When I was 17, I had my whole life planned out: I would go to college in New York, gallivant around the city during the week, and travel up to West Point on the weekends, where my high-school boy was spending the next five years of his life. In my perfect vision, I would show up in my fabulous Fall clothes, we would hang out, and then I would head back to my fabulous life in the city. It all seemed ideal, until it didn’t happen. I ended up going to college in Texas, and my boyfriend and I broke up after 3 months of long-distance.
Regardless, I spent most of my college years planning my move to New York City when I graduated. Everything would be amazing once I got there.
My sister lives in Brooklyn, and each time I visit, I have more fun. Leaving is always hard, and Austin always seems so dull when I get back. However, since I’ve graduated, I have realized how unrealistic my goal to move to NYC was, especially since I’m not even totally sure what I want to do. Also, I’m broke in Austin, so who knows where the fuck I would end up in New York. Probably living underground or something! Needless to say, I’m happy to be in Austin where I can live more comfortably while I figure my life out.
But really, why do most of us want to move to New York? I know some of you are super talented and have amazing job opportunities at your finger-tips, but what about us, regular liberal-arts folks, who have no determined path?
Sure, New York is huge, and might have tons of opportunities, which actually makes it way easier to get more lost. The reality is Austin ain’t so bad. You can say “y’all” here and not be made fun of, there are a ton of dive bars, job opportunities, and niches for everyone from athletes to drug addicts. Or both if you’re like Lance Armstrong. After years of trying to resist my place in Austin, I have finally surrendered.
One memorable time in my yoga training was when we were asked to picture our lives in 10 years. In my weird meditative state, I pictured myself living in Austin, in a cozy house in a nice neighborhood with tons of windows and a yard. I even tried to force myself to picture my life in New York, but kept coming back to Austin. I realized, that maybe I am genuinely happy here. Looking back, Austin has been my home for the last three years, providing me with the comfort and ease I need to transition into being an “adult”. Maybe I’m just not ready to leave my comfort zone yet or maybe I’m really in love with this big town/small city.
Although, I do eventually want to move to New York, I think it will be way down the road, like when I have a 401(k) and when my work is in high demand…whatever that is.
Caitlin Hatch is a recent graduate of The University of Texas with a degree in government. She has a passion for politics, yoga, and social media. She is currently training to be a yoga instructor through Black Swan Yoga in Austin, TX.
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