When trying to pursue your dreams in New York City, there are a few things you need to know.
1. There are very few people you can trust
Anyone in this city is willing to step on you to get where they want to be. Probably because somebody stepped on them first, and they felt very uncomfortable being squished like that, and they’re now spiteful and determined never to let it happen again.
2. You have to hang on to the few you can trust
Don’t use number one as an excuse to walk all over everyone, though. The few people who you can trust in this city will be your lifelines when things get hard, and you need to hold onto them.
3. Without connections, you’re screwed
Whether you’re trying to get into nightclub, or you’re trying to get hired at a company, you need to A) know someone, or B) have money. Having both A and B increases your chances. If you don’t have A or B, fuhgeddaboudit.
4. You’re going to have to learn to get along with shitty people
At some point, you are going to have a terrible co-worker, or manager, or roommate that you just have to learn to get along with. Refer back to number three. You might need that person as a connection some day.
5. You need to be tough, or at least act like it
If you’re not the type of person who’s always willing to put your foot down and potentially make someone cry, fake it till you make it. Nice guys really do finish last in this city.
6. You need to sell yourself
You need to be able to translate your skills into dollars and cents for whomever you’re trying to work for. In this city, you’re a commodity, not a person.
7. Failure is always an option
Refer back to number one. There are always at least a hundred people trying to get ahead of you. Don’t come down on yourself if you fail.
8. Positive energy is necessary
That being said, stay optimistic about the next opportunity. If you convince yourself that you will always fail at everything, you will. If you live with the mindset that you will eventually succeed, you will.
9. You need to take care of yourself first
In order to create the positive energy, you need a self care routine. Run, do yoga, meditate, split a bottle of wine with your best friend, treat yourself to Chipotle every Friday. Do whatever you need to do to fill yourself with joy inside.
10. There is always someone doing worse than you, and there is always someone doing better than you
Perspective. You could be the person panhandling on the street outside Grand Central Station. Be thankful that you’re not. And then figure out the person who you want to be, and make a plan to get there.
Cover photo credit: David/Flickr