moving to torquay from Birmingham PLEASE HELP!

[Billie123]

Hi Guys!

I'm currently living in Birmingham in a run down council flat with my daughter, The past few years have been a nightmare for me, I have no friends and no job and I have been depressed crying my eyes out for years feeling somethings missing, I recently went on holiday with my mum and daughter to Torquay/Paington to recover from my illness (lost twins and hemorrhaged twice) for the weekend and we met up with a friend on my mums who lives in Paington, I told her friend I'm fed up of living in Bham with no hope of a job and I really enjoy the slow paced atmosphere in Torquay, I feel depressed in Birmingham as I am not like the loud in your face people and fast paced lifestyle and my mums friend has offered to let me live with her in Paington with my little girl until I get a job and my own private home if I wanted to, I JUMPED for the chance. I just needed advice of people who have done the same thing or something similar or even people from down south who could give me there opinion. I'm only 23 and giving up my council flat is a big thing to me as I'm scared as Its a permenent home for my little girl but I want better for her and I want to escape from our lifestyle here and I know there's loads of work down torquay/paington that I would enjoy like waitress work and hotel work. I just wondered if people think I would be doing something I would regret or should I just go for it...Any advice (Pros/Cons) welcome....I just sit in my flat thinking ' am i crazy to do this' or ' Your young and go where you feel happy' ....I am scared of leaving my family behind but...They would have a free holiday with me when they need it which makes me feel quite proud.

Thanks Guys!!!

I love torquay we want to move there permanently too. Lots of luck!

Firstly, I don't blame you for wanting to move. I was born in Paignton, we moved to Cheshire when I was 3 but spent most summer holidays and Christmases staying in Torquay with my Grandparents.
However, the type of work you mention may be seasonal as obviously it is a very touristy area and a lot quieter in the winter months. Also, I would ask how well you know your mums friend? Seeing them over coffee is a lot different to living with them full time. I would certainly recomend a trial visit before you commit yourself, in case you drive each other batty.
How much space would you and your daughter have to yourselves? If you did decide to go ahead I would make sure you and your mum's friend are both very clear about timescales, eg are you staying for a few weeks, months, a year. Also how much you would be contributing to rent, bills etc. You would also need to find out how any benefits you are claiming would be affected.
Before you give up your council flat it might be worth checking if you could do a swap, eg with someone who wants to move to Birmingham (I believe there are websites dedicated to helping with this).
What ever you decide, good luck.