Should I stay in Chicago or move back to Atlanta?

Question

I'm originally from Chicago and I moved out to Atlanta in March of this year, without employment lined up. Eventually I found work and absolutely loved my life there. I made friends, went on dates and generally felt better about my life while there. I was able to stay with a family friend and have a space of my own.

A few months ago, my car check engine light came on, followed by mysterious car trouble. I went to several mechanics in Atlanta and kept getting the runaround. I then went to the dealership and they said they would need to take my engine apart to diagnose the actual problem. Eventually I would be out of hundreds of dollars. I decided I needed another opinion before shelling out that kind of money. I decided to have my car shipped back to Chicago where I had mechanics I could trust.

Upon arriving back to Chicago a few days ago, my car has been in tip top shape. My engine light hasn't come back on in almost one month. It's very mysterious that moving back to Chicago would prompt my car to suddenly act just fine. However, I am unhappy in Chicago. I want to be in Atlanta. And I can't get my car issue diagnosed unless the check engine light comes back on so now it's just a waiting game.

I need an unbiased opinion on what I should do. I came back here against my will and now I regret even having left, as I know finding employment in Atlanta again could be a struggle. Should I make the best out of living in Chicago or find a way to get back out to Atlanta?

Answer 1

Stop moving to Atlanta. We’re full. Lol!

Answer 2

Why are so many Midwestern people moving down south? Please don't come here! Southern hospitality has ended because of too many mean hearted outsiders!

Answer 3

I was faced with the same decision about one week ago of moving back to Chicago, and I had to ask myself why did I move from Chicago in the first place. Sometimes, when things get difficult, our nature is to retreat to what is familiar. Chicago looks good on TV news with tons of people having fun in the tourist areas but that is not everyday reality. People in Chicago have a cold, standoffish, hater mentality. Atlanta has all of the amenities of Chicago but most of the people escaped the north for a better life which translates into friendlier people who live there that are from both the north and south. So, ask yourself: why did you leave Chicago in the first place.

Answer 4

I don't think you should move back to Chicago just because your car got fixed there.

Look at all the upsides. You found a job, made friends, and you're happier there.

Plus Atlanta is warmer.

I would personally stay in Atlanta.

Answer 5

We’ll get to the A before the winter then

Answer 6

Can't believe you spent money to send a car that isn't running back to Chicago instead of switching mechanics. You spent too much money and you're paying the price.

Answer 7

the universe is telling you something

Answer 8

You quit your job and moved to Chicago because you couldn't find a mechanic?

There are plenty of places you could have gone instead like YELP or NextDoor.

What a strange choice you made...

Answer 9

If your car seems to run better in Chicago, SELL IT and leave it in Chicago! Buy a different car when you get back to Atlanta.

Answer 10

Its fate and if you go back your car will die and you'll have bad luck.