A job and a half

I've decided living in a new city where you know (practically) no one ... well it makes your life a little more difficult. Especially when you're out of school.

I think sometimes we take for granted how easy it is to meet people growing up. Until moving to New York, I was always in a situation where meeting people my own age just sort of happened. Elementary school, high school, college — everyone is just trying to meet people and make friends. Even during my time with YouthWorks! and GreaterWorks, I was working with young Christians passionate about their faith. We had the same general interests and beliefs. Friendship just sort of happened.

But now I've moved somewhere where the only people I knew previously are a handful of college classmates that I more or less lost all contact with over the past two or so years. While I really enjoy my job and the people I work with, it is a small office with maybe a dozen people, and I am easily the youngest. So, not going to make lots of friends there.

I moved here aware of the idea that making friends was going to be a challenge. At times I feel like meeting people is like having a part time job. Example: In the past week I have gone to three young adult events at various locations in the city (or its surrounding boroughs) after work. The most recent kept me away from my apartment until about 11:15 p.m. I chose to stay that long, because it was interesting and I was enjoying my company, but nonetheless.

All this is to say that I feel like I might finally be making some headway. After nearly three months of living here, I feel like I'm getting to the point where I might be able to call people beyond my roommate "friend." (I joke with her that she has to be my friend since I pay her $850 a month.)

Its definitely something out of my comfort zone, having to intentionally seek out friendships, but I am happy to see my efforts finally paying off. Maybe soon my part-time job trying to find friends can turn into relaxation and rejuvenation with people whose company I really enjoy.

(You should also take the general topic of this blog to understand why I hardly ever write. Would you have the time if you were as busy as I was?)