This post is part of a series that highlights my move and eventual new adventure, aka life, in New York City.
There’s so many thoughts racing through my mind right this second that I’m not even sure how to start writing this. Let me just come right out and say it.
I’m changing jobs.
I’m moving.
I’m moving to New York City.
Now is the Time
I’m at an interesting crossroads in life. As a 30-year old guy I have no kids, no significant other and no hard ties at the moment. If I’m ever going to make a move of this nature now is the time, but have no doubt – the decision was carefully weighed and I’ve thought about it every way imaginable.
During the past several weeks I’ve discussed the opportunity with my closest friends, and mentors, all of which have said something like, “You have to do this.” or “This is perfect for you.” They knew that if the opportunity came to fruition that I simply had to take it – and that was my gut feeling from the very first phone interview.
There’s so much that I’m going to miss, but I also realize that the future is bright and that there are many great things to come.
This was in a fortune cookie I opened the day I received the job offer. No joke.
The Company & Position
Let me quickly give you an idea about the new company I’m going to work for (I start June 1) and you’ll see how it’s a perfect fit.
In short, it’s an economic development and tourism marketing firm that has been around since 1960. They’ve done a great job at attracting a very talented workforce and I’m honored to be joining the team.
My job will consist of general marketing and public relations duties, but will have a strong focus on digital and new media. As I see it, the position allows me to use my professional skills to positively impact places… and that is an amazing opportunity.
I’ll have more to say about the company, and the position in the future, but I just wanted to give you an idea of where I’m headed.
Greensboro, North Carolina
I’ve lived in NC for most of my life and have specifically lived in Greensboro, NC for the last 10 years. It’s the city I call home and a place that I will forever have great memories.
It’s where I created JJ McCain. It’s where I changed careers at 26. It’s where I met incredible friends. It’s where I first ran for political office. It’s where I developed a deep sense of compassion and desire to help others. I could go on and on, but I won’t.
In making this decision, one thing I constantly kept going back to was the various things I’m involved with in Greensboro and initiatives that I’d like to see to fruition. I eventually had to come to grips with the fact that those thoughts, while important, were shortsighted. I’m still going to monitor several things that I’m passionate about for Greensboro, but will be looking on from afar.
Club Arlington
If you’ve connected with me on Facebook or Twitter, it’s highly likely that you’ve seen me post about “Club Arlington.” I’ve never really explained what it is, but this seems like a fitting time to do so.
It is in fact not an actual club, but more so a group of tight nit friends that are together a lot. These individuals are some of my favorite people in the world and I’m going to miss them tremendously (I’ll miss many others as well).
The fear of losing these friendships (and others) definitely played a part in my thought process, but at the end of the day I don’t think that will happen.
The Next Chapter
I’ve had an interesting life thus far, and this change will simply start a new chapter. You might say that I’m excitedly nervous, but I think that’s only natural.
Greensboro, NC to New York City is a huge change, but I’m ready to take the opportunity by storm and give it 100%. There will be much more to come and I look forward to sharing this adventure with you.
Oh, and before I close, let me ask that you do one thing. Take a moment and listen to Empire State of Mind (YouTube video link) by Jay-Z. More importantly, specifically listen to what Alicia says starting at around 57 seconds – that really says it all.
Thank you for reading my “big announcement.” Woot woot!
- Ryan
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Your closest advisors are correct — you need to follow your heart, and you are at the perfect time to do it. I made my last big geographic change at 31 — and am forever grateful to those who encouraged me to do so.
Best to you, my friend. Cheers!
Ok, selling the car was a big giveaway. I support you 100% and will miss you, but we’ll always be here and my hope is that when you come back to visit and maybe live one day, we will be a better city and another viable professional option for not just the graduates of our universities, but folks from other areas, countries, and even those who grew up in the heart of the city like myself. Oh and we must do coffee before you leave.
Club arlington will miss you!
Congrats on so excited for you Ryan. Life is an adventure. Live it. Love it. Do it. Be it.
Let’s hear it for…
New York!!!!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Ryan im so proud of you, with this step going foward you life will grow and grow, one thing leads to another , your very smart son and i know that your heart is in your decision. I love you; DAD
Congrats on your new position! I’m sure you’ll make the most out of it. Thanks for all you have done to make your corner of credit union land a little bit brighter…can’t wait to hear about all of your new accomplishments in NYC.
Thank you everyone!
And Matt, I’ll always have an interest in credit union land!
Ryan,
Good luck in NYC – it sounds like a great opportunity and excellent fit for your skills! You will only be about an hour away from me!
I am sure you will keep in touch with tweets.
It really does sound like a job that was tailor made for you, so I’m glad you’ve decided to take it. Jenna & I want to take you out to dinner before you leave, so let us know when you might have some free time. Best of luck!
Kudo’s to you! If you haven’t read yet, Seth Godin’s Linchpin book dovetails nicely with your upcoming life changes.
Congratulations, Ryan. I think you are making the right decision. Best of luck to you.
congrats! dang it. i was just getting to know you and now i’ll have to travel to NYC to do that – WAIT! – that’s a good thing.
Go. Move. I’ll be right up!
Dude! I am so excited for you!! Good Luck, and don’t forget us little people.
Ryan,
First of all Congratz!
New York will be a great experience and GIVE you great experience. Having been born very close to the Philly/New York area, I can tell you first hand working in that environment is going to be fantastic for you. Perhaps you’ll move back down here in a few years and use all that experience back in GBoro?! This place needs folks like yourself : )
OK, so while your up there and whenever NYC gets overwhelming, take a train down to Princeton especially during the fall season – still one of my favorite little towns in America – and I highly suggest New Hope, PA (about 2 hour drive?) a small artsy community along the Delaware River. You probably have your apartment set up already but living on Staten Island and taking the Ferry to Manhattan never gets old! My best friend owns a house there and I love taking that ride into Manhattan – just a great way to start the day ; )
Good Luck and I can’t wait to see what you think of living up there – keep us all posted!!
Lisa, thank you… and you seriously think you could be forgotten? Ha!
Kirsten, I imagine I’ll like the city a lot and a few friends have joked by saying, “you’ll never come back.” Who knows though? Greensboro is most certainly a great place to raise a family. What’s great is that even if I worked in the city for five years, I’d still be pretty young and could easily represent the “younger demo” that I’m so very passionate about.
And to everyone – thank you again. Your comments mean a lot to me. But don’t go thinking I’m moving to Mars. I’m just an email, phone call or short flight away.
Ryan-
I am so proud of where you have come in life. There is NO DOUBT this decision will be a mile marker in your career. Congratulations and I hope you keep in contact. You’ve made a difference to many people here in the Triad on so many levels.
Namaste’
Wendy
Way to go Ryan, that is great! I can’t believe we’ve been neighbors and never actually hung out around Southside, but we will have to make that happen before you leave. I lived in New York during an internship, and it was one of the best times of my life. ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT and be blessed!!!
Sounds like a really sweet gig, Ryan, and the time is right, as you say. I wish you the best in your new gig and new digs!
Ryan,
Thank you for everything you did to make the City of Greensboro a better place to live. Our loss is New York’s gain and I wish you the BEST OF EVERYTHING in the future. GOD BLESS!
John,
Thank you so much for the kind words – it means a lot.
Ryan
Hi Ryan! Welcome to the DCI team. We just received the good news today that you’ll be joining us. Looking forward to meeting you, and don’t hesitate to contact any of us if you have any questions during the great apartment hunting process. Good luck!
Great news. I’m really excited for you and know you’ll kill it in NYC. Keep in touch.
Ryan – This is a one life time opportunity. Tons of people will give up everything to have such an increible opportunity like this. Best wishes! The best of luck. You seem like a bright person and I’m sure you’re doing great already.
Elisa