The author shares their journey through multiple relocations for career advancement during their 20s and early 30s, ultimately leading to emotional exhaustion and a lost sense of permanence. At 35, a pivotal move to Rome was made for love and the desire to build a life with their partner. This decision prioritized community, family, and a more balanced lifestyle, contrasting starkly with their previous ambition-driven choices. The author emphasizes how this transition was supported by their husband's cultural ties, making it the easiest move despite logistical challenges.
By the time I turned 35, I had moved from Istanbul to London, then Johannesburg, Beirut, Dublin, and finally Berlin. I lost my sense of permanence.
When we decided to get married, we also began talking about the kind of life we wanted to build together. One thing became immediately clear: we wanted to stop moving and finally take root somewhere.
We chose to move to Rome together so that we could build a life that honored the best parts of where we came from: plenty of good weather, readily available fresh produce, and a strong sense of community and family.
However, it was the obvious choice for me when I made the decision to move for love. The logistics and bureaucracy were still a headache, but it was the easiest move I had ever made.
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