157. Why I Changed My Mind About Where I Want to Live | Chicago to LA Q+A (very honest)

I’m officially back in Los Angeles after living in Chicago for the past year and a half, and in this episode, I’m walking through the full decision behind that move. This is not a dramatic story - it's a clear reflection of what happens when you try something new, gather real data from your life, and then make a decision that actually aligns with what you value. I break down why I moved to Chicago in the first place, why it ultimately did not work for me, and what made Los Angeles the right fit again. We also get into a full comparison of Chicago vs LA, including lifestyle differences, social culture, career opportunities, and day-to-day quality of life. If you are thinking about moving, feeling stuck where you are, or questioning whether a big life change is the right move, this episode will give you a grounded and practical framework for thinking through that decision.

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Life update: moving back to LA

02:00 – Why I chose to move to Chicago

07:40 – Why I decided to leave Chicago

14:00 – Why LA fits my life better now

16:00 – Renting vs buying and long-term plans

18:00 – Cost of living: LA vs Chicago breakdown

24:00 – Chicago vs LA: pros and cons

38:30 – How this move will change my content

42:00 – How I budgeted and planned the move

50:00 – What I learned and final reflections