You Betta Werk: A Few Things You Should Know Before Making That Leap

Don't you just love those triumphant stories; whether fiction or non-fiction about the underdog that lives by everyone else's rules and one day says, "I want to live for me now" and next thing you know they quit their job or pack up everything and become legends. Remember that infamous scene in Jerry Macguire, where he packed up everything at his office and quit mid-day to start his own sports agency. No one was down to leave with him but his love interest and the fish he bought, lol. But in the end he got the girl and a popping NFL client. That's a great movie, but that isn't real life and there are just a few things I wish I would have prepared myself for before I chucked the dueces in Atlanta to chase my dreams of becoming a media maven and fashion/beauty influencer in the Big Apple.

I always talk about making that leap and anyone that knows me knows I'm the best person to talk you into executing your seemingly outlandish idea, "Go for it, boo!" "Just do it!" "Yeah girl, you should totally start a strip club/ brunch spot," that's me! Well, here I am, now saying, "Hold up, think about this first and be prepared for some mishaps...then start up your strip club/ brunch spot."

Before moving to a new city here are some major things you need to consider and be prepared for: bawling your eyes out (you will miss your support system, but you will get over it), running low on funds, complications with housing, being taken advantage of, and a hectic/unpredictable schedule (You will just be getting adjusted, so be prepared to never know when you'll have free time). That's alot, huh? the sad part is, there's a lot more I would love to list but don't even know how to word.

Bawling Your Eyes Out: I really thought I was a G and that I could somehow make it in a new city without my parents who probably know me better than I know myself and my friends and family, people that have supported me through thick and thin, literally. I found out by week two, that I am not a G. Missing your support system is inevitable, but I promise it will get better. You will of course make new friends and create new bonds with new people but they can and will never replace those who have made a home in your heart. However; don't make the mistake of missing out on creating new and meaningful memories with new people because you're so busy comparing them to your squad back home. It's unfair to the people who are making an effort to be your new support system and you'll just make your adjustment harder on yourself. BUT, don't be too vulnerable. Follow your gut instinct. You will be tempted to open up to people you just met too soon, but you have to let them earn that trust. If you ever have a moment where you need to vent, break down or get something off your chest that's super personal, your phone still works. Blow your bestie's phone up, I promise they'll be happy to hear from you; skype mom and dad, they'll be more than happy to see their baby's face. Remember, you still have your support system, they're just a phone dial away.

Running Low On Funds: Moving is expensive bruh! It's expensive, do you hear me? You have to pay for transportation to get yourself there, you have to pay to get your belongings there, you have to pay to secure housing there, then you have to pay to live there, thennnnn you have to pay to eat while you're there lol. LISTEN, It's expensive, especially New York. I moved to New York from Atlanta, where you can get a town house for the price of the studio apartments out here. Save your coins boo! I thought what I saved to move up here was enough, because I just knew if anything, I would get a little retail job as soon as I got to New York to hold me over until my career opportunity came through. I thought wrong. It took me three months to find a decent job and by that time I was so far in the hole, I had to get a second job and do contract work on the side just to afford to have spending money for activities. Before you move save enough for at least three months rent and then save up two-thirds of what you've saved for rent for everyday expenses like food and hygiene products. Also, remember why you made this leap in the first place. Don't get comfortable at your filler job, because that's just what it is, a filler. Don't let your part-time job get in the way of your full-time blessing. Get a planner or calendar and schedule times to send out your resume and apply to the jobs that will get your foot in the door of your dream career. THAT IS YOUR PRIORITY. Or, maybe you came here to focus on your start-up, carve time out of your schedule strict;y for that purpose.

Complications With Housing: Before you move, thoroughly research the process to purchase/rent housing in your desired area. Also, consider commuting to avoid living in gentrified areas and paying an arm and leg to literally rent a room. In Atlanta, I could be living in a one-bedroom sky-rise for what I'm paying to live with four roommates in a 3 bedroom in Manhattan, ugh. The 30 minute commute to pay a couple hundred less a month could very well be worth it. That's extra money in your savings or in your closet, lol. In some areas landlords may be more strict than what you're used to, so you need to research the application process for housing and get your ducks in a row. Some housing may require perfect credit scores or a minimum income, etc. Be prepared and have a co-signer lined up just in case. Also, scout out realtors and brokers a few months before making your move and evaluate which ones can help you find exactly what you're living for.

Being Taken Advantage of: Please refer to this link so you can gracefully tell whoever's taking advantage of you to Kiss Your clASS! http://www.showmedmani.com/#!Kiss-My-CLASS-Demanding-Respect/rd76y/5758a1430cf2b2ec5181bc25

A hectic/Unpredictable Schedule: The first few months of your move, you will be all over the place. You'll be unpacking, going on job interviews, possibly looking for new places to live, etc.

With this being said, you may not always have time to meet up with so and so, or to work on certain projects or to talk to loved ones back home through out the day. You're busy and you're still getting into the swing of things, don't over extend yourself. Carve out some time for you, wind down every now then and listen to your favorite album or read your favorite book, remember to take care of yourself too. Use your me time to pamper yourself or cook yourself a healthy meal, workout. Trust me you'll get so wrapped up into getting your life together, it's easy to forget to do those things. Also, be prepared to get cussed out by loved ones who don't hear from you as often, but make sure you nurture those relationships. Start a group chat with your besties, once a month have a day strictly for calling long distance relatives, keep them updated through social media, etc.

Welp, now that you know some of the things to be prepared for before taking that leap, log out and make it happen boo! Of course these are just a FEW things on the list, when I figure out how to word the others, I will certainly let you guys know what else to prepare yourself for before making that leap.

-XoXo

Mani