Ready for my own slice of the Big Apple; do I need to move there first before finding a position?

Anonymous

February 21,2022 at 4:37AM UTC

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Ready for my own slice of the Big Apple; do I need to move there first before finding a position?

I have a good job in another city but I worked in NYC early in my career. I moved to NYC after college for an internship and continued my trajectory until being recruited overseas. I returned to the States during the pandemic and accepted an interim role (not in my chosen and prior industry) in order to have a paycheck.

Moving back to the States, my plan was to return to NYC but the pandemic continued longer than expected. Since then, I've risen the ranks in my company. I enjoy my job but I love New York City more.

I've tried applying for NYC positions but I keep hearing that they value my experience but I'm not 'local.' They are told not to submit 'long-distance' candidates.

I'm not asking for relocation and conveyed in my cover letter that I would move there and be ready within the required time period. It's not working and I've been trying for a year and more diligently within the last six months.

In order to be taken seriously, do I need to move first? I feel irresponsible giving up a good job for a chance. I've looked into remote roles but in my industry requires at least hybrid work.

I can keep applying but I don't know what else to do. At times I feel like giving and staying where I am. I've revamped resumes per position, contacted recruiters & hiring managers, tailored cover letters etc. but I'm stuck! I'd appreciate your advice!

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AnonymousFebruary 21,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
I think you need to weigh the pros and cons of each.
How much do you currently miss NYC? What about it do you miss so much that makes you want to move back? What would you get out of living there that can't where you currently are? Is there room for growth in your currently company? Does that make it worth staying?
If you moved back without a job, it could still take a few months to find a job could you afford to do that? How many months could you live without a paycheck (as you know it can take time to get a job)? Does your industry pay well enough to live in NYC? Will there be growth in the new company you are looking at?
There is no perfect answer....if you are truly unhappy living where you are with the job you have then yes moving might be the answer. I would weigh out what you can actually handle financially and see if it is even possible to do. You may get a job in one month of moving but it may also take 3-6 more months.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2022 at 5:55PM UTC
Thank you, Anonymous. You brought up a lot of important questions to consider. I'll do my best to answer them while others, I'll have to contemplate further.
I always planned on moving to NYC after returning from overseas. I was working in other large cities around the world and that is my preferred environment.
I miss the culture, entertainment, pace and work opportunities in my field. I'm living in a small town that once a month has a form of entertainment. We don't have galleries, museums or cultural events that I feel stimulate my creativity. I worked in NYC for 10 years and loved it!
As someone who enjoys going out after work, trying new restaurants and entertainment, I don't feel like I'm living a full life. In addition, my town is primarily health and insurance based and my background is creative rather than business. I'm grateful that I was able to obtain a job when I returned but I miss working in a creative field.
Ideally, I would like to return with a job, even a temp to perm or contract position but I'm not finding anyone that would take a chance on me. Looking back, I don't know if I would have success climbing the corporate ladder if I didn't start with a free internship there after college.
It didn't cost the company to take a chance on me and that led to open doors in other companies. Those first few years were difficult to make it in NYC but I wouldn't trade them as I found my adopted home.
I've worked in my prior industry in NYC and from my research, know the going rate is over $100K. I would live outside of Manhattan in one of the boroughs as it affords more space and ROI for my money.
I'm starting to feel that I need to make the move. I have savings but as you mentioned, there's a lot of expenses in starting over and an uncertainty of how long it will take to secure a position. While I know what I want, I feel irresponsible giving up a good salary for the unknown.
It's a difficult situation but if I don't take a chance, I don't know if I'll ever be able to find a position. I appreciated your advice and thank you for addressing the tough questions!