Hi,

Gaming alone isn't what keeps me happy, I wish to be able to go out every night and have fun, go see gigs, go clubbing and game while I'm there. But quite frankly over here, that option just ain't here. Apart from weekends this city is dead after 8pm.

So I've been thinking for quite some time now to move to bigger, more dynamic city. (I'm living at the Belgian coast, in a city called Oostende right now). My goal, London, its close by (3-4 hours on train (ty Eurostar)) and one of the biggest cities in Europe.

Moving to a strange city, far enough from home is what will turn around my life in such way I have to be on top of it, in control of it. It will require me to make new friends, and go out into the city just to do that.

And when I move back, I'll certainly have some valuable experience that have enriched my life.


My question to you guys is your opinions and experience on this subject.

_________________
Affecting the world around me...

Moving to a new city isn't going to change everything in your life. I speak from experience. I moved to a new city in hopes that I could get a fresh start, meet new people, and create a new improved me. The problem is that you bring all your problems with you. Also, you lose what you have built up in your home city. Don't underestimate all the friends, family, etc that you will lose out on if you move. After two years far away from home, I ended up missing everyone I left behind and moved back.

That being said, I want to move again to a bigger city, but this time with an understanding of what I am giving up, and more reasonable expectations.

To "turn your life around", as you said, needs to start from the inside out. Move to London because you want an adventure, or because of better opportunities, not because you think it will automatically change your happiness.

You're right, if improving myself, changing my life was the only thing that drives me to do it. it would be a bad choice.

But its not, London just speaks to me, in a way Belgium especially my hometown doesnt. I've been over in the UK a couple of times now, got family there. And I like it. I'll get better paid for the same job over there.

I want to experience (slightly) other cultures, If london goes well, I won't stop there, Berlin, some US megacity even...

Anyway my question was more specifically on the Game part of it, I'm a bit shy, how would moving away like this affect my game?

_________________
Affecting the world around me...

I can back up a lot of what Kleen Kut says, although I've since settled in and am having a blast, so I'm not looking to move home any time soon. My experience has definitely reinvigorated me and gotten me out of the rut I was feeling in Canada, so I can definitely recommend going out and seeing the world. It's not all roses though, and specifically regarding your question about meeting women, it can be tough.

In London, language shouldn't be an issue for you, which is a big plus, because that's a big challenge me and a number of expats have to deal with. Ezoghoul noted in another post that he runs into language issues that sabotage about 75% of the foreign sets he approaches; I've had similar results. However, another problem you tend to run into is that you more or less have to build up a social circle from scratch. This is probably the hardest part that I've found: even if you're outgoing, and it means you've got to really push yourself to meet new people, and be comfortable going solo a lot more. However, it sounds like you have flown solo a lot back home anyhow, so this may not be such an issue.

I'd say your situation sounds like an easy decision: you can speak the language, you're moving to a great international city with a vibe that agrees with you, and you have some people you know there (all the better if you have relatives near your age that can introduce you to people and places). On top of it all, you'll be close enough to take trips home whenever you're feeling homesick. Just don't expect any massive life change to magically appear as a result of being in a new place; look at it more as a chance to see and try new things, and a great life experience.