About the Author

Harrison Hove is a meteorologist and reporter for the Ohio News Network, a statewide cable channel.  His work has received awards and recognition including three regional Emmy nominations in 2010.  He also holds degrees from both the University of Florida and Florida State University. Check him out on Twitter at @HarrisonHove (especially if you are looking for weather updates!)

Landing a job is sometimes the easiest part. Yeah…sounds crazy, huh?  You’ve got your first “real” salary and your first real job.  Now, it’s time to move 1,000 miles away from everything you’ve ever known. Has this ever been you?  Do you fear that it’s going to be you when graduation rolls around?  It all sounds daunting (and it is if you really think about it), but it’s exactly what I’ve done…twice!

As a native Floridian, it would have been wonderful to field opportunities in Orlando, Tampa, or Jacksonville, but those offers never came.  It was between Boise, ID, Mason City, IA, Chico CA, and Lafayette, LA.  You might find yourself in a similar situation, especially in a tough economy.  It might be hard to stomach, but it’s reality — a reality you can handle.

You challenged yourself academically during your collegiate career.  Now it’s time to challenge yourself during your professional career.  Starting completely new will only make you stronger personally and professionally and ultimately enhance your skill set in life.

Don’t dwell on the magnitude of the change.  It’s like getting into a pool on a cold day.  There is no way to ease into it, just jump in.  It’s ok to fret the unknown, but try to embrace it as a new adventure.  You’ll have a whole new territory to explore and a new culture to experience.

I remember the day I said goodbye to my mother and put her on a plane back to Florida.  This was it.  A new start that continues to evolve.  Here are the most important things to keep in mind.

1.  Make your apartment feel like home. You need a place that seems comfortable and familiar.  I brought plenty of pictures from the good old college days, my bed from home, even some old high school yearbooks.  There will be ups and downs and it’s nice to have something around that brings you comfort.

2.  Put yourself out there and be social. I cannot tell you how important this is.  It sounds so simple, right?  Well it honestly is easier said than done.  It might be easy to meet people, but it can be difficult meeting friends.  Attend a local young professionals meeting, join your alumni chapter, volunteer, attend festivals, and foster that connection to your new community.  You will have to exit the comfort zone sooner or later to meet new people.

3.  Take care of your body. This process might be mentally tough.  It is important to have an outlet to de-stress through.  Go work out.  Your body will thank you.  Besides, the gym is yet another place to meet new people.

4.  Use work as a springboard. Chances are if your employer was willing to move you, they’ve already moved others.  You’re not alone!  People at work will understand what you are going through.  It’s a great ice breaker.  Tap into these people to discover the neat hidden spots within the community.  Learn from their mistakes and rely on their expertise.  You might even think of befriending other new employees.

5.  Stay positive. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.  It’s a process though.  Don’t bury yourself in work to hide from starting over.  Every aspect of this adventure will not be positive, but don’t let temporary setbacks dictate your overall attitude.

Enjoy the ride.  Life was meant to be random.  Ride the wave of adventure.  Heck, after embarking on this challenge, I decided to do it all over again.

Have you moved to a new city without knowing anyone there?  What was that like?  Please…share your story!