Stuck in a rut and not sure what to do about it (how to, love)

[yankeegirl313]

I agree! I say get out there and start living.

[sanrene]

Don't really have much of a nightlife.

How about single/married guy friends? Do your co-workers ever get together? Church groups?

It seems you are too concerned with "driving distances/times" to make the effort.

Guys like you (young and single) should be close to where it's happening in terms of socializing.

[jeninmt]

Originally Posted by dude2136

How old was your friend when she did her traveling?

33. She enjoyed working with all the younger people that joined up right out of high school and college.

[dude2136]

Originally Posted by sanrene

How about single/married guy friends? Do your co-workers ever get together? Church groups?

It seems you are too concerned with "driving distances/times" to make the effort.

Guys like you (young and single) should be close to where it's happening in terms of socializing.

I have a couple married guy friends but lost touch with them or they moved away. My co-workers get together but they're not really my type and I've learned over time that it is better to separate business and pleasure.

I guess I need to make a move or I'll never get out of this rut. The question is whether I want to keep the job I currently have and live closer to the job (and a larger city) for the same cost of living, move to the city (which would cost hundreds of dollars more permonth), or start somewhere fresh. My job is a great source of stress but the economy isn't so hot right now.

[sanrene]

The question is whether I want to keep the job I currently have and live closer to the job (and a larger city) for the same cost of living, move to the city (which would cost hundreds of dollars more permonth), or start somewhere fresh. My job is a great source of stress but the economy isn't so hot right now.

How do you know the cost of living would be more? Have you calculated the difference?

What kind of programmer are you?

Seems your drive times are a great source of stress as well.

How is the housing market in your area?

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by dude2136

Do you have any suggestions for cities in the midwest?

Well, I'm partial to Springfield, MO. I have lived in Indianapolis (which is a big city) and I really liked it there a lot - especially the Broadripple part of town.

You need to plan a roadtrip and check out some places for yourself. What is cool to me might not be so cool to you! LOL

20yrsinBranson

[dude2136]

Originally Posted by sanrene

How do you know the cost of living would be more? Have you calculated the difference?

What kind of programmer are you?

Seems your drive times are a great source of stress as well.

How is the housing market in your area?

Yeah I've calculated the difference.

I work as a .NET programmer. The commute (nearly an hour each way) didn't bother me at first. But it's getting kinda old. Not to mention that I'm putting 20-25 K miles on my car each year. The housing market is slow but I can rent my place out (someone I know has expressed an interest). All that sitting (10 hours a day at work plus two in the car) can't be all that healthy.

[dude2136]

Originally Posted by 20yrsinBranson

Well, I'm partial to Springfield, MO. I have lived in Indianapolis (which is a big city) and I really liked it there a lot - especially the Broadripple part of town.

You need to plan a roadtrip and check out some places for yourself. What is cool to me might not be so cool to you! LOL

20yrsinBranson

I've been to Indy several times for the races. Seems like a nice place. I'll have to check out Broadripple. Another place I've thought about is Madison (Wisconsin) but I'm not sure I could deal with the winter there. Also thought about Cincinnati but haven't had the chance to explore it yet.

[sanrene]

The housing market is slow but I can rent my place out (someone I know has expressed an interest).

I would move closer to your job.

Renting a nice condo/townhouse could be just the ticket for you - more time to meet people.

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by dude2136

I've been to Indy several times for the races. Seems like a nice place. I'll have to check out Broadripple. Another place I've thought about is Madison (Wisconsin) but I'm not sure I could deal with the winter there. Also thought about Cincinnati but haven't had the chance to explore it yet.

Jefferson City and Columbia, Missouri. The former being the state capital and the latter being a big college town.

I am told that Alton, Illinois is nifty, but I have not been there myself.

You might check out Cape Giradeau, Missouri too. Close enough to St. Louis to be a little more cosmopolitan and convenient to concerts and other "big city" activities.

20yrsinBranson