Over the past several years I had always told myself that one day I'd like to live in a geographic location other than New York for some period of time. I always told myself I'd go live in London for a year or two, even living on the west coast was an idea that I had always toyed with.
Now, as I approach the end of the summer, I've been weighing out my career options more and more. My primary goal thus far has been to maximize my opportunities, which would entail staying in NY. In my selected career, remaining a New Yorker would essentially offer the highest probability of becoming successful. New York is the business capital of the world, after all.
Then, two days ago the thought of moving to California crossed my mind again. This time, however, it wasn't just an idea that I was contemplating - this time it hit me like an epiphany. For the past two days, all I've been able to think about is jumping ship to the other coast. I'm obsessed, infatuated with the prospect of throwing myself into a completely new environment. I was literally on Craigslist ten minutes ago looking at apartments in the LA area before I decided that I needed to express my thoughts on here.
With this flash of insight, however, also came a pang of sorrow. I'm sad because I know this isn't an issue of if I leave NY, it's a matter of when. As soon as everything became ever clear to me, I also realized that NY has been my home for my entire life. I have great friends, family, and memories here. It's hard to imagine living so far away from the place I grew up, and it's a thought that has kept me solemn over the past two days. Even in two days time, this is becoming something that I am starting to struggle with, because deep down I know how I want the next few years of my life to play out, and that plan doesn't include New York...
The future is and always will be uncertain. I can't plan and account for everything that comes my way, and for all I know, I may never make it to Cali. One thing I can be sure of, however, is that I'm going to make the next few years in NY count, big time.
First off, it's impressive that you've put this much time and energy toward planning for your future. So many people act on impulse because it is easier and more satisfying in the short-term. By gathering the facts and analyzing your feelings, you have set yourself up to make a calculated decision that I can only assume will benefit you in the long run.
ReplyDeleteAs for the aspect of "change," just make sure you know what you're getting into. The conclusion of higher education and transfer into the independent job market is itself one of the most shocking, awakening changes you're likely to encounter in your lifetime. The location of that change may not be so important. What I mean is, you will thrive as you struggle to accept this new challenge, but that new challenge is not necessarily a destination. That is not to say that you shouldn't have a destination in mind.
If you cannot overcome this idea that you need to relocate, perhaps talking with others who have done the same would be of some help. Take up an honest interest in their life story, and try to analyze how their decision to move has helped and how it has hurt. The surprising thing about other people's lives, even those which are drastically different from your own, is that you can always find some relevance. My experience is strictly limited to the "running away" theme, which may or may not be so helpful. Though I can say this: you will never escape your past no matter how fast and no matter how far you run. It all comes down to covering it up, if you want to. And remember that we live in a social environment! Losing sight does not necessitate losing contact.
There is too much that I cannot say, mostly because of that old saying...something about the best answer coming from within you. But you should talk it over with those who matter most, especially if you haven't already. : ) The more your brain has to think on this problem, the more clear the solution will become.
I hope your next few years are as memorable as mine aught to be!
Thank you so much for your insights!
ReplyDeleteI am aware of how drastic the change from college to the real world is, but my internship over the summer gave me a glimpse of what working is like, so I'd like to think that I already have some of the tools needed to "survive" the change. That being said, you are absolutely right, the challenge itself shouldn't be the destination. When I read that I honestly had to think to myself if that's what I am doing. I don't think I currently have a destination in mind, but you can be sure I'll be thinking about this for the next few days.
As for talking to other people who have done similar things/have experienced the West Coast, I've already talked to many people with differing opinions. Some people have told me to push on and commit to my move while others have told me to stick to NY. In the end, my decision remains the same. I'm not running away from anything in New York, it's just that California is where I want to be.
I hope that wonderful things await you in the years to come =]