[willidiots]

Grew up rural, but spent a lot of my formative years on BBSes and this budding "Internet" thing.

Moved to SF, spent 20 years there, then moved back to the countryside because I was going to climb mountains instead of tech and breathe the fresh country air. Hiking and climbing was a great adventure but 5 years later I see that it wasn't the "solution" I was expecting it to be.

Sometimes I feel the way you're feeling; I miss the tech scene, the vibrance of the city. Other times, I feel great about the move. I know more people in this tiny town than I ever knew in the bay, and I feel more invested in the community's future. I've grown a lot through this change, and learned much that I'd never have learned in the bay.

I do wish we'd moved closer to my parents. Caring for them as they age is difficult from afar.

The grass is always greener, somewhat, and IMO the best "answer" is to make what you can from wherever you are. Don't be in a rush to force life's progress.