Before moving to Texas, our family primarily lived in the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The Southern lifestyle was a refreshing change, exposing us to new customs and traditions. I developed a love for country music and, to this day, I crave authentic Mexican food that I can only find in Texas.
- Social Skills from Being the New Kid: It wasn’t always easy being the new kid at school. However, those introductions often brought out the best in my classmates. Many extended invitations to lunch or shared their supplies to help me feel included. I honed skills in humor and conversation that continue to serve me well in new social settings, like when I walk into unfamiliar environments and confidently say, “Hi, I’m Jessica!”
- A Network of Friends Nationwide: Living in multiple cities means my family has friends scattered across the country. We’ve maintained these connections, leading to fun reunions during travels. It’s a joy to catch up with a childhood friend in a different city or share a drink during a layover.
- Educational Enrichment Through Exploration: Once we arrived in a new city, my parents prioritized exploring not just our new home but also the surrounding areas. We visited state parks, monuments, and local attractions, turning weekends into mini-adventures. Now as a parent, I look forward to sharing these experiences with my kids, whether it’s revisiting a favorite restaurant at the Grand Canyon or introducing them to the majestic redwood trees of California.
While I love our current home and wouldn’t change our decision to stay rooted, sometimes I feel the urge to experience life in a new city, offering my children a broader perspective. However, the thought of packing up 17 years’ worth of memories makes me appreciate my mother’s relentless efforts during our many moves.
For now, I’ll settle for family road trips, as living out of boxes and searching for the coffee maker is just not my cup of tea. Trust me, I understand.
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In summary, while moving can be daunting for kids, it also offers unique opportunities for growth and adventure. Weighing the pros and cons can help you decide what’s best for your family.