The Big Move: Washington State to New York

Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

In the first week of February, I accepted a position with a company in New York, and I’m moving cross country today.

2,781.5 miles, two planes, and an uber away from here is an unfamiliar path that could take me anywhere.

As soon as I signed my contract, my priorities fell into place.

  • Get the plane tickets
  • Put my two weeks in at my current job
  • Start hunting for living situations
  • Get my funds together
  • Get my drivers license

When you look at all the necessary steps for moving cross country it can quickly overwhelm you, add in all the variables and the unknowns and it’s enough to send you into a state of pure survival.

I’m not afraid. Each goal I hit and each item I check off of the list reminds me that this is real life, this is huge, and that I am not afraid.

Why I’m doing this

If you’re new here, you may be wondering, “Why is she doing this?”

The second wing of Praxis, the program I’m a part of, is a six-month-apprenticeship at a start-up. It’s hard to believe I’m here already.

I’m moving to New York to hustle like mad and to grow in my career and my character. I’m going because as soon as I felt that flutter of excitement, that spike of fear, I knew it was the right choice. 

It was a good kind of fear, the kind that promises change and liberation.

I’m moving to New York to work for a company I want to see grow and grow along with them–Lessonbee.

I never thought I would be a New Yorker. If anyone had told my 18-year-old self that I would be moving cross country before my 20th birthday, I would have laughed.

But I won’t be alone. God has gone before me, and He has guided me every step of the way. I know this is what I’m meant to do at this stage in my life.

Not only that, but the incredible community at Praxis is right there with me, challenging and supporting me every step of the way.  

Leaving home

Over the last few weeks, I’ve tried to take time to think about the reality of my situation: I will not be here.

It’s a simple fact, an obvious one. Each time I let myself dwell on it, I feel it in new and startling ways. I won’t be in my house, with my mom or my brother, I won’t be able to tell my dog where I’m going and why I can’t take him with me.

I will be a stranger in a strange land with minimal connections and a loose interpretation of my new location.

Most of the time I am unbothered and more than ready to go, go, go—but sometimes, I’m not. That’s okay too.

I’m packing up my childhood bedroom and trying to decide what to leave behind and what to bring.

As I said before, there are different types of fear that arise when things are shifting–the fear of change. But I know my wish for things to stay the same comes from rose-tinted glasses. 

That’s the point.

It is impossible to strive for new heights while staying stagnate. I can’t have it both ways, and I think that’s one of the best parts of this adventure.

Bring it on, New York. I’m excited to meet you.

2 thoughts on “The Big Move: Washington State to New York”

  1. Hi, I stumbled onto your site because of seeing a Facebook post of your mom’s. I’m a cousin of your grandmother, Cheryl, so that makes us kin. I see a lot of potential in you and a bright future. You appear to have talent and humility, which is a great combination. Best wishes! Thoughts and prayers coming your way.
    Stan Seely

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