The Young and the Restless

While our reasons may differ, we have all felt the urge to leave Salzburg at one point or another. For me it’s probably a little bit different than for many other students, though.
We came to Salzburg from all over Austria (some even from beyond the Austrian borders) and many cannot wait to get back home or feel homesick at times. However, I think of Salzburg as my home now.
No, it’s not because I grew up here, if that is what you are thinking. I’m actually from a town called Ried in Upper Austria. However, my mother did live in Salzburg for quite some time and my parents still have many friends here. I already was very famliliar with the city long before I started studying here.
Another reason why I feel at home in Salzburg is that my parents moved into a new house right after I finished high school. Whenever I go back "home" I feel more like a guest (even though I have my own room and all) because I have no childhood memories associated with the house.
Also, Ried seems to have become very small and it seems that I have "outgrown" it.
I don’t know what to do anymore when I’m at home. My school friends are scattered across Austria and many of them already work regular jobs, living their lives somewhere else. We usually meet up someplace that is convenient for everyone. So my social life has also shifted to Salzburg.
I know that your home is always supposed to be your home. You know, the old saying about having "roots and wings" and all that. I usually find it pretty easy to make my home wherever I go, taking my roots with me. Maybe this is because I have always moved around a lot. I attended four different high schools (one of them was a boarding school) and I even spent one year abroad in Kilkenny, Ireland. However, you won’t hear me complaining because I like it that way. I have always been restless and get bored rather quickly.
Maybe it’s also because my family is not originally from Austria. My family is actually from Italy and my grandparents – after a lot of moving around – finally settled in Austria, in Ried of all places. You see, restlessness is definitely a family trait.

However, even Salzburg has gotten smaller lately. It’s seems like the closer I get to the end of my studies the more impatient I’m growing to leave Salzburg. But where to?
Going back to Ried is not an option for me. Also the thought of getting a job after finishing university and staying in Salzburg sends chills down my spine and I get all claustrophobic (so does the thought of any "permanent" situation).
Anyways, I definitely want to go someplace new. I like "new"; meeting new people, not knowing your way around and all that. I like the feeling of not knowing where you might end up. A lot of people usually don’t understand that, because they like living in a solid circle of friends and family. It’s not like I get bored with people, but more with certain situations and daily routines.

After thinking a lot about what I want from the future and where I want my future to be I’ve decided to take it as it comes. After finishing university I will just see where life leads me. Hopefully far away. What do you think? Do you feel the urge to leave Salzburg or even Austria? If yes, why?