My corporate job and big-city life made me feel anxious and drained, so I left it all behind to move to a remote cottage in the woods

• Taylor Yates, 27, felt drained and burned out from living in a city and being surrounded by people. 
• In 2021, she and her boyfriend decided to move to live in a rural cottage in the woods. 
• While there are some things she misses about living in the city, she doesn't regret her decision.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Taylor Yates, 27, a TikTok creator who moved from Toronto to live in a rural cottage in the woods. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Growing up in Toronto, I always knew I wanted to move out of the city.