New York In My Rear View Mirror?

Just as our ancestors followed water and wildlife for sustenance, I am not opposed leaving New York for a new job.

New York City is my birthplace and my home. I live in the neighborhood I dreamed of living in back when I was in college. It is fun and friendly, safe and pretty by New York standards.

But my search for re-employment has been unsatisfying. I chose to retrain at the renowned university I wanted but could never afford as a teenager. That program, too, is winding down. Soon I will have earned an advanced diploma, bragging rights and the skills to earn a living with words.

The words I will use exist throughout the Anglophone world. I can take this anywhere. As my years in the ‘hood go by, I find less need to live an easy driving distance from family that long ago fled for the suburbs. And the rents really are too damn high.

This is my victory lap. I view familiar streets differently now, Instagramming them as a visual diary of my time in Metropolis. When wanderlust wins, there will be a record that I existed in this place and time.

It’s dizzying to wonder which city or shore will be my next home. Perhaps next spring, I’ll be preparing for beach season or asking new neighbors where to buy the freshest produce. I may drive more. I may sell the car.

I am open to suggestions. This is a pleasant departure from the days of “I can only live near my family” to “You go where the work is.” Freedom is funny that way.