Do you feel fulfilled living in OC? Everyday feels the same (Santa Ana: 2013, earthquakes)

[PenguinsofAnt]

Coming from big cities and been studying abroad a few years, I finally settled down in OC for all the good reasons. I even lived with my aunt and uncle for several years back in 2010-2013. However, my life feels empty and unfulfilled now, feeling very very depressed. Not sure if it’s the city itself because I don’t find a lot of meaningful connections. I have a great job, a dog, and live alone. I feel like a retired munchkin.

[CorporateCowboy]

Originally Posted by PenguinsofAnt

Do you feel fulfilled living in OC? Everyday feels the same

Originally Posted by PenguinsofAnt

However, my life feels empty and unfulfilled now, feeling very very depressed. Not sure if it’s the city itself because I don’t find a lot of meaningful connections.

How is your ‘emptiness’ or depression relative to OC? Wherever you go, there you are.

[Dub D]

First off, location doesn't fix internal issues.

Second off, Orange County is so vague.

Living in Brea and Dana Point are very different lifestyles.

So if you want a beach lifestyle and you don't live near the beach...guess what I'm going to say?

[Norrov]

Don’t ask us, that’s on you.

I love living here in North OC. I like the quiet sleepy areas of YL and Anaheim Hills myself. If I want fun I can drive 20-40 mins and be there. When I get down on myself I go for a spin on my mountain bike. Helps a lot IMO. Always meet some nice folks on the trails.

Hope things get better for you

[Wile E. Coyote]

Refer to SNL "The Californians."

[kwong7]

I wouldn't say I feel fulfilled, but I enjoy life and building up a savings to take care of my in-laws. My OC-life revolves around enjoying Newport harbor, hiking through preserves, hanging out with friends and neighbors, taking care of our rescue dogs, spending a few hours at Disneyland with friends, and dining out at local favorite spots while trying a few new ones here and there.

Then we have our subscription to the Hollywood Bowl, Disney Concept Hall, our semi-annual roadtrip to Napa/Calistoga/Sonoma, and hoping on a plane for vacation. I wouldn't say that OC leaves any feelings of emptiness, but it does feel like a rat-race of folks trying to navigate the high cost of living. Personally I don't think a lot of people realize what's going on...they're just living in it and that I suppose can be the malaise or empty feeling you speak of.

[apple92680]

What would make it fulfilling?

Go volunteer to work for a non-profit or charity in Santa Ana!

Sometimes getting involved in the community can help to make life more fulfilling.

[TashaPosh]

Volunteer at the Laguna Canyon Foundation or somewhere that interests you. You can meet a lot of ppl & do something that really matters. BUT, also…you may want to talk to your doctor about a mental health assessment or referral. SoCal MH is a big deal. Good luck & welcome!

[Parnassia]

I'll take a slightly different tack here OP. While this doesn't really address the feeling of "fulfillment" (which IMHO is self driven, not imposed by one's environment), it does address the sense of sameness of everyday living. Seasonless weather. Not much variation during the year. Sure, somewhat hotter in summer cooler in winter, but for me it was very monotonous. Made it feel like time wasn't passing or that time was passing for every place outside OC. I felt left behind or stalled out. The dull consistency of the weather also made me feel like a retiree who has settled out of a more dynamic life and who only wants pleasant convenience for their remaining days instead of stimulating variation. Drove me nuts. I couldn't wait to get out and did.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

I'll take a slightly different tack here OP. While this doesn't really address the feeling of "fulfillment" (which IMHO is self driven, not imposed by one's environment), it does address the sense of sameness of everyday living. Seasonless weather. Not much variation during the year. Sure, somewhat hotter in summer cooler in winter, but for me it was very monotonous. Made it feel like time wasn't passing or that time was passing for every place outside OC. I felt left behind or stalled out. The dull consistency of the weather also made me feel like a retiree who wants pleasant convenience instead of dynamic change. Drove me nuts. I couldn't wait to get out and did.

I thought they were enjoying their rains, floods, record snow fall, wildfires, earthquakes and tornados (which seems like plenty of variety to me).