8 Years Later: How Leaving My Hometown Transformed My Life

I left my hometown 8 years ago with a small backpack, a one-way ticket around the world, and a dream of a better life. I grew up in Lancashire, England—an area in terminal economic decline.?

Grim.?

And I knew there was more to life.?

Why I Hated My Hometown

You probably haven’t heard of Preston and for a good reason: it’s a Detroit of England. Once upon a time, the town was brimming with life, with a bustling economy built on the cotton trade.?

Today, it’s a city of shattered dreams.?

The cotton trade has vanished, the wages are some of the lowest in the developed world, and most people have nothing better to say than moan about the weather.?

Which, by the way, is awful.?

Worse still—like in any small town—everyone knows your business, it’s boring as hell, and people meet aspirations with jealousy and scepticism.?

In the USA, people applaud ambition; in the UK, people envy it.

It's a sad reflection of a country in decay, and I wanted out.

Since then:

• I’ve visited 60 countries
• Lived in London
• Lived in Australia?
• Lived in Asia
• Become a full-time remote worker

It was the best decision I ever made.?

But here’s why:

1. International Perspective?

Your belief system is generated from life experiences, but what if you’ve only ever lived in your hometown??

Growing up in Preston, I wasn’t exposed to other cultures, many people around me shared the same political views, and I hadn’t seen what the world truly offers.?

It might be the same for you.?

Travelling the world has also made me see how Britain is declining. Visiting places like Switzerland, Dubai, Norway, China, Japan, Australia, California, Singapore, and Hong Kong has been an eye-opener.

These experiences have shaped my views.?

And I now have a rounded appreciation of the world—something I’d never have if I stayed in my hometown.?

2. Personal Growth

When you leave your hometown and fend for yourself, you grow into the person you were destined to become.?

For the first time in your life, you have a profound sense of freedom. It doesn’t matter who you used to be; nobody will judge you on that like they did in your hometown.?

• You were bullied at school? Leave that behind.?
• You had many enemies? Let them be.?
• You once embarrassed yourself? Let it go.?

Your past no longer defines you, so embrace the opportunity and transform yourself.

3. Improved Quality of Life

Moving away from a stagnant environment has significantly improved my quality of life. I've experienced constant sunny weather, higher standards of living, and vibrant places with endless possibilities.?

These changes have positively influenced my mental and physical well-being.

If you live in a cold place that constantly rains, move somewhere warmer to see if you prefer the lifestyle.?

One thing I hate about my fellow Brits is the constant weather whinging. If you dislike Britain’s quality of life—300 days of gloom and bland rolling hills—get away from your hometown and try something different.?

Many people dream of a better life, but they fail to pull the trigger. In my experience, even if I return to my hometown—which is never happening—I’d be a better, more rounded human being because I left.?

If you’re curious about leaving your hometown, I have one message: just do it.