Entry Level Living

(Philadelphia) (NYC)

In about 3 months my internship will be over and I will be back where I was last year when I graduated from college: not sure where the hell I want to live or what I want to do.

As some of you may know I have a love-hate relationship with Philly. At the same time, while I miss NYC I’ve had enough unpleasant experiences to know that *the grass isn’t greener*…

So what should I do? What do you all think? No, Im not basing my decision off of this blog but it’s a helpful space for clearing my mind. And yeah yeah yeah I know I shouldn’t *generalize* but whatever—my experiences are my experiences and Im not going to search for exceptions to the rule to satisfy the need for a *balanced argument* (this is my life after all).

Philadelphia

PROS:

Smaller city = less competition. I have access to so much more in terms of professional development. For example, I am project coordinator at my organization. I have a budget and am in charge of designing and implementing curriculum for students. The skills that I am learning are useful, practical, and impressive considering I am only one year out of college.

Cheaper city. Virtually everything in terms of salaries and housing/living expenses is feasible. I can live on my own in this city and not go broke.

More room for independence. There are no family members here and while I am only 2 hours away from NYC no family members will come here. For some people, family never factors into their planning. However, it does for me as I am extremely close to them and often times realize that they could use my presence. This could, at the same time, lead to a stressful situation for me. Also, this is the city where I became an adult: where I did things that made ME happy. As a result I have strong friendships here. I’ll always be grateful for that.

CONS:

Filthy. I realize NYC aint the cleanest and our subways are notorious for filth. However, never in my life have I seen people actively destroy the city the way I have here. Literally, people will empty their trash cans into the street. And why is trash picked up once a week?

Horrible people (the attitudes are shocking for lack of a better word). If you find yourself having to interact with *the public* youll understand what I mean. Loud, crass, and horribly rude, ready to fight over the slightest offense.

Dull and depressing: How many murders to date? And how many unfulfilled promises? Ok, center city is about 10 blocks in radius. Is that all? Where is the black bohemia; the enclave of artists and activists? At this point angry black faces greet me more than happy ones. It’s difficult to live in a city where its main characteristic is its poverty and violence, not its progress, innovation, or creativity.
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New York City

PROS:

It’s familiar: It’s home. My family and most of my friends are here. I know how to get around, know what places and people to avoid, and know what’s fun. I have a built in social and professional network to assist me when needed and simply have fun with me. Since I’m still in the process of building myself up having the guidance of this network is extremely important to me.

When I’m there, Im sharper: Im more aware of my appearance and my actions in NYC. There is greater emphasis on being the best so I find myself always looking for the next big thing. This does wonders for me personally.

So much to do and learn: Even though I have my spots and my people that I love I always find myself being invited to something new and exciting. Because of this, there is more networking that can be done and greater exposure to new ideas and professions. Last summer I went to conferences, events, and parties that have made me more aware and have put me in touch with great people.

Diversity in its truest form: people just do different things. Period. There is a lot to do because there are so many different interests and lifestyles that need to be catered to. Last summer I got a chance to meet different kinds of black people. I know this may sound silly but to be in the presence of black people who run from your *ghettoist of the ghetto* to university professor does wonders for the self esteem. Get this: black people ARE diverse. Who woulda thunk it?

CONS:

Extremely competitive: like I’ve said before: anyone who is anyone is trying to make it in NYC, so bring your a-game. But do I really want that kind of competition? Certainly it will make me stronger…if it doesn’t depress me.

Expensive: although you can make it in NYC just fine (most of my family lives there and has been living there for decades when my gmom relocated from the South), it is impossible to leave the house and not spend money. Saving, which I have been able to do comfortably in Philly, will be a challenge in NYC.

It’s changing all the time—and not always for the better. Culturally, the city is becoming more homogenous with *cultural differences* being more of a marketing scheme than a reality. For example, I wouldn’t be surprised if the pizza place I grew up eating at was shut down when/if I return to NYC in the summer and was replaced with a Pizza Bistro or some shit like that.

I’m lazy and different people annoy me: As much as I go on and on about fun shit to do in NYC, Im fucking lazy and would rather cook and eat. Also, like most people, I like people who are like me. So, in many ways, NYC is wasted on me.

To be honest, I made up my mind while writing this post…but I’d love to get some different views on this.