New York City. The greatest city in the world. Home to thriving industry, world-class entertainment and killer falafel. Every time I would visit with family, friends or go on a school trip, I would look up to the skyscrapers in amazement and silently tell myself, "I'm gonna live here someday."
And, for this past summer, that's just what I did.
Shortly after graduating from college, I started a marketing and digital media apprenticeship at a Broadway/Off-Broadway theater management office. I was right in the thick of it-- taking pictures of rehearsals and events, hanging out with actors and playwrights, making posts in conjunction with major Broadway ad agencies and of course, going to every musical and play possible.
And, to my great disbelief, I even did background acting in a major motion picture and performed in a cabaret on the Upper West Side.
In many ways, the whole experience was surreal. I never dreamed that I could be in the Big Apple living this life that I dreamed about for so long.
And yet...
Recently, I acquired a job upstate, and now I'm settling back in the North Country. As I reflect on my time as a "city boy," I find myself with first-hand experience that deserves some digital real estate. So for those of you who have preconceived notions about making it big in NYC, here are the pros and cons of living the glamorous life in "The City That Never Sleeps:"
Cons:
Prepare to sleep less.
New York City has that nickname for a reason, as can be expected with the non-stop traffic, public transportation, airplanes, boats and rickshaws. Residents in the Manhattan area are increasingly bombarded with noise, lights and weird people yelling at all hours of the day and night. Compounding the sleep issue is the limitless, and I do mean limitless, activities available 24/7. Without a terrible amount of planning, you will find yourself at this bar, that club, this show, that dumpling festival (not a lie, it's actually a thing. Look it up) which never finish early. And if you work normal business hours, this extends your day indefinitely into the late hours. So if you want to fall asleep early, best get yourself some earplugs and a night-mask.
Get used to "the commute."
I come from the kind of neighborhood where, if you can't walk or ride a bike, your destination is only a short car ride away. And carpooling is both fun and encouraged, because people enjoy the company of other human beings and acknowledge them as being worthy of affection. Music is played, scenery is enjoyed and everything is bliss.
And then I started riding the subway.
Besides the fact that the subway is basically an underground, fast-moving metal tube that accumulates heat, foul odors and lost dreams, it is one of the filthiest places to be in NYC. This is due to both the accumulation of track both on the platforms and on the tracks (which lead to track fires, as I found out). While there is no doubt that the MTA employees work tirelessly day in and day out, there are constant delays, train closures and technical issues that occur. And believe me when I say that, depending on where your train dumps you (or, more often, when you get off at the wrong stop), your arrival time will be vastly affected.
Manage your money well, or you won't have much.
When you live in the shopping Mecca of New York State, temptation is everywhere. Clothes. Tech. Comic books. Food from all cultures. Musical theater paraphernalia. Walking past storefront after storefront (and into a few) makes you forget how much you need to save in order to actually continue living. While at first shopping "here and there" may not hurt, it adds up quickly and can cause you financial stress when it comes time to pay rent or renew your MetroCard.
Pros:
Without a doubt, you will network.
One of the most amazing aspects of city life is the chance to connect with an incredibly diverse amount of people. Simply by attending a concert, going to a conference or grabbing a cup of coffee, you can meet people that will impact you in ways you would never imagine. I had this experience with people both professionally and personally, and it became one of the best parts of being in the city.
You're guaranteed to have at least one
life-changing experience.
If there is one thing New York City has, it's activities. And as the saying goes, "Half the battle is showing up." It's a proud example of the American dream- a place where people can work towards a chance of achieving their dreams and aspirations. The journey will take you through many ups and downs, for sure. But if you stay around long enough, you will go to one event, meet one person, have one audition that will alter your life forever.
Broadway.
Need I say more?
