It all seems so glamorous. You can just see yourself writing the great American novel on the stoop of a New York City brownstone, acting out a scene in an Oscar-worthy movie on a Hollywood soundstage or heading back to Chicago on a first-class flight from an international business meeting.
Many people dream about trading in their humdrum existences in small towns and suburban cul-de-sacs in favor of exciting big city lives. Only a few actually get up the courage to do it and do it right.
Do you have what it takes?
You’ll need more than a dollar and a dream. Here are a few words of advice for those who are brave enough to try to make it in the big city.
1. Visit multiple times.
Movie directors have you thinking that everyone in big cities has amazing panoramic views, splashy sun-drenched condos and anything-can-happen nights every night. Most people do not live like that. Most people live “regular” lives in “regular” apartments. Visit your city of choice multiple times before you commit to moving. Get a feel for the energy, pace and options of the place. See how you feel there. Can you imagine your life in that city?
2.Research housing you can afford.
New York, LA and other big cities have a much higher cost of living than other places. While you are visiting, be sure to tour apartments that are in your price range. Have a good idea of how much space and what kind of amenities you should expect for an apartment within your budget. Know your non-negotiables (no roaches) and things you’d like, but aren’t essential (hardwood floors).
3.Become an expert on the cost of living in that city.
How much does it cost to get into nightclubs? How much is the rent for a decent apartment? How much does it cost to ride public transit? Go to the websites of government agencies, talk to people who live there and find other reliable sources to give you accurate answers to such questions.
4. Draw up a realistic budget.
Take all that detailed research you did and turn it into a realistic budget. When you see everything in black and white, you might find out you need a part-time job or that you need to increase the minimum salary you’re willing to take at a new job.
5. Institute an aggressive savings plan.
If you are already rolling in dough, you can skip this part, but most folks will need to stack a few chips before moving anywhere, especially a big city. The unexpected is bound to happen at some point during or after your move. Have some money tucked away to take care of all those little hiccups. Also, work on your credit. Prospective landlords may require a credit report. If you know you’ll need a co-signer, have all of that set up before you move.
6. Pick a moving date and stick to it.
Give yourself a deadline for moving. If you’re really serious about taking the plunge, don’t let moving become that “thing” you never get around to doing. Set weekly goals for yourself like number of resumes sent, money saved up and other moving-related tasks.
7. Get in touch with “old friends.”
Make use of your alumni association, your old college roommate, that cousin you haven’t seen in years or whoever else is living where you want to live. Be courteous and mindful of people’s busy schedules, but let everyone know that you intend to move and they types of opportunities that strike your interest. You never know where you might get a lead on an apartment or a job. Be your own biggest cheerleader. Your enthusiasm will infect others.
8. Send that resume and perfectly crafted cover letter.
Some employers are hesitant to or even flat out refuse to consider out-of-state resumes. You might be tempted to lie and say you already live in that city. DO. NOT. LIE. How embarrassing would it be if they ring you up to come in for a quick interview with only a few hours or a day’s notice? In your cover letter, explain that you will be moving to that city by such and such date and that you will be visiting on such and such date and would love to come in for an interview if at all possible.
9. Have a plan A, B , C and D.
If it starts to look like your dream job isn’t going to appear anytime soon, would you be willing to work two so-so jobs and move to the city anyway and just keep submitting resumes? Have a back-up plan.
10. Ask about relocation expenses.
Once you get a job offer (You will get it!), you will have to negotiate the terms of your employment. Since you’re moving from another city, be sure to ask if they will cover your relocation expenses. You never know unless you ask.
11. Keep a game face while apartment hunting.
Be confident in your housing research. Don’t let a shady landlord sucker you into renting a place that doesn’t actually fit your life or budget. Have a list of questions with you so that you know you get all the information you need about an apartment before committing to one.
12. Do not bring furniture.
If your new job doesn’t pay re-location expenses, you will want to ship as few items as possible. Instead of spending a wad of cash to drag your Ikea furniture across the country, consider buying a one-way plane/train/bus ticket for yourself, shipping all your non-furniture things to your new address and just buying new furniture once you get to town. Sounds like a daunting task, but unless you have some really nice furniture, you will probably spend more money moving your furniture than it is actually worth. You can have a farewell yard sale or eBay/Craig’s List sale. Plus, doing it this way gives you the chance to create a whole new space for yourself.
Another option is to just move to the city, couch hop with friends and try to get a job once you arrive. That is very risky and not recommended. Planning now will save you anxiety later.
Have you made the move to a big city? What was your experience? Did you do any of these things?
