Stuck in a rut (Florida: to rent, teaching jobs, neighborhood)

[hopelessly lost]

I'm a single mother of 2 young children and a nurse. I have been in ohio my whole life, i'm bored, and i'm looking for a big change. I want to rent and i want a good school system. Other than that it's up in the air. I don't care which state so long as it's pretty. Please help! Any suggestion is welcome.

[Robhu]

Sorry you feel like you do. I was born and raised in Ohio and have lived here for 61 years. Raised a family, always had a job, and am glad I had the opportunities that I have had.
There are a lot of things to see and do in Ohio. If you are a nurse you probably know that some of the highest rated hospitals in the nation are in Ohio. You shouldn't have any problem making a good living with your occupation in this state.
In most cases, life is pretty much what you make it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the state line.

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by hopelessly lost

I'm a single mother of 2 young children and a nurse. I have been in ohio my whole life, i'm bored, and i'm looking for a big change. I want to rent and i want a good school system. Other than that it's up in the air. I don't care which state so long as it's pretty. Please help! Any suggestion is welcome.

Do you have family or friends in another state? Another state that you perhaps like or might consider relocating to? That would be of great help to have an "anchor" of sorts in another state, someone that could help you if you get in a bind, need help with the kids, etc. while you're getting established. As a nurse, you know that you can get a job anywhere in the states; Ohio does not hold the inventory on nursing jobs. What kind of climate are you looking for? Do you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder- sort of winter depression)? I don't know if it's the winter that's getting you down or do you want a complete change of everything. All of this is legitimate; I think it is a good thing to go out and experience a change of scenery, people, climate. Perhaps you can visit the forums of some of the other states you might be interested in and post there as well. Wishing you the best.

[AliceT]

With no particular place in mind and asking others for suggestions sounds to me like you are suffering from from a depression that can be treated with either medication or counsel. I know this because I have been where you are right now. Well, I didn't have children, but I fully understand your frustration. Please consider counseling. It doesn't have to be expensive, sometimes a chat with your pastor will help you see a bit more clearly.

[kahalekui]

True that the grass isnt always greener....plus you still have to mow it. But if its not depression and you just need a change, I would think the sky is the limit for you. As I'm sure you already know, nurses are SO in demand and you can take that anywhere! Just moved to Ohio from Hawaii (wifes in nursing school ) When she's done we'll be moving back. State hosp. starting pay for RN's is over 5k / Mo. Maybe a warmer/sunnier climate would be the ticket for you? I dont know, just a thought

[SCBeaches]

I was once in exactly the same position that you are now in: single mom, felt like I was in a rut, had always lived in OH and wanted out, was a teacher and knew I could get a job in any state.... Someone mentioned staying close to family and that is VERY true! Not only for a support system and help with the kids if you get in a bind, but also so your kids grow up with a sense of family. I moved South where both of my parents were originally from. I chose Charleston, SC because of the climate, the beaches, and because that's where the teaching jobs were. I've been here for 25 years now and love it. I had a few friends and family members already here, so I had help finding a good area to raise my son in, a nice neighborhood, etc., and it's nice to have people to show you the ropes and introduce you to more people.

I haven't regretted the move, but sometimes I really do miss OH - it is a beautiful state! I really miss the Ohio Fall season and cooler summers, but am really glad to be here in the Winter and Spring. Just remember that no place is perfect; each state or town has its own set of problems.

If you don't have contacts in other states, perhaps just moving to another part of Ohio would be nice for a change?? You would still be a reasonable distance to friends and family that way.... The main thing, though, is I don't suggest ever living more than an hour or two from a friend or family member - as a single mom, it makes you too vulnerable to be completely alone in a new area with your children.

Good luck with your decisions.

[Traveler87]

Really no place is perfect, every place has its problems, and we are seeing the "states to be in" get more and more problems as the years go by.

Good luck on your move out of Ohio. Try Maryland or Virginia. NC, Georgia and Florida are too overrated.

[hopelessly lost]

Thank you all so much! I don't think it's depression, I'm just in need of something new and exciting! I'm younger, you know how it is... It's nice to know others out there have been where I am. Your suggestions are great and the advice about friends and family wasn't really something I'd thought much about. My family isn't closely knit, we're kinda spread out. Having a safety net sounds like a good idea though. Also, warmer sounds better. I don't think I'll miss the snow and ice here one bit.

[Mikieo415]

Hopelessly lost, Don't fall in a rut of listening to Ohioans who try to defend a dying area. Check out Denver. It is beautiful, safe, clean, has four seasons, is near the mountains, always sunny (over 300 sunny days a year), is surprisingly not an icebox, and the people don't have that entitlement Ohio attitude. I guarantee that if you take a trip out here, you won't be able to pack your stuff quick enough. Check out Denver Tourism Guide - Denver, Colorado Attractions, Vacations & More

[Traveler87]

Originally Posted by Mikieo415

Hopelessly lost, Don't fall in a rut of listening to Ohioans who try to defend a dying area. Check out Denver. It is beautiful, safe, clean, has four seasons, is near the mountains, always sunny (over 300 sunny days a year), is surprisingly not an icebox, and the people don't have that entitlement Ohio attitude. I guarantee that if you take a trip out here, you won't be able to pack your stuff quick enough. Check out Denver Tourism Guide - Denver, Colorado Attractions, Vacations & More

LMAO are you serious? Don't go to Colorado, exteremly expensive, and people with ^ that type of attitude. Please mikieo, tell us who was trying to keep hopelessly lost from moving out? We gave HL states to look into. I know many from Colorado that came to Ohio for college, and now live here. Colorado is overrated, got to Utah lol.