Should I move to New York? [View All]

[liberalpragmatist]

I'll try to keep it brief: I'm a recent college grad (May 2008) and I live and work in a medium-sized midwestern city, but though my current job pays well (given low cost of living), I don't really enjoy it that much and feel a little professionally stifled. The work environment is very disorganized, I don't feel like I'm being given enough responsibilities (lots of time doing nothing, etc.). Socially, most of my friends moved elsewhere after graduating college, so I don't know that many people.

So I'm looking at other jobs. The question I'm asking: should I move to New York? It's actually really just an academic question at this point. I have no plans to make an immediate move and even if I do move, I doubt it would be to New York.

Still, I like New York, have spent time there and though I have no idea as to whether I'd like to settle in the New York area long-term, I've always thought it would be fun to live in New York for maybe just a couple of years. As one of my parents' friends puts it: you only get to be young and in New York once. Besides - most of my friends and relatives have told me that, though I've been stuck in the Midwest most of my life, I'm "an East Coast"-type, whatever that means.

That being said, cost of living is outrageous. I also have no idea if I could find a job in New York (I basically was a liberal arts major, so I like to joke I have no practical skills and I have no experience in the business world - my current job is in research - I'm a research assistant in an epidemiology lab). Plus, I don't actually know that many people in New York. Most of my friends are currently in Boston, DC or Chicago, with the rest scattered throughout the Midwest and a few on the West Coast or in graduate schools or medical schools at various places.

Anyway, for those who fear I'm one of those over-earnest "I'm gonna make in the big city"-types, relax. I'm not planning any immediate move - this is more just a thought experiment.

Any thoughts or advice from others? Should I move to New York?

My main questions: is moving to New York even a viable option? How on earth do recent college grads find jobs in New York that aren't banking or finance* (those are pretty much the only people I knew who got jobs in NY - and of course, that area's not looking too hot right now) - and how do they afford to live there with salaries under $35K (which is realistically, all I imagine I could get - probably something between $25-$30K)?

* ON EDIT: let me be clear: I know there are jobs in areas other than banking and finance in New York. My question is - how on earth do people afford it? I make $30K right now, and I pay $500/month in rent and utilities. I don't understand financially how you can afford $1500-$2000 in rent with that kind of income, given that tax takes away about 15% of it and the rest needs to be spent on groceries, etc.