Moving from Florida to Tennessee was a personal choice more than a business one. As I mentioned in a previous blog, there are things I no longer wanted to do and new directions I wanted to take in both my work and personal life. I think we all reach a point where we need to rethink our priorities – how we manage our jobs, our personal lives, and what truly matters to us.
For my wife and me, one big reason for moving was to be closer to family. One of our children lives just a few hours away, and that was important to us. At the same time, we wanted to live somewhere that would fit our lifestyle a place with outdoor activities, cooler weather, and all four seasons. Chattanooga, Tennessee had everything we were looking for.
From a work perspective, this move was also a great opportunity. I will continue to work with clients in Florida and expand my practice in Tennessee by meeting new divorce professionals, growing my network, and taking a fresh approach to my practice. This felt like the right step for me at this stage of my life – a chance to embrace change, while still doing what I love.
How People Have Reacted to My Work
Since moving to Tennessee, I have met neighbors and other professionals, and their reaction to my work has been very positive. Many people don’t realize that Divorce Financial Specialists (CDFA®) exist, so I get the chance to explain how I help people through their divorce.
These conversations have also helped me connect with local family law professionals. Learning about their work, why they chose Chattanooga, and how they help their clients has been great. I am excited to explore ways we will work together to make the divorce process better for everyone involved.
Finding Peace in a New Place
One thing I did not expect but really appreciate about living here is a sense of peace. In Florida, I always had to think about the weather – whether storms would affect my plans or if I needed to make extra preparations for meetings or travel. In Tennessee, the weather is not a constant worry, and life feels more relaxed.
Beyond that, there is something special about this place. I love watching the hawk that lands in my backyard, listening to the birds in the nearby marsh, and sitting on my porch in the warm afternoon sun. It reminds me how important it is to slow down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the moment.
I think this is something that anyone going through a big life change – whether it’s moving, switching jobs, going through a divorce, or dealing with a loss – can relate to. Taking the time to pause, sit quietly, and to be present can be helpful.
For me, this move was not just about changing locations. It was about finding a place that fits the life I want to live. Chattanooga, Tennessee feels like the perfect choice.
Change can be an opportunity to intentionally take some time for yourself, to sit quietly, to look and to listen. There is something special about that and that is what I was looking for. I was looking for a change, and I was looking for less conflict. So far, this environment just seems to offer that on a personal level for me.
If you are thinking about making a change or find change “suddenly being thrust upon you”, reach out and let’s talk about how that process can be less stressful, less costly, with you hopefully ending up with a more desirable, doable, and durable outcome. My email address is: david@sandoakdivorcesolutions.com and my new office number is: (423) 305-6185. Happy to chat for 30 minutes. That first call is on me.
