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Didn’t move from NYC but I’ve been in LA a year and can share my experience. LA is sprawling and you just have to find your pocket to love it. Honestly with quarantine that’s a bit easier because with everywhere being WFH for (((who knows how long))) you can honestly choose to live anywhere and not feel tied to Playa Vista where all the agencies are.
Yes, I do get homesick. But I felt less homesick when I found my *things* I liked to do that were all mine: a specific weekly comedy show, I found my beach, found a dance studio that I loved, found my favorite park. I feel like I’m on pause with getting settled here because of Covid but I’m optimistic.
It’s a tough nut to crack but a rewarding one. Be ready to be patient with LA and you will love it.
Well they’re probably pretty diff from someone moving from NY to be fair. I moved from Texas and the rewards are: more culture, more entertainment, more diverse landscapes, more creative opportunities for sure.
I’m super homesick and am planning to move back to NYC as soon as I’m able (and it’s safe!) to do so. LA honestly isn’t for me. I was looking for a change from NY as well. I learned NY is really my home and I’m on an extended city-sabbatical until I move back. 😂
Yeah, I feel like my career stalled but that’s partly because I used to freelance both in-house and at agencies for luxury retailers—and that’s not really a thing in LA. But I knew going into the move I’d have to switch industries and adjust my expectations. I ended up going in-house at a large tech company.
I think it was easier for me to establish myself as an expert and a hard worker in LA. In NYC, I could’ve worked 12-hour days regularly without being noticed because there’s always someone else who’ll outwork or outdo you. Here, the bar felt much lower. I felt like I stood out just for working past 5pm and coming up with semi-decent ideas. (It honestly might just be my company.)
I also agree that there aren’t many full-time or freelance jobs here. I freelanced for years in NYC and never had to worry about my next gig, but I moved to LA without anything lined up and really struggled to find something temp or full-time. I was on the cusp of considering a move to SF before I landed my current job.
It's a mindset. If you dwell on what you miss and don't find ways to fulfill that in your new home, you'll keep thinking about the past. Wherever you decide to go, create new experiences for yourself and stay busy with what makes you happy. ☺️
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I moved out from NYC several years ago. It’s a bit of a culture shock but if you’re into outdoors/travel you have the entire state of California to explore, which IMO trumps the East coast hands down. I burned out on the constant brunches and drinking of NY, so far LA has slowed me down a bit and I feel like a healthier person. No doubt both cities have their own pros and cons, if only we could combine the best of both worlds!
NY when you’re young stupid and energetic, LA when you’re older smarter and slower.
Moved from NYC (native New Yorker) to LA in January. A bit difficult to know what LA is ‘really’ like since we’ve been on lockdown ... but I’m really liking it. Like the beaches, hiking, bigger apartment, the palm trees and nice smells. Way less character and excitement than NYC. And not the level of intellect... but if you want a slower pace, come here. Also happy I moved with a SO/not sure what the dating scene would be like.
Apartment hunting is much much easier! You’ll be pleasantly surprised coming from NYC.
I moved from NYC to LA. They’re both great, two of the best cities in the world.
But I’d suggest you only move if you have a job lined up. There are far fewer agency jobs in LA.
I love LA but I’ll only be here 2-3 years then back to NY.
I think, long term, the energy and frenzy of NYC either invigorates or drains you. I was the latter, so I moved to LA. Best decision I ever made. I feel like I can breathe for the first time in years. The only things I’m homesick for are good bagels, fall weather, my friends back east, and the direct no bullshit nature of New Yorkers.
It’s different for everyone, but I felt settled within a few months. It’s much easier living, especially in terms of the day-to-day, so it didn’t take long.
Horrible time to move to LA career-wise. Much better agency opportunities in NYC. As far as just living here, I love it. Especially the weather, amazing how just waking up to clear blue skies, slightly cool breeze, low humidity, and fresh air (non-wildfire season) does to improve your mood.
Don’t move to LA right now. Everyone is trying to leave. Everything is closed. Agencies were barely getting by pre-Covid.