Why I moved to a smaller town

January 2018.

That’s when I decided to leave the buzzing city of Mumbai to the calmer spaces of my hometown. Smaller city. Huge family. Quieter lanes. This city slept at night. Sundays were lazy. Family functions were many. And work? Here’s how I did it all.

Work is important. So is life.

In a smaller town, the rhythm is different. The pace is slower. So when I moved, I could feel closer to the work-life balance. Though the pursuit of success and hunger to do more stayed, much-needed attention to personal well-being took priority too. Work turned into an essential part of my life. Not my whole life.

Change in perspective

“What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare”

Now I have a lot of time to stand and stare. All the time saved in the commute is now used up in staring. It is not a continuous hustle. It is a calmer walk (on most days). It also led to me to explore my other interests. And discover many activities that I could find interest in.

The more I dug, the deeper I went, the more things of interest I found. The mind – it’s amazing. Give it a little time and it finds ways to engage itself interestingly.

Friends. Or lack of them.

Mumbai is a buzzing city. I was working from an office. When I chose remote working and moved to a smaller town, these two main drivers of friendship were lost. But here, I have my entire family. A whole gang of cousins. And their friends! So, find new ways to connect and find your tribe. That’s what I did.

Do I miss the city buzz?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Absolutely. Mumbai is a city that has witnessed more than a decade of my life. It has gifted me a lot. It taught me even more. I miss the sheer mix of culture and mélange of lifestyles. I miss how every person finds their own place, even in a crowd. It is this warmth that makes me miss the city. It’s a crowd when you want it to be. It lets you be on your own when you want. Love you, Mumbai.

Do I regret moving?

No. No. No. Absolutely not. The slower pace of smaller towns has always attracted me. My personal pursuits are now taking priority too. I’m closer to my family and that brings a big bear hug every day. (Cost of living is much lower too now!) And Mumbai is just a drive away.

So is that it? I’m here forever?
Maybe. May not be. remote working gives me the flexibility to make any place my home. It’s this freedom that makes me love my job and love my life a little more. I was in Mumbai for many years. I’m here now. Let’s see where the future takes me. Wherever I go, I’m sure it will have uninterrupted internet connectivity.