Everyone is guilty of wanting a bite of the delicious Big Apple, and I am no exception. I came from Amsterdam, the capital of Netherlands. My city has a vibrant culture, laced with dreamy canals, and breathtaking architecture. Everywhere you look, you’ll see people on bicycles, sipping coffee at a cozy cafe, socializing with friends over good food and great wine, and a flock of tourists just exploring the city and visiting museums.
It’s mostly relaxed and peaceful; you might say it is perfect. But it wasn’t for me. I want to be in the center of a city that never sleeps. This is why I decided to move to New York City.
As a journalist, one can expect that I am in constant pursuit of knowledge, happiness, and new and exciting experiences. Something that I believe, I can find in New York City. Without hesitation, I packed my bags and moved to live a new life in a big city that exudes so much energy.
Here are some of the things I have learned and discovered when I moved to New York.
It is nothing like the movies
Like most women my age, I grew up watching Sex and the City. But I realized, it is nothing like the movies or the TV series. It is so much more.
New Yorkers are generally friendly people but can be impolite and impatient at times
A few days here and some people already call me by different nicknames. I have to get used to being called Ems or Emy instead of Emily. I can freely ask around for directions or food recommendations. However, because it is a busy city, you can also expect some people to be impolite and impatient.
I have to work multiple jobs
People from around the world and in all walks of life dream of living in this beautiful city, but to tell you honestly, it is not all rainbows and butterflies. Rent is expensive. You have to do everything that you can to survive. I work for an online magazine but I need an extra gig for extra cash. So I work as a part-time writer for a writing service company.
It is not for the faint heart
For a city that is very crowded, it can be really lonely. Since most people work multiple jobs, it is quite hard to catch up. Everyone’s got somewhere to be, moving like they are late, and everyone has a schedule to follow.
If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere
The competition is tough in this city. If you are able to get the career that you want, you are very lucky.
I admit I miss the laid-back life in Amsterdam, but I believe the challenges of living in this city will help shape me and make me stronger. The longer I stay, the more resilient I will become.