If you told me a year ago that I would be relocating from the Bay Area to Austin, Texas during a global pandemic, I wouldn't have believed you. But, who would?
It feels like it should still be June, but my calendar tells me otherwise. Today marks 6 months since moving to Texas. I'm happy to share that my fiancé and I have settled into life in Austin and are so grateful that we moved when we did despite the stress and uncertainty. There have been many lessons learned along the way.
Here are my top 3 Lessons Learned from Relocating During a Global Pandemic: Find Your Tribe, If You Haven't Found Your Tribe -- Build One, and Manage Your Stress.
Tip 1: Find Your Tribe
To expand my professional network and build connections in the Austin area, I joined a professional networking group, Network In Action. Although it has only been 5 weeks since I've joined, this group has helped me to establish connections with professionals and build my local network of marketing partners as I continue to build and grow my marketing business, Kimie Digital LLC.
If you're feeling isolated, miss attending networking events, or are looking for ways to grow your business, I highly encourage you to find a community that supports the goals you want to achieve. If you're in the central Texas area (or not), feel free to join us for a sneak peek at what our Tuesday morning Coffee Conversations have to offer. If we are your tribe....you'll leave the meeting feeling energized and motivated!
Tip 2: If You Haven't Found Your Tribe -- Build One.
Upon forming my business in June, I was looking to connect with other digital marketers and entrepreneurs who were in a similar phase of their business who experienced and have overcome similar growing pains. After joining several Facebook groups and attending many networking events through professional organizations, I was unsatisfied. So, I formed my own networking group: Marketers Helping Marketers on Facebook.
In less than 3 months, the group has grown organically to over 50 members. We discuss a variety of digital marketing trends and topics and gather online every other week in a virtual meeting where we review topics that are relevant to the members' needs: whether it's outreach strategies, marketing analytics, or campaign strategies.
TL;DR: If you are unsatisfied with the solutions in the marketplace, build one.
Tip 3: Manage Your Stress
Moving is stressful. Moving halfway across the US is super stressful. Moving halfway across the US during a global pandemic is super, super stressful! Allow yourself grace and patience while you navigate this transition. What does grace look like for me? I invested in a different self-care routine:
Now, I get up every morning and walk my dog, Momo, for at least 30 minutes before making my way down the hall to my home office.
I splurged and invested in a Peloton bike. Why? I wanted an in-home fitness solution to avoid the nearly daily 100-degree weather. Do I suck at riding? Yes. Will I get better? I better after making this investment. Is Cody my favorite trainer? Absolutely.
Virtual gatherings and chanting with youth group members at Shinnyo-En, a Buddhist religious organization I am a part of, has helped me to express gratitude and resume balance when I feel myself falling off track.
These 3 tips helped me navigate the difficult and stressful times of relocating during the pandemic. I'd love to hear what's helped you to thrive, or just survive, during the pandemic.
This article originally appeared on LinkedIn.