Anonymous

What brought you to NYC? 
I moved to NYC after grad school because I have friends nearby, my family lives an hour away, and I had to decide between NYC and LA - Los Angeles at the time seemed like the more expensive of the two, simply because of the need to own a car and also because I would be friendless there. 

Why are you leaving NYC?
I didn't move to New York to 'make it big' as an artist. I felt pretty realistic about how much work that would be, but I feel like my quality of life would be better if I were living somewhere that is not as expensive. I am tired of having 5 roommates, a studio that doubles as my bedroom, a general lack of creature comforts, for what? My work is not in galleries here, I'm working 6 days a week at my 'job' job just to make my student loan payments! Plus, I feel that for 26, I am not as far along professionally as I should be, it's hard to move up the job ladder here, I spent a lot of time when I moved here just waiting tables and working odd jobs, that really got me nowhere as far as getting a job that I would like to turn into my career. It seems like people here feel ok with paying their employees the absolute lowest they can get away with. Living wage here is $10, and I earn more than that, but it's never enough money. 

Where are you moving to?
I am not sure, Philadelphia maybe? 

Why did you choose that location? 
It's not very far, I am also pretty familiar with Philadelphia, the art scene seems a bit less formal, and apartments are much cheaper. Plus moving myself there would not be as expensive of an undertaking as say, moving to the west coast. I've started applying for jobs there, but I don't actually plan on moving until I get a better job then I have here. , I don't earn enough here to save up to move and be unemployed. 

What will you miss LEAST about NYC? 
MTA Fare Hikes - -I've been ticketed for beating the fare before. 
It can be very hard to relax here, it seems like people drink heavily, which I am not in to. 
Having to buy clothes at Forever 21 because it's the only place in my budget! 
Being hit on in the street by random dudes. 
The messy rainy winter days. 

What will you miss MOST about NYC?
I will miss BedStuy and my friends, 
Being able to get on a train any time of day and go somewhere. 
Not needing a car. 
Prosperity Dumpling.