To the Millennial in a new, unfamiliar place:
Do not fear, young warrior. You are smarter than you think and you've got this whole "adulting" thing on lock. I'm going to focus my words of wisdom to the seniors in college, graduate students and recent college graduates. I can relate to you because I've broken in the shoes you're just now wearing.
A lot of us have come to understand that we have to do whatever is possible to salvage the American Dream. We are in the shoes we are in because college is too darn expensive and time consuming to not utilize it. This means moving hundreds of miles away from mama's hugs, working obnoxious hours and putting a love life on hold to get it together.
It's rewarding, but let's be honest: It sucks sometimes. I feel you, and here is my best advice to get through from now until you have the life you want to settle down with:
1. Plan a visit with your family or best friend right off the bat.
Whether you take a trip home or host your bestie- you have something to work for and look forward to. Working loads of overtime and eating a ton of cheap gas station pizza will be worth it when you can splurge with someone you love.
2. When you get the hang of your schedule, volunteer!
This is a sweet way to meet people that share the same passions, priorities and schedule as you outside of work. I started tutoring English with teens in Cleveland because I work the graveyard shift and I am available during the school day. I have met some really great people my age and mostly older people who know the city. Some of them could be my grandma and that's okay because I love grandmas. Nonetheless, we all love kids, education, reading and writing.
Wondering where to look for opportunities? Honestly, try VolunteerMatch.org because that's where I went.
3. Shamelessly do some touristy things.
I promise there is someone new to the same city that you work with, went to school with or just moved in next to you. This may take some searching through the work roster or on university alumni pages. It's not being a creep. It's networking and building relationships, something that's always valued. You know you want to go on a bike tour or to an obnoxious museum because it's something the city is known for. Guess what? No one knows who you are. Just do it, even if you go solo.
4. Say yes when your coworkers ask to hang out outside of work.
I promise the first night out with them will be one of the most memorable. Have fun, but for goodness sake DO NOT sleep with anyone from work. As far as being tired- you can sleep when you're dead. Enough said.
5. Drive around or ride public transportation frivolously on a day off.
You'll stumble across gorgeous views, new shops, restaurants and places you'll never want to be again. It's all part of becoming a faux local.
6. Don't forget why you moved.
You have to work hard to be able to play hard. Dress to impress. Make yourself approachable. Remain calm and don't be paranoid. You will learn the ins and outs of the job faster than you think if you focus.
7. Goals and priorities change, and that's okay.
Less than a year ago, I thought I wanted to be a sassy, lifelong bachelorette in New York City. I thought I was too good to settle down with a man. This is not the case anymore because I've realized that I love making others feel loved.
I enjoy my job, but I also see how valuable building a life and a family is. My coworkers are happy and proud providing for their families. I want that. I want to be someone's wife and a hot mom. I'm still sassy and single, but I know I want to create a life with someone, even if that means moving to the middle of nowhere.
8. Give this city time.
You will get lonely. You will get frustrated. You will get lost. You will feel gypped. You will be broke at some point. You have to suck it up. Every city in the U.S. has obvious and hidden beauty in it and you have to find it. Enjoy the experience, and don't let any bulls*** get past you. I personally have faith in you.
Remember: We are the next generation of parents, consumers and world changers. Don't be an example to our future that it's okay to be a weakling or a coward (I had to stop and remember synonyms to the P-word here!) just because you had to go to a new place to get started in your career.
Long story short: Own this opportunity because you'll never get another one like it.
