In today’s world, flexibility has become a key advantage. More and more people choose a lifestyle that involves constant movement between two cities — due to work, family, or personal circumstances. Freelancers, project workers, and those working on rotation schedules often balance between two (and sometimes more) locations. As noted by the Baltimore Chronicle editorial, this lifestyle opens new opportunities but also carries risks for emotional burnout.
What does it mean to live in two cities and why is it becoming more popular?
Living in two cities is not just about traveling. It is a lifestyle where a person constantly switches between two locations: for example, one week working in Kyiv, and the next in Lviv. Often, such a lifestyle is dictated by work (project-based, rotation, freelance), family obligations, or a personal desire to have different environments for living and working.
Reasons for the growing popularity of this approach include:
- Flexibility of freelancing
- High housing costs in one city
- The possibility to combine comfort and career
- Psychological need for environmental changes
- Working in multiple markets or with several teams
The main challenges of living between two cities
Living in two cities is not just freedom. It also presents challenges related to logistics, emotional stability, and productivity.
1. Constant planning and organization
Successful life between two locations requires a systematic approach:
- Clear travel planning
- Organizing housing in both cities
- Buying tickets in advance
- Managing two calendars
2. Fatigue and burnout
Constant change of environment may contribute to emotional instability:
- Sleep problems due to new conditions
- Disruption of routines (food, exercise, sleep)
- Social isolation or fragmented communication
3. Expenses and budget
Relocations entail additional costs:
- Travel expenses
- Renting two living spaces
- Double utility and everyday costs
How to organize work between cities: freelance and projects
1. Setting up a workspace in both locations
To be productive in any city, it’s important to have a minimal setup:
- Laptop with all configurations
- Reliable internet
- Headphones, chargers, adapters
- Backup copies of documents in the cloud
2. Flexible schedule — the key to stability
It’s useful to create:
- A calendar agreed with clients
- Time slots for Zoom/Teams meetings
- Days for offline work and days for mobility
3. Ability to delegate
If you manage a team or work with subcontractors:
- Delegate routine tasks
- Use CRM systems
- Assign responsible persons during your absence
Psychological aspects: how not to burn out
1. Maintaining rituals and routines
Even on the move, it’s important to have stable elements:
- Morning coffee in a favorite mug
- Training three times a week
- Evening rest without gadgets
2. Supporting social connections
Social support is important for burnout prevention:
- Constant contact with friends
- Attending events even in a new city
- Online communities to share experiences
3. Controlling stress levels
It’s worth monitoring your condition:
- Practice mindfulness
- Keep a mood diary
- Don’t hesitate to consult a psychologist
Comparison table: living in one city vs living in two cities
| Criterion | One City | Two Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Expenses | Lower | Higher |
| Flexibility | Limited | High |
| Logistics | Minimal | Complex |
| Social connections | Stable | Fragmented or expanded |
| Stress level | Depends on routine | Depends on adaptability |
| Development opportunities | Local | Multi-option |
Life hacks for effective living in two cities
- Always have a “go-bag” with basic items
- Use online documentation for everything
- Track transport bonuses and cashback
- Arrange your schedule to avoid peak travel times
- Keep expense records in apps
When to stop and reconsider your lifestyle
Living in two cities is not for everyone. If you notice:
- Constant fatigue without recovery
- Problems communicating with loved ones
- Decreased productivity
- Indifference to work
… it’s time to pause and rethink your balance. Sometimes returning to stability is not defeat but a strategy to preserve yourself.
Earlier we wrote about why to-do lists don’t work and what to do instead.