Relocating
Every mission has complications!
As I sat on the 4 train heading uptown, It hit me: Dash, you’re no longer in Miami. Welcome to the Big Apple, The Concrete Jungle, the bright lights. It was almost surreal. I had retired from fantasy. I was finally working on my reality. A new normal had kicked in. I had officially relocated to New York City! Relocating from Miami to New York was the biggest decision I had to make. Many people did not understand it then, some still struggle with the facts years later. I forgive them. It’s not their truth to comprehend.
One question people often ask me is “ How did you do it?” May I be completely honest with you? I was able to do it only with God’s help. The transition process started early 2012 as an idea. I remember 2012 as if it was yesterday. I was getting ready to graduate with my Bachelors Degree in English and Biology, I had a full time job, a new car, life was great in Miami. However, Miami was a comfort zone for me. You and I both know that comfort is the enemy of creativity. Therefore, I decided to create a new normal. If you are expecting me to share some secret I discovered from a manual, I will spare you the time and energy- please stop reading. I did not follow a blueprint for relocating. Nor did I have someone’s guidance during the process. What I plan on sharing with you is all from my personal experience. If you are thinking about relocating from anywhere in this world, I encourage you to keep reading.
The very first thing I want you to understand is that every mission has complications! You’d be a fool to think that it’ll be smooth sailing. If you really want to move from point A to point B, you must first mentally prepare yourself for any bumps on the road. I’m talking about financially, emotionally, physically. It’s inevitable that you’ll experience some discomfort in one of those areas. However, that should not stop you. In fact, it should motivate you to fight harder. I moved to NYC with a pocket full of dreams and $67 in my bank account. My father wasn’t so fond of the idea, but my mother supported me the entire way. It makes a huge difference when you have your parents blessings. It wasn’t easy to say the least. I cried many nights, I worked at night and went to school during the day, I suffered from restlessness, there were days I wanted to quit, but God’s mercy kept me. For that, I am forever grateful. A wise man once told me, experience is the best teacher. I will share a few tips with you as far as what to do if you plan on relocating. However, I can guarantee you that your experience will be different from mine. Here are my tips:
Find your why: Do not make the mistake that most people make. Some people move because they are tired of their daily routine. Please don’t be one of those individuals. Find a valid reason as to why you want to move. For example, school, an amazing opportunity that will change your life for the next ten, fifteen years; or because your purpose ties into the move. Find a reason that will push you to keep going when things get tough. Once you find your WHY, you will find your HOW.
Select a location: Off course we all want to live on an island with fresh food, palm trees, servants and so on and so forth. Unfortunately, we all can’t have that. Some of us have to shovel snow off our cars in a seven degree weather. BUT IT’S ALL A CHOICE. Select a place that you know your comfort will not be compromised at 100%. If you know that you can’t stand the heat and your Blood pressure goes to the roof, stay away from Miami. Select wisely. Don’t forget to be honest with yourself. You will have to live with the choices you make.
Do your research: I think this tip should be #1 on the list. My dear, listen to me VERY CAREFULLY- DO YOUR RESEARCH. I’m talking about from the level of fluoride in the water, to the crime rate, to the natural disasters. Visit the place, the different cities. Find out about everything. Language, schools, churches, public transportation, eyebrow threaders, waxers, hairdressers, nail technicians, banks in the area- Did I say DO YOUR RESEARCH? My dear, do your research.
Save: This should not be a tip for only when you are relocating. One should always be saving. Create a saving plan for 6 months, a year, or whatever time you plan on giving yourself before moving. There is no set amount one should have in the bank before relocating. However, I think 3 months of security should serve as a safety blanket. In case you don’t like the job, or your roommate, or you get fired, or you get sick and can't work. Prepare for the worst.
Move with a job: I think this is very important. I was fortunate to move with a job, which made my transition a little less stressful financially. It’s important to have financial support. Don’t wait until you get there to start looking for a job. Be smart about things. Apply for a few positions, set up virtual interviews, take a trip for a day or two just to visit the company. If you really want to be secure, find a job before packing your entire life and move.
The thing most people don’t know is that, it cost me something to be where I am today. I’ve compromised a great deal of my comfort but I would do it all over again if I had to.. Have you relocated? Are you thinking about relocating? Share your story below through a comment. Don’t forget to subscribe.