View outside 30 Rock
People ask if it was hard to pack up and move to a new city for my new job. The short answer is “No, it wasn’t.” Although I have amazing friends in Michigan, I had been unemployed for a long time and was fortunate enough to find a job opportunity in Baltimore that was even better than the job I had been laid off from ten months prior.
So on paper, the decision was an obvious one. But I knew that I was going to need to learn to keep in touch with family and friends better than I had before because I was further away from all of them. Just as importantly, I wanted to make sure that I get closer to the friends I have made primarily online, namely those of you reading this blog. You all will be my life support as I gain more face to face friends here in the area.
Two weeks ago, I was able to meet my best friend that I know only online in real life in New York city. She was an amazing tour guide and even nicer in person than online! I had a really great weekend and I am so glad that we have connected. It’s amazing how social media allows you to meet people with whom you have so much in common and yet have never met because they live so far away. The thing that surprised me most about that weekend, however, was the overwhelming feeling of calm that I had Sunday morning walking back from my hotel.
When I walked down the avenue through some random neighborhood in Brooklyn, I had an overwhelming feeling that everything was going to be OK. It was a different feeling than I have experienced in a long time. Being without a job can wear you out mentally. You put on a brave face and do your best to network, scour the internet and cut your bills. But, in the back of your head, you are constantly pushing yourself to work harder. During unemployment, weeks and sometimes months go by with no tangible results other than a phone log of dead-end job leads.
But the feeling today was different. I had found easily the best omelet I have ever eaten at a corner diner, the sun was shining without a cloud in the sky, and I was on my way to see one of my good friends, whom I hadn’t met in person until the day before. There was so much possibility around me, not only in the row homes in the neighborhood, but shown in people’s faces. It was a neighborhood full of hipster t-shirts and designer dog food being sold from vans parked on the sidewalk. Much of the thriving cityscape was foreign to me, something I hadn’t seen since I was in Chicago.
For the first time, I felt like everything was going to be ok. I was now among the employed and no longer had to think about the next time I would have to ask my parents for money. The information about whether my car payment was on the 7th or the 8th of the month was no longer relevant to me because I now was sure I had enough money to cover it. Grocery store trips were no longer stressful because I knew that my debit card wouldn’t be declined and I wouldn’t have to deduct items from the bill while people behind me in line grew impatient.
In the center of the picture is the Statue of Liberty from my view in Brooklyn.
Just then, waiting for the street signal to tell me I can cross, I look to my right and see the Statue of Liberty. The statue must be miles away and looks minuscule from my point of view but her shape is unmistakable, shining from her location in the water near the city. This is the first time that I have been to New York city, so this is the closest that I have been to the statue in person and I am surprised by how shiny it is from this far away.
“Things are going to work out,” I tell myself again. Then I notice that the signal has changed and continue my journey down the avenue with an ear to ear smile.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello! Ben, we have not even met online, but I have heard many wonderful things. First off, I agree – Sam is even nicer in life than online!
Second of all, I am so glad you had a good time in NYC. It is my home city and hearing it described from a newcomer’s eyes was really powerful. I even almost stood with my mouth open when I read that you had never been to NY before – awesome that you finally made it!!!
The city is 100% my favorite place on earth because of the scene that you eloquently described. I really feel that there is something calming and settling about the chaos, especially when you are facing internal changes or chaos yourself.
At the risk of being redundant, I must add that Sam does rule!
Also, it’s so lovely to see that you’re happy about your decision to move. I agree, unemployment is a huge drain, especially emotionally.
Good luck with your new adventure in life
@Beth – Ha, Sam’s awesome, right?
I heard you two were able to meet up last weekend. It’s great stuff, the city bringing people together and all. You are right, it is pretty crazy that I had never been there at some point in my life, especially since I have been to several big cities on the west coast. However, my first time there was awesome and I plan on getting back soon.
Your comment about the chaos being peaceful is exactly how I feel. Having gone to a huge university, I have gotten accustom to that chaos and the suburbs bore me if I am there too long. I loved that about New York City, there was so much going on everywhere we went, lots of stories and people to watch. Thanks for the comment, Beth, and I am glad to hear most of what you heard about me was wonderful.
@Mehnaz – I definitely am happy with my decision to move, I think this adventure will definitely pay off in the end. After being unemployed for so long, it is definitely a relief to finally be somewhere somewhat permanently.
Thanks for the comment, and third vote that Sam rules.
Geez guys, you’re making me blush!! Seriously though, thank you all for your kind words! Ben, it was totally awesome to meet you too, and I’m glad you had such a fun, fulfilling first trip to NYC. Moving is always difficult to a certain degree, and being in a new place where you don’t know anyone is pretty intimidating at first. But, you also have the opportunity for a fresh start, and it seems like you’re making the most out of your new life in Baltimore. So, kudos to you
Just the thought of living in a place/city away from what you’re use to and from you family sounds pretty scary. I know how you feel though. I felt the same way when I move here, in Baltimore. I knew no one. Came winter, I wanted to go back to P.R where it was warm, where “home” was. But as soon as I met my puertorrican friend/sister/supervisor, I felt back home. She made it feel that way. I also had a feeling of calm. Ahh, doesn’t it feel nice and warm inside? I give kuddos to you. The boldness you have/had to move out of your comfort zone, make a change, through youself out there. Plus, being so certain about it all, knowing you were un-employed.
I admire you more and more each day. I can’t wait to meet you! Maybe one day, we could both take a trip so I can meet Sam. She sounds so awesome by what you’ve told me and others. Refreshing post.
PS. You’re still a dork
@Sam – Ha, the kind words are all deserved. I had a great time in NYC, as can be seen from this post. Moving to a new area is definitely an intimidating thing, but I seem to be able to pull myself out of my comfort zone daily, immersing myself in everything Baltimore. Thanks for the comment!
@Chelia – Thanks for the kind words. We will definitely have to meet up, especially since we both live in the same city! Although I am used to the winter, it definitely is harder to get used to an area when cold outside. I am looking forward to seeing how the city changes when it starts to get warm. It sounds like we have a similar story having moved from a completely different area to start new in Baltimore. It’s great that you were able to meet people here who make it feel like home. It doesn’t feel quite like home yet, but every day I get a little bit closer to that feeling with the help of my new friends here on the east coast. Things have been great so far, which makes me very excited at what the future might bring! 2010 should be a great year.
Hey Ben – sounds like you and Sam had a great time! I’m looking forward to us meeting sometime soon, either in Baltimore or Philly!
You made the right decision and I’m glad you chose this opportunity. It’s going to be a great year for you, and welcome to the east coast!
@Rich – I definitely had a good time with Sam. It’s kind of funny, I’ve become friends with a lot of people on the east coast even before I moved out here, and now it is really easy to meet face to face with a lot of you. That is definitely something else that tells me I have chosen the right opportunity. I had a bit of friends already developed out here without even living here. Thanks for the comment, I am looking forward to meeting you as well!