A recent New York University graduate has been compelled to move back in with her parents in California after failing to secure a full-time job in New York City. Liz Lindain, 23, who graduated in May 2024 with a degree in media studies and a minor in entertainment business, left her East Village apartment in July when her lease ended.
Despite multiple internships, active involvement in her school newspaper, and extensive networking during her studies, Lindain was unable to convert interviews into job offers. She applied for entry-level roles in journalism, marketing, and social media management throughout her final semester and the summer after graduation.
The Financial Reality of New York Life
Facing the high cost of living in one of the world's most expensive cities, Lindain decided not to ask her parents for further financial support. With only a part-time job mentoring high school students through college applications, she concluded she could not sustain herself in New York while continuing her search for permanent employment.
"I knew it wouldn't be enough to sustain living in New York while I tried to find a full-time job, and I had no idea how long it would take," Lindain stated in her account published by Business Insider.
Suburban Whiplash and Silver Linings
The return to her childhood home in Santa Clarita, approximately 32 miles north of Los Angeles, presented a stark contrast to her New York life. Lindain described experiencing "a serious whiplash" from the slower pace and quieter environment.
However, the move has allowed her to spend more time with her parents after years of separation and escape the harsh East Coast winters. "The pace here is gentler, the streets are quieter, and while it's not Manhattan, it's given me a space to breathe and reflect in ways I couldn't before," she reflected.
Re-evaluating Career and Identity
While maintaining her ambition to work as a journalist in New York, Lindain is using her time in California to focus on freelance writing, networking, and mentoring. The experience has prompted broader reflections on career paths and personal identity for recent graduates in a competitive job market.
"I am still looking for a full-time writing job in New York, but I'm learning not to let it define my entire identity," Lindain said. "I have to constantly remind myself that I am only 23 and I have a lot of life to live. New York will always be there."
Lindain continues to apply for positions and visits New York periodically, maintaining her connection to the city she describes as matching her internal energy. She concludes that her current situation may be providing necessary lessons before a potential return, stating, "I am such a strong believer that life happens for a reason."