Leaving meant falling in love with my hometown again

I left Canberra for many reasons. While it has always been my hometown, there came a point when it felt too small. I needed space, both personally and professionally.

I wanted a fresh start and to grow my business in a larger market. Melbourne, with its thriving culture and opportunities, seemed like the perfect place to do that.

Melbourne turned out to be an incredible place to live.

The food scene is second to none, with endless choices from cafes to fine dining.

The sports culture is electric, and the city buzzed with creativity, from music to theatre to art.

It offered easy access to beaches, mountains and wineries, so there was always something new to explore.

More than anything, Melbourne’s people were engaging and welcoming. I met individuals from all walks of life, from artists and entrepreneurs to musicians and yoga instructors – all sorts of people who lived with passion and drive.

That diversity expanded my worldview and changed me for the better, but something was missing.

My family was back in Canberra, and I wanted to be close to them. It is home.

My daughter recently had her first child and I became a grandfather, which led to the overwhelming realisation, “What am I doing in Melbourne?”

So, I packed my bags and returned to my hometown.

Coming back, I’ve rediscovered what makes Canberra special.

While Melbourne has its vibrancy, Canberra offers a sense of balance.

It, too, has an incredible quality of life, beautiful natural surroundings, access to mountains and snowfields, a rich history and an arts scene.

But life here is also easygoing, with less congestion and more space to breathe. It’s a city where everything is within reach, yet you never feel trapped.

And, the joy of finding those things quintessentially Canberran, once again. Kingsley’s Chicken, Spitshack, Goodberries and more. And now I wonder why, when I was younger, I did not visit our museums and galleries or spend more time on walks in the many hills surrounding our town.

On the business front, one of the biggest contrasts I’ve noticed is how businesses operate in Canberra compared to Melbourne.

Melbourne is competitive and fast-paced, requiring relentless networking and hustle. It’s a city of opportunities but also risks, where you’re constantly pushing to stay ahead.

In Canberra, business is built on relationships and trust. To be successful, you need to dive into the city’s culture, take time to meet with customers, really get to know what they need, earn their trust and do business ethically.

With a strong public service presence, there’s a level of stability here that doesn’t exist in Melbourne. While this can sometimes slow innovation, it also creates a solid foundation, allowing businesses to grow at a sustainable pace.

That stability is a huge advantage.

In Melbourne, business owners often face intense pressure to scale quickly, which can lead to burnout or missteps.

In Canberra, you have the chance to build something meaningful and lasting. The community is supportive, and the connections you make here are genuine.

So, if you’re feeling tired of Canberra, if it’s starting to feel too small or too familiar, do consider stepping away for a while.

Go and experience life in a bigger city, immerse yourself in new challenges, and see what the world has to offer.

But don’t be surprised if, like me, you find yourself drawn back. Canberra has a way of reminding you why it’s home.

Guy Earnshaw is head of recruitment at Really Awesome People.

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