ambition
After college you’re faced with a decision; what city do you move to next?
While in college…
… You’re living in your little bubble. If you were fortunate like me, you faced some adversity and you had to work really hard to overcome things. This helped build character. Helped build discipline. Helped shape my work ethic and strong mindset. It actually started before college for me but college definitely forced me to do better. My ambition never faded, it grew stronger and when time came and it was graduation day, I had already made up my mind where I was moving.
I had my eyes set on New York City
I gave everything in my dorm room away. Everything had to go. I even went to the cafeteria and asked the workers there if they wanted some of my stuff… TV, clothes, random objects lol.
I’ll just buy new things when I get to NYC!
I had always seen myself living and working in New York, I wanted to work in Advertising… and New York was advertising’s MECCA! I was so excited about the move but little did I know, moving to one of the greatest cities in the world would really test me on so many levels! New York City isn’t for the wreak. This city will eat you up and spit you right back out if you don’t have the right mindset. Your attitude has to be “well-developed” LOL
The Big Apple
The move went well. I arrived with just a suitcase. I moved into a basement apartment with no windows. It cost me $1,000 per month. Imagine how much
house you can get in Atlanta for the same amount! I didn’t care though. I knew i was in New York because my ambition was high. I knew i would do well – it was just a matter of working hard and smart.
My very first job was with an advertising agency in the financial district. I screwed myself over because i didn’t do my homework before i accepted the job
offer. I had no idea what would be a reasonable salary so i low-balled myself when i was asked what my salary demands were. Note to self: ALWAYS COME PREPARED!
I absolutely love New York City. It’s the city that has amplified my level of ambition! Like the saying goes: If you can make it here you can make it everywhere! I believe in that statement with all my heart. Living in this city is hard. It’s not for the weak-minded. To do well you have to believe in yourself, and keep grinding no matter what other people’s opinions are!
So, what city matches your ambition? New York City matches mine.
