From Nest to Nomad: Our Midlife Adventure (or, How We Traded Our California Dream for a Texas Two-Step and Then Some)
Welcome to "Nest to Nomad," a blog where two women in their fabulous 50s are flipping the script on life. Join us as we navigate the exciting transition from empty nesters in Los Angeles to embracing a nomadic lifestyle with a home base in Austin, Texas, and a dream of spending more time on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.
Why "Nest to Nomad"? Because California Living is a Game We No Longer Want to Play
Living in Los Angeles for over 20 years has been an incredible experience, but let’s face it, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and the idea of continuing to run a business here feels like an uphill battle. The rising costs in California make it harder to stretch our retirement savings, and let’s not even talk about the challenges of running a business in this state. It's like juggling flaming swords while balancing on a tightrope over a pit of alligators.
So, what’s our plan? We decided to move to Austin, Texas—a vibrant city we fell in love with three years ago when we invested in real estate there. Austin offers us a more affordable lifestyle and serves as an ideal location for our consulting business. Plus, it’s Texas—where the BBQ is unbeatable, and the cost of living won’t drain our retirement savings.
California: We Love You, But We Need Some Space
Leaving California isn’t just a financial decision. As empty nesters, with our daughter heading off to college, we’re ready to embrace a new chapter. Los Angeles will always hold a special place in our hearts—it's where our daughter was born, where we've made lifelong friends, and where we’ve built a life we love. But the time has come for us to spread our wings and start focusing on what truly matters: enjoying life, exploring new places, and learning to say more in Spanish than just “Dos vinos, por favor.”
But let’s not pretend this decision was easy. LA is where our daughter was born, where we’ve made lifelong friends, and where we’ve built a life we love. Our daughter? Not exactly thrilled about us leaving her childhood home behind. Our friends? Let’s just say they aren’t too pleased with our decision either. But despite the emotional rollercoaster, we know this move is the right choice for us. We’ve put down some roots in Austin, and the fact that Ginger is from San Antonio means we have family nearby, and with long-time friends in Austin, we’re not diving into the deep end without a lifeguard.
Goodbye 9-to-5, Hello Freedom (And More Pickleball!)
We’ve both spent years working in corporate America, and while those golden handcuffs might shine, they don’t quite fit our vision for the future anymore. Ginger left the corporate world 15 years ago to start her own consulting business, and I joined her five years ago. Working from home has given us the flexibility to be wherever we want, and now, with our daughter off to college, we’re ready to slow down, enjoy our freedom, and yes, play a lot more pickleball.
Downsizing: Because Who Really Needs All This Stuff?
One of the most significant changes in our journey is downsizing. We’re trading our spacious LA home for a cozier space in Austin, Texas. Over the years, we’ve accumulated a lot of stuff, but now it’s time to simplify. Downsizing not only gives us a sense of peace but also frees us up to be more nomadic—a lifestyle we’re excited to embrace.
Preparing for the Great Escape
Before you imagine us already sipping sangria on a beach in Spain, let me clarify—we’re still in the thick of planning and preparing. We have a house to sell, belongings to purge (anyone need a barely-used stationary bike?), and a business to relocate.
There’s also the critical task of ensuring our daughter feels supported during this transition. She may be leaving the nest, but we want her to know she always has a home with us, whether in Austin or wherever our travels take us. We’re also encouraging her to consider studying abroad, believing that international experiences are truly life-changing.
What’s Next? Who Knows! But It’s Going to Be Awesome
This next chapter is full of unknowns, and that’s what makes it exciting. We’re eager to discover new places, meet new people, and embrace the opportunities that come our way. And we’ll be sharing every step of our journey with you right here on Nest to Nomad. Whether you’re interested in travel tips, lifestyle changes, or just want to follow along with our adventures, we hope you’ll join us.
Final Thoughts: Stop Hedging
If there’s one thing we’ve learned as we’ve entered our 50s, it’s that life is too short to play it safe. So, we’re diving in headfirst, ready to take on this next chapter with enthusiasm, a sense of adventure, and maybe a little bit of tequila.
We want to encourage all of you out there who are standing at the crossroads of midlife to take the plunge too. Whether it’s moving across the country, starting a new business, or finally taking that trip you’ve always dreamed of—don’t be afraid to make bold decisions for yourself. Your 50s are the perfect time to start thinking about what’s next, and we’re here to remind you that it’s never too late to create the life you want. You deserve it!
So, here’s to the journey ahead. We’re ready to embrace the unknown, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.