Last week I was in NYC for several days to celebrate the launch of a game-changing new book, The Work Revolution by Julie Clow. I have gotten to know Julie through the process of the book launch, and both her ideas and her influence in my life have been life changing…but don’t worry, the book review is coming soon!
The last time I was in NYC it was a rough experience. At 19, I’d never been to a city like that before and found it totally overwhelming- plus I was in a large tourist group, so it wasn’t the intimate exploration of one of the city I’d hoped for.
This time around I fell in love NYC: Head over red-soled heels in love.
I realize I was in “vacation mode,” not every day can be spent roaming coffee shops & picking out celebratory champagne, but oddly, I felt at home. I did most of my work from a local coffee shop and spent the days roaming the busy streets of Manhattan. I felt grounded and excited- despite the hustle and bustle I was ready to dive in.
Being in New York for those few days was a game changer- it illustrated the big “what ifs” that I’ve been attempting to ignore. Not only was I hanging out with the amazing Jenny Blake and phenomenal Julie Clow who are total inspirations, but I was able to maintain my workload from a coffee shop in between roaming the nooks and crannies of Manhattan- a dream come true. My days were spent hopping from shops to salons to restaurants to the book launch party. I was in heaven. Even when I got lost on the crazy streets, I felt I knew exactly where I was going.
I’m at a weird part in my life. I just launched my own business, Cake Mix Media for social media consulting and I blog. As of now, my work is location independent. Additionally, in less than 30 days I will be done with my Master’s Degree. My lease will be up soon and I have absolutely no plans.
No plans, no defining ties and nothing to hold me back or push me forward except for an infatuation with a city most warn is too tough, too expensive and too crazy busy. No matter what I choose from this point forward, there’s no returning to what I was a year ago.
What is tripping me up a bit is the worry that I won’t be able to cut it financially as I build my own business, but I’m willing to make sacrifices. I’m also worried about the message it sends- my amazing family has always invited me back to the west coast if I should choose to return after grad school ends next month… but part of me feels horrible that I’m sending the message that “Shannyn’s really not coming home.” I know they’ll be supportive (again, amazing family), but there’s the guilt, the worry and the sadness I’ll miss out on things. I suppose the only thing I can do is to promise to do well financially so I can make flying home a frequent priority!
I’ve considered several other cities- Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Dallas. I think eventually I’d happily settle there to start a family or follow opportunity, but if at this moment the only opportunities I find are the ones I actively create, why not go to New York City?
I don’t have a reason to go more than I don’t have a reason not to.
The move scares me a bit. Finding a neighborhood and a place to rent that’s affordable but conducive to my needs (pug friendly, privacy for recording vlogs, good neighborhood, close to a Trader Joe’s- ya right!).
If why not is the only thing you're hearing, you should go for it!
If you come to NYC, then we'll be able to hang out!
Hurray. 😀
I'd move to NY in a heartbeat if I could. So I would move and somehow make it work. I feel exactly the same about the city as you do: love it!! We're here at the moment (on holiday) and already I don't want to go home. 🙂
Manhattan is obviously the most expensive borough, but you can find semi-reasonable rents up in Inwood, or out in Brooklyn, and still be just a subway ride away from Midtown. Or come here to North Jersey and you could be a 15-minute PATH ride away (with cheaper costs). Good luck with your decision!
I know Jenny Blake! That's so funny. I think the human race has incredibly good intuition and you should follow that. If you love NY and it's calling your name, then go for it (although Chicago is amazing too!). You know what's right in your gut.
I am in the exact same boat as you. I would move in a heart beat. When are you ever going to have to ability to do what you want to do without worrying about kids, family again?
This is so exciting, and like you said – you can do it as an experiment. 2 years tops. If you are struggling, there is always ways to find part-time work. But I have faith in you, and this is your chance of a lifetime. Do what your heart wants and MOVE! 🙂
love your post I do have more to add https://vacationrentalsreview.org Kevin
I can completely understand this. While I’ve never been to NYC yet, I have definitely fallen in love with it. The more I learn about it, the more it feeds my creative soul. The expensive rents do worry me, although I wouldn’t mind living further out at first and taking the train in… or living in a mini apartment closer in would be fine too. I just want to be there!!