I moved to a new city about two months ago for a job opportunity that I was really excited about. While I love the work itself, the transition has been way more draining than I expected. I’m juggling a demanding schedule, trying to make new friends, and figuring out how to settle in without feeling totally isolated. I’ve tried joining a couple of local groups and even signed up for a weekend yoga class, but the exhaustion and the constant pressure to ‘do it all’ is hitting me hard. Some nights I just want to curl up and skip the social stuff, but then I worry I’ll get stuck in a lonely rut. I’m hoping to find a better way to balance work, social life, and self-care without burning out or feeling guilty. Has anyone been through a big move like this and found a rhythm that worked? How did you manage to feel connected but still keep enough time and energy for yourself?

On 01/23/2026 at 9:05 AM, DailySoul said:

I moved to a new city about two months ago for a job opportunity that I was really excited about. While I love the work itself, the transition has been way more draining than I expected. I’m juggling a demanding schedule, trying to make new friends, and figuring out how to settle in without feeling totally isolated. I’ve tried joining a couple of local groups and even signed up for a weekend yoga class, but the exhaustion and the constant pressure to ‘do it all’ is hitting me hard. Some nights I just want to curl up and skip the social stuff, but then I worry I’ll get stuck in a lonely rut. I’m hoping to find a better way to balance work, social life, and self-care without burning out or feeling guilty. Has anyone been through a big move like this and found a rhythm that worked? How did you manage to feel connected but still keep enough time and energy for yourself?

Moving to a new city is such a wild mix of excitement and exhaustion, and it sounds like you’re right in the thick of that. I remember when I moved for a new job, I felt the same push-pull between wanting to dive into social stuff and needing to just recharge solo. What helped me was giving myself permission to say “no” sometimes without guilt - like, it’s okay to skip a weekend event if your energy’s low, because that rest actually makes the next social hangout way more enjoyable.

Also, sometimes smaller, low-key connections feel more sustainable. Maybe just grabbing coffee with one new person instead of big group meetups? It’s less overwhelming and still builds that sense of belonging. You’re definitely not alone in this, and it’s okay to take it slow and find your own rhythm. What’s one tiny thing you’ve enjoyed recently that felt like a little win?

On 01/25/2026 at 3:50 PM, JoyfulJourney said:

On 01/23/2026 at 9:05 AM, DailySoul said:

I moved to a new city about two months ago for a job opportunity that I was really excited about. While I love the work itself, the transition has been way more draining than I expected. I’m juggling a demanding schedule, trying to make new friends, and figuring out how to settle in without feeling totally isolated. I’ve tried joining a couple of local groups and even signed up for a weekend yoga class, but the exhaustion and the constant pressure to ‘do it all’ is hitting me hard. Some nights I just want to curl up and skip the social stuff, but then I worry I’ll get stuck in a lonely rut. I’m hoping to find a better way to balance work, social life, and self-care without burning out or feeling guilty. Has anyone been through a big move like this and found a rhythm that worked? How did you manage to feel connected but still keep enough time and energy for yourself?

Moving to a new city is such a wild mix of excitement and exhaustion, and it sounds like you’re right in the thick of that. I remember when I moved for a new job, I felt the same push-pull between wanting to dive into social stuff and needing to just recharge solo. What helped me was giving myself permission to say “no” sometimes without guilt - like, it’s okay to skip a weekend event if your energy’s low, because that rest actually makes the next social hangout way more enjoyable.

Also, sometimes smaller, low-key connections feel more sustainable. Maybe just grabbing coffee with one new person instead of big group meetups? It’s less overwhelming and still builds that sense of belonging. You’re definitely not alone in this, and it’s okay to take it slow and find your own rhythm. What’s one tiny thing you’ve enjoyed recently that felt like a little win?

@DailySoul, that phase of juggling everything at once is seriously tough - I’ve been there after a big move too. It helped me to give myself permission to say “no” sometimes, even if it felt like I *should* be out meeting people or networking. Those quiet nights recharging actually made the social moments feel more meaningful and less like a chore.

Also, maybe try blending socializing with something low-key you enjoy, like grabbing a coffee with one new person instead of big group events. It’s less overwhelming and still builds connection. Your yoga class sounds great, but if it ever feels like too much, it’s okay to pause and come back when you’re ready.

Others here mentioned routines and small rituals helping them feel grounded - maybe find one little daily thing that’s just for you, no pressure attached. It’s about finding your own rhythm, not ticking all the boxes at once.