the problem is that wherever you go, you’re there. The urge to move abroad and burn everything down is like the urge to cut your hair off - it’s a sign that you’re unhappy.
I agree with you on 80% of the stuff you say here, but don't get this reasoning. The problem is that quote has been bastardized to hell and back. It's about being mindful of your surroundings and living in the moment. It doesn't mean "Don't ever leave your current surroundings that make you miserable because literally no change in culture, economy, job prospects or more areas catered around your interests will ever possibly make you happier ever so eat shit and fucking die."
If it really doesn't make a difference than it shouldn't matter what somebody does anyways.
This stuff kind of reminds me of when people bring up missing a pre-clown world and people waxing poetic about how the past has always been romanticized and there was never a point where people were objectively happier for obvious reasons.
All of those things you've described already apply to me right now
Same here. Just going to add in my two cents to the discussion.
But as someone who is probably going to be doing the same thing in July, I have to really disagree with all the nay-sayers here.
I was away from my hometown for literally four months of my life. And it was the most freeing, overwhelming peace I've ever discovered in my entire life. I've spent years gaslighting myself that I could find happiness in my hometown and was just a gym visit and a haircut away from being able to feel comfortable.
Here's what I'd ask... Why not just find out for yourself?
If you go and you're miserable and you notice it was never about the change in scenery and it was a lifestyle change... that will give you such a glow-up that wherever you go afterwards, you WILL carry yourself differently. Even if it's a depressing realization, it will be what's necessary to take the next steps in life.
The problem with bad cities/towns is they make you think every other place is just like them. To be fair, you can interact with the world in a better way and find more avenues opening up to you based on your attitude (like what's been happening with me lately). But if you feel like there's a stopgap on your life based on where you are, your body isn't lying to you. Otherwise you will find yourself ten years later looking back at a life that, while it was still pretty nice in it's own way, could have been a little more interesting and free.
You'll be fine. And if not... you'll still be fine.
At least you'll have your answer.
As some wise leafs once said "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice."