For me, the city of New York is more than just a city. It's home.

Actually, New York State as a whole is my home, even if it gets a reputation as a challenging state to live in (and with a population that seems to stagnate). Some might ask why I choose to stay here.

I had a temporary job assignment terminated last week, and initially I was upset. However, it was both a relief (as it was not a good situation) and an opportunity. One door closed, but a door I really wanted to open opened in a way I did not expect. For months, three of my good friends in the city (and these three guys I consider uncles, not just good friends) have been convincing me to come back to the Big Apple.

Here's some reasons why I've made the move:

-My life is in the city: An organization I am very close with, my friends, and a few family members are closer to the city than to the Catskills. While I love the Catskills for its beauty (and the artistic community that is there), I'm a little more of a city person, despite not being a fan of city noise and the crowds.

-No need for a car: As my car continues to age, I can save money and either put it towards a new car or fix the one I have (which to be honest are both expensive propositions).

-Better job prospects: Finding work in the Hudson Valley, outside of retail, government, and healthcare is difficult. When I was in the city, I had a stable job that while not perfect, I made it work. Furthermore, the unpredictable weather where I was living made commuting a challenge.

-Better dating prospects: I like to date, and while I'm probably not ready for another relationship (both financially and emotionally), I'd like to work towards that. The problem is that single people in their twenties are a rare breed in the Catskills and certain parts of the mid-Hudson Valley. As a result, opportunities are few and far between.

If I have to end a bad year on a good note, let it be this one. I've heard the saying for years that every cloud has a silver lining. In my case, the city is my silver lining. Sometimes, we need to put ourselves first, and in my case, moving was just that.