You’ve seen the Hallmark movie: A big-city girl with a fancy career goes back to her small hometown for the holidays. She falls in love — both with the place’s quirks and her former high school sweetheart. Eventually, she gives up the fast-paced corporate life to run a charming bookstore on Main Street and live happily ever after.

This scenario might be fictional, but some weary workers who’ve grown tired of the rat race have actually made that dream come true. These big moves aren’t without challenges — a retail or farm job requires more financial instability and physical labor, for instance, while a move to a remote area may mean building a community from scratch.

But it can also stem from corporate burnout , offer a flexible schedule, and create a more meaningful life. It can ev

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