I moved to New York City when I was 19. It was a dream of my life and I couldn’t believe it’s happening to me. There were so many plans, expectations and yet none as I couldn’t actually imagine how is it to live in your dream settings. Here are 5 mistakes I felt like worth of sharing 💌: [1] Expecting NYC to feel like home right away. At first, it’s all excitement. Then the reality of constant unpredictability, noise (social and physical), and being one of millions sets in. Feeling at home here isn’t something that comes to you once new furniture is in. it’s something you build within yourself. [2] Spending money like a tourist instead of a local. Happens to all of us and is almost unavoidable. Overpriced brunches, new broadway shows, occasional emergency Ubers (sometimes they are 60-80$ 😳), full-price tickets to everything. The ones who last here figure out how to live in NYC, not just exist in it. You’ll get to know the hacks and yet still splurge on something extra, it’s NYC. [3] Assuming friendships will form effortlessly and find you somewhere along the way. This city introduces you to everyone, but real friendships don’t just happen. The people who find their circle are the ones who actively seek it. [4] Underestimating how temporary everything is. People move here every day, and people leave every day. The mistake? Thinking every connection, job, or apartment is permanent. If you don’t move you’re falling behind. And if you run, you just keep up with the pace. [5] Believing constant hustle equals success. NYC glorifies exhaustion. You can have 3 minimal wage jobs and hustling to pay your bills, or find just one that you have to put things together for and grow from there. But the ones who actually succeed aren’t just busy they’re intentional with their time, energy, and focus. Let me know if any of these resonated with you or helped in any way. Part 3?