I think this will be harder on me than I initially thought. I was making a list of all the things I like about my lifestyle here, as a starting point on how to build a new life somewhere else. I noticed so many of my things were centered around walking.

Where’d you move to?

Yeah that makes a lot of sense to me. On paper, it’s easy for me to imagine buying a car and living that lifestyle again. But I think it will be a bigger lifestyle change than I’m prepared for.

Thanks for the POV. Do you have family/friends on the west coast? That’s been a geographical barrier for me, everyone I know is in the east.

I will miss that too.

Why are you happier? And where?

That’s interesting. I think that will be my biggest thing. Not being immersed in a variety of great shops and food within a 10min walk, and nearly the entire city within 30min T rides, and just about damn everything within an hour. I am lucky with where I specifically live being on a quiet street and in a dense neighborhood on the T.

That’s a good list. Something I’ve been thinking about it is, how much could I get in with even just 2 visits a year?

Spring/summer could be a game at Fenway, and fall/winter could be marathon/HOCR or Christmas time. Each trip would have its share of nostalgic bars/food.

Definitely not the same as everyday living but it is something I’m thinking about.

This used to (5+ years ago) be the assumption. Not that they were intentionally first on the list, but because being remote gave you less “face time” and those soft interactions that ultimately build rapport. Subconsciously, without that, you’re less likely to be positively bonded with decision makers. I would think if employers are pushing a hybrid model, this could become true once again.

I don’t like Union Square donuts. They are very heavy and yeasty. Super dense and greasy. Maybe that’s some peoples bag of tea but it ain’t mine.