I moved to Chicago to be a comedian. It didn't work out, so after 5 years, I moved back in with my mom in Milwaukee.

CJ Darnieder moved to Chicago with big dreams.

Courtesy of CJ Darnieder

• I moved to Chicago in late 2019 as an aspiring comedian but it didn't work out.
• After a series of unfortunate events, from multiple breakups to my dad's passing, I left Chicago.
• I moved back in with my mom in Milwaukee in February. I feel sad and dejected, but remain grateful.

"You can always move back if it doesn't work out!"

I resented this response whenever I'd say I was moving to Chicago to become a comedian.