Q&A: Starting a Life in NYC

After graduating college in May of 2019, I knew I wanted to move back to New York City and pursue my career in fashion. However, there were so many questions spinning around in my head about decisions I would have to make in order to execute this dream, which led me to think that others must be having the same thoughts! Trying to reach as many people as I could, I posted an open-question forum on my Instagram story for my followers to pick my brain and ask me their most pressing questions.

In today's (and my first official) post, I'm thrilled to present those questions with my answers to you—in hopes that this will help someone who is deciding whether to make a similar leap.

Q: Was moving to a state you know with few/no people scary? Were you worried about your social life?

Honestly, I would be lying to you if I said no. I think under any circumstance it is a little intimidating to leave a place you know with people you love to almost start over again. We love our comfort blankets; but that's just it... Life isn't about staying comfortable. We need to get uncomfortable to learn what makes us comfortable. I love learning new things and especially new things about myself—kind of like college! You would have never experienced the things you did if you stayed home or met some of your best friends if you stayed in every night.

In the beginning, I was worried about my social life. But let me tell you, it is a very small world. You would be surprised at how many connections you actually have. Even in a city of 8.6 million people, you will know someone even through the slightest connection (I promise). Once I changed my location on my social platforms and started posting about living in New York, I had old friends and acquaintances reaching out to me almost every other month! They would reach out saying they were moving there or had already moved and wanted to get together. It just takes one person to send a message to get the exchange going.

Q: How do you afford rent, groceries and social activities living in NYC?

Before moving to New York, I created a budget for myself based on previous bills I paid in college and activities with friends on the weekends. That way, I could base my spending on something that felt realistic to me and adjust it with NY prices. That was just a rough draft, something to help me get an idea on how to spend responsibly while also having fun and exploring the city.

Then, (this is the most important part) I looked for jobs that one, I would love the work I do, and two, would pay me well. I told myself I couldn't accept anything below a certain number because I have bills to pay and a life to live. I wanted to find something that after I pay rent, utilities, student loans and groceries, I would have money left over for myself to put away and have fun with. This does not go to say that I am perfect by any means at following my own budget all the time. However I feel a written-out budget is very important to have when you live in an expensive city.

After I moved and started my new job, I kept track of how much I would spend through the week and on the weekends so I could pin-point where to cut back and put that into savings. The one rule I swear by is when eating out at restaurants, I try to only eat half the meal and save the other half for another meal! Not the most ideal—but hey, two meals for the price of one!

Q: How did you go about finding your apartment and roommates?

First I found my roommates, then the apartment. This way, you're able to ensure the people that you are living with have the same budget/living ideals as you.

I met my roommates through my childhood best friend. We all clicked really well off the bat and now, here we are living under the same roof! As far as apartments go, when I would fly myself out to NYC for interviews, I would set up apartment tours at the same time to knock both of those things out at once. Although this may not be possible for everyone, I can't emphasize how important it is that you physically view these apartments yourself before signing a lease! Pictures can be so deceiving on websites and apps. Find an area you feel comfortable walking from a subway station alone to your home at night, (this is not me condoning that at all, please stay safe).

Q: Was it a hard transition going from a smaller town to one of the biggest cities?

Yes and no.

No because I knew I wanted to make the transition and because I had lived and worked in NYC for an entire summer beforehand. I knew I could do it, and I was confident that I would love it again!

Yes because I will always be a Midwest Minnesota girl at heart. The horns and constant stimulation of the city gets to me and I often miss the silence and being in nature. To get the best of both worlds, I just make sure to set aside time to go on a hike in nature or get out of the city to somewhere new when I feel overwhelmed. That is how you will survive living in the big apple!

Q: Did you find your apartment first or your job?

I found my job first, then apartment. That helped me know how much I could spend monthly/ where in Manhattan I could afford to live.

Q: When searching for your jobs, what resources did you use and what one was the most helpful?

The websites I used in my job search were Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn and Business of Fashion. LinkedIn was by far the most helpful for me because I spent the most time on it (the minute I woke up until the minute I went to bed). If you are graduating from college soon, my advice to you would be network, network, network! And leave a good impression on everyone you meet.

Q: How do you get to and from work/move around the city?

Walking and the subways! Before officially moving, I sold my car (RIP to my Jeep LeBron) because I wanted the extra money. I also felt comfortable doing that because cars are expensive and the upkeep is a lot of work—and I can't imagine paying for parking in NYC. The subways are the way to go and they can take you anywhere you need to go! I love being able to take my time waking up in the morning and mentally prepare myself for the day on the train.

Another plus in taking the subways is that you get to see some very interesting people/things. One thing a lot of people may not know, if they have never been to the city before, is that everything is very close in proximity. Walking will get you a lot more places than expected—it also helps you exercise as well as scout out new restaurants and cafes to try.

Q: Are the people in NYC as mean as they say they are?

Depends on who you ask. New Yorkers are straight to the point and are used to living in a fast-paced environment. While they might come off as being impersonal and rude, I personally like the way New Yorkers think and live their lives!

Q: Are there a lot of rats?

Yes.

Q: Since you've already reached some of your career goals, what are your new goals?

First, I definitely had to take a step back and appreciate how far I have come and what I have already accomplished thus far. It's good to look at what goals you may have already achieved and give yourself time to feel good about it! I plan to stay in my current company (Tory Burch) for sometime and learn as much as I can. Since being at Tory, it has allowed me to meet some amazing people and I have truly fallen in love with the brand. I want to explore more of the company and see where my strengths lie.

When I feel it is time for me to start a new journey, I'm planning to take strides towards fashion publications. Ultimately, that's where I started my fashion career and where I hope to be next. In the mean time, I will keep busy growing in my current role as well as expand on my side hustles—like keeping up with my blog!

Thank you to those who submitted their questions and read today's post! I can't wait to produce more posts and get back to my new home in New York once the coronavirus slows its spreading.

I hope everyone stays safe and healthy! See you on my next post.

SRS