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I interviewed last week for a job that can be done remotely, or in person in LA or NYC.

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Anonymous

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I interviewed last week for a job that can be done remotely, or in person in LA or NYC. I worked in NYC prior to the pandemic and have debated returning. If offered the role, this would be the opportunity to move back but I'm conflicted.

I've seen so many posts on here about how NYC has changed, layoffs and the expense that despite my inclination to return, maybe it would be better to stay in my current location as it's a cheaper cost of living. While I'd prefer the NYC lifestyle, I'm trying to be smart about my future. I'd appreciate your advice!

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  1. Anonymous

    If it can be done remotely, do so. It will give you time to suss out more about a decision to move back. No need to pick up everything the minute you accept an offer. The market is still abysmal. Stay put until you know more!

  2. Anonymous

    Thank you and I appreciated your advice!

  3. Anonymous

    I am struggling with this as well. Here are my thoughts in no order.

    First, being in NYC means that you can find a new In-Person role in NYC faster if you get laid off. With a lot of Big Tech returning to office (my field), this may be an advantage.

    Second, I feel like as a remote worker I have stalled a bit. I love working remotely from a LCOL area but the trade-off is that I can't go to meet-ups, classes, and other things that help me progress in my field. Some of them are available via Zoom, but it is not the same.

    Third, I sort of want a way to go into an office right now. After 3 years of COVID, I am ready to at least have an office I can visit if I want to.

    But as for the costs, I never really gave up my apartment (rent control) and am currently living with my family so I have an advantage. I also tend to spend at least some of every month in the city, so it is not a complete change for me to go back. But costs are definitely higher. I was so excited when I got a Target nearby and then was shocked how much toilet paper costs. Movies are over >$20, coffee is more expensive, and all those little perks I used to enjoy simply cost more. And if I had to rent a new apartment at market rates, I may definitely be making a different choice.

  4. Anonymous

    Do it remotely. Don’t relocate for a job at this point.

  5. Anonymous

    From a person who lives in the southeast, I would never live in an expensive city. It's not worth the cost and you could save a ton more money for other fun things. Decide how you want to spend your money because in the long run, once you buy that $10 cup of coffee, you absolutely receive nothing in return. Think of ROI. Where does your money take you? Find another city or work remote and visit NYC on occasion to get your NY fix. As for me, where I live, we can have twice the house and nicer cars that cost less than living in an overpriced city. And we have big cities that are 1.5 hours to 4 hours away to get our really big city fix. Charlotte, NC, and Greenville, SC, are some of the best cities in the U.S. Cost of living is decent and we have amazing companies here. And many are international companies. Hope you find your way and can decide what is best for you and your pocketbook.

  6. maria rose

    And along the same lines, as a person who lives close to NYC but not within the NYC borders, housing costs are expensive even within a reasonable commute distance because of the mass exodus of those who could easily afford the higher housing costs, think seriously about how and if you can afford to maintain your housing needs from the salary offered. Only consider moving closer than f the job will include in office work on a regular basis. Don’t raise your housing expenses unnecessarily just to have that “New York experience “after work. Unless you are into long commutes by public transportation. The big change occurring in NYC ( Manhattan mostly and phasing out to the outer boroughs ) is making driving personal vehicles more difficult by raising tolls and eliminating parking spaces while converting the streets to alternate options to get around via bikes, scooters and supposedly dedicated lanes for each type of vehicle in between areas that are completely vehicle free and open for just pedestrians while ignoring the best way to improve traffic congestion ( upgrading the subway system) I don’t know when you the OP were last in NYC ( Manhattan ) last and how long you were in NYC but it’s not the same crowd that was there pre-pandemic years and there are clear distinction between neighborhoods that are maintained and those that are not . So unless you’re getting a salary that gives you enough income to afford NYC or the close suburbs housing market, it’s not worth the cost to live there—get d luck with the job

  7. Anonymous

    Those are two of the most expensive cities in the US, so make sure the offer is solid before deciding anything. Are they willing to help you relocate? If not, calculate that cost into a budget and make sure you can afford it before moving. Since the jobs are remote, do they want LA and NYC because of time zones? If not, then why? Would anywhere else on the East or West Coast work as long as you can commute to the city if you need to? These are questions for the interview. You could move somewhere that is an easy day trip to NYC, which is much cheaper than the city and would give you the best of both worlds.

  8. Anonymous

    Can you start remote and relocate to NY down the road?

  9. Anonymous

    Take the job, and don't even think about this. Other peoples opinions do not matter here the only one that does is yours.

    If you need work and the work is what you want and can further your career then do it!

  10. Tami L Cannizzaro

    Here's how I would consider this: I would think holistically and for my future, as I would know this is probably not my last job. What does the job offer in terms of experience that will help me the next time I am looking for a new job? Does it offer new skills, a better title, a new industry, etc.? Is NYC a better place to find work quickly should I need it? Do I simply want to be in/around NYC? - that's reason enough, no matter what anyone else says. If I liked the job/company, and received a reasonable offer, and I wanted to be in NYC, then I would go for it. As someone else stated, it doesn't matter what others think/would do, it's all about YOU and what YOU want at this stage in your career. Best of Luck!

  11. Anonymous

    Thank you all for your advice. You've given me a lot to think about and I appreciated the support!

  12. Mich.Fr.

    I live in NYC, and honestly, not much has changed since before the pandemic. If this is where you want to be, come back.

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