If you grew up in a small rust belt town during the offshoring frenzy of the the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, you learned early that success (and maybe even survival) was predicated by your ability to get the heck out of dodge. We were told that if we studied hard, went to college, and moved away to one of the big cities we would be handsomely rewarded with glamorous jobs, fancy titles, rewarding careers, and big salaries.
I spent twenty years trying to get out of this place
I was looking for something I couldn’t replace
I was running away from the only thing I’ve ever known
Like a blind dog without a bone
I was a gypsy lost in the twilight zone
I hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold
And maybe this was true for a short while. But things have shifted drastically in the last 5 or so years. Nowadays, the big, faceless companies are squeezing their employees harder than ever, especially those in the tech and finance industries. It’s getting more and more expensive to live in those big cities, but our wages and buying power are dropping. And our dreams of making a real difference in the world are being shattered by anonymity and loneliness.
I been there, done that
But I ain’t looking back on the seeds I’ve sown
Saving dimes, spending too much time on the telephone
Who says you can’t go home?
Meanwhile, our small cities, towns, and villages are having a bit of a resurgence. New leadership models grounded in collaboration and a strong sense of community are gaining ground as are vibrant, diverse downtown areas.
Who says you can’t go home?
There’s only one place they call me one of their own
Just a hometown boy born a rolling stone
Who says you can’t go home?
Who says you can’t go back?
I been all around the world, and as a matter of fact
There’s only one place left I want to go
Who says you can’t go home?
It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright
Maybe it’s time to rethink success. Maybe it’s not about corner offices, big houses, green lawns, private schools, and country club memberships. Maybe it’s more about connection, free time to think, breathe, and contemplate, and building genuine relationships with the real, hard working people around you.
I went as far as I could
I tried to find a new face
There isn’t one of these lines that I would erase
I lived a million miles of memories on that road
With every step I take, I know that I’m not alone
You take the home from the boy
But not the boy from his home
These are my streets, the only life I’ve ever known
Who says you can’t go home?
If you’re ready to go home to reclaim your dreams, I want to work with you. Let’s uncover what builds you up, makes you whole, and brings purpose to your life. And then let’s find a way to get you back home where you can make a real difference.
A little inspiration (click to play):
nicolederr.com 