I (30m) got offered a job opportunity when I was 24, that required me to move to Florida, which happened to be over a 1,000 miles away from the only place I ever called home. I was very early in my career, I was over living with my parents, and I was over living in the area in general. So at the time, a new higher paying job, sunshine, and a fresh start seemed like just what I needed. Needless to say, I took the job.

I packed my entire life into my small car and headed to Florida. I had an apartment ready, a job ready, and set off with the expectation of an awesome time as a young adult living in the sunshine state. I thought I would make tons of friends, have a bunch of pool parties, and just have a great social life in general.

It’s been six years that I’ve been down here, and here’s the reality: I’m lonelier than ever and think about whether or not I made the right choice, every single day. My family and the few friends I have left back home, all think I’m happier and better than ever, but that’s not the case.

The first year living here was busy, getting settled into my new place, getting settled into work, and getting settled into this great new state. Year 2 - COVID.

After COVID, I feel like I lost any chance at making friends. Eventually, I embraced being the loner that I am. I occasionally go out with coworkers, but I end up going home to an empty apartment. I have a dog, but that still doesn’t fill the void of not having human contact.

I love my job, I really do. But every night, I debate if I should just surrender and move back to my home state. I don’t want to be there, but there’s nothing here for me either. I never thought I would end up in this rut. I’ve tried meeting people through groups, I’ve tried meeting girls through the apps. I have met a few cool people, but the relationships fizzle out quick. Maybe I’m the problem. Maybe I just belong here (Florida).

Thanks to whoever read my rant.

TLDR; moved to Florida, ended up lonelier than ever.