Got to be There

Becoming a New Yorker is a very interesting dynamic. Making the transition is unbelievably weird in some cases, although some hurdles seemed shorter than anticipated and, in contrast to some I know, a few were downright seamless.

In higher level jobs, especially, and even in the rental market, people question you more deeply if you haven't already worked/lived in the greater area. I guess all regions have their own snobberies. And Manhattan can be even a bit borough-centric, as well. Now that I'm both living and working here, it's always on my "life resume", so to speak. And this particular job could also potentially open several new doors.

Who knows? I may see the third snowflake and decide it's not for me. Summer weather is a pretty big killer, but I think I can get used to it. I survived one-- even partially without air conditioning! Now, the weather is cooling off nicely (remind me how much I was praising cool weather when I'm having to trudge through snow on the way to the subway).

The nice thing about the Bay Area vs. NYC is that they're a bit interchangeable as far as cost of living, job market, etc. Even culture, to some respect, although each has its strengths where that is concerned. It's far less of a shock to be paying Manhattan rent knowing the housing costs from whence I came. It'd be just as easy (especially now that I've downsized, lol) to make my way back to my favorite Northern California microclimates at some point if I decide I don't want to be here. Ever since Chicago, I've known I'd always land on one coast or the other. And maybe someday both will be an option :) Especially with the career path that almost seems to be devining me at times.

I just got in from work a bit ago and am meeting up with a couple of friends to go shoot some pool and just hang.

The only thing I haven't really found here yet are golf buddies. It'll happen, but just not yet. And the driving range in Chelsea looks kinda' lame. But, really, this is of little concern on the priority list, so no real complaint. And I haven't even asked much around the office yet. Some of them *have* to be golfers.