How did you move to New York?

I’m on the home stretch. 

In less than three weeks I’ll be packing my New York life into 4 large suitcases (if I’m lucky), a carry on and a large handbag. At 25 years old I have moved 20 times and October 17^th will mark 21, and people wonder why I’m a restless soul! It’s basically stitched into my DNA. I boarded my first plane when I was no older than 6 months. Between the ages of 1 – 15 I was on a plane at least 4 times a year to visit family in different states. As I got older my travel increased, visiting places and friends around Australia: Melbourne, Brisbane, Hamilton Island, Alice Springs and Tasmania. Germany, Korea and America make 9 (soon to be 10) long-haul flights and my 18 months abroad has seen me visit LA, Las Vegas, Hawaii and Florida by air. And as I write this blog I’m flying through the air, Florida to New York. Travel and change has kept my eyes open, my brain switched on and my heart beating.

 “When the time comes for you to make a change or grow, the universe will make you so uncomfortable you will eventually have no choice”. 

Paper Planes is what I named this blog over 18 months ago. A perfect symbol for my journey, not only to New York, but my entire life. A Paper Plane is something created and can be constantly recreated. It’s unpredictable, with no steering to control its direction. It will never land where you expected it too and it can always be picked up, have its nose straightened out and sent off again. A Paper Plane is having faith and seeing what happens.

Recently, I’ve received several emails from people asking about my move to America. How is it possible to move to New York? Why did I do it? How am I working? No, I didn’t win the green card lottery, no I’m not secretly half American and no I’m not a studying. As my end is fast approaching I thought I would take the time to write down what I did and how I did it.

When did you move?

April 22, 2013.

What made you want to move?

I spent 2 weeks in New York City for the Christmas of 2012 and fell in love with it. I had just graduated from University and before I became too ‘stuck’ I jumped at the opportunity to do something different for a while.

What visa are you on?

J1. This is a visa for Australians. I was on an Au Pair J1 visa for 6 months and then transferred to a J1 12 month visa. This visa is only eligible to Australians who have graduated university within 12 months of getting their visa. This visa cannot be extended or issued twice. It really isn't easy to move here. There aren't a lot of options and the reality is, this country is desired by many countries around the world- its hard. Being Australian, there are more options and it is possible but it'll take time to find the right visa. Usually a J1 or E3 are the most frequently used. 

How long did it take to organize?

I landed back in Sydney on January 7^th 2013 and left for America on April 22 2013, so roughly 3 months. I had to figure out what visa I would be eligible for, which seemed like the hardest task I had ever embarked on. Visas like an E3, H1, J1 listed for pages in what seemed a foreign language and there didn’t seem to be an easy, straightforward answer. Several times I gave up and I'm sure nearly got my first grey hair- it was stressful!  After looking through a few options and with my impatient nature, I decided an Au Pair visa would be the easiest and quickest option. This would essentially give me instant employment and housing, which I thought was a smart option, when moving to a country I had no idea of navigating. However, after 6 months I was restless and felt restricted so I quit in November 2013, returning to Australia to swap visas while I still had time, and then returned to Manhattan in December 2013. 

How much did it all cost?

My Au Pair visa, including the agency fees (InterExchange) was $700.00 (flights were included) and then consulate fees were approximately $200.00. In addition to this I took a lot of savings as an Au Pairs wage is minimum  I also sold my car, settled any phone plans etc. Transferring to my second J1 visa cost $1,400 for sponsorship (through CICD via GrowUSA), $200.00 for consulate and then flights.

How did you find a job?

I was lucky enough to have met some people in the hospitality industry and my resume was sent to my employer. I then had an interview, a trial and then a 5 day training period, followed by a menu and cocktail test. After that was all passed I got the job as bartender on 18th and Park Avenue. Craigslist is also a good way to find jobs, its not some creepy website like it is in Australia. People really do use it. 

How did you find somewhere to live?

Through a facebook group called GrowUSA. There are lots of pages for Aussies in NYC and they're full of Aussies willing and wanting to help. People are always in and out of NYC. I got lucky and found a room with two other American girls in Manhattan (and we now have a little kitten!). The apartment was already fully furnished and I bought the bedroom furniture from the girl leaving (an Aussie) and then did a big trip to IKEA to fill the rest. 

Did you know anyone?

Two people, who I had briefly met 5 years earlier while they were studying aboard in Sydney. I also have two Uncles who live in Florida. But essentially, it was just me. 

How did you make friends?

It was difficult at first. I made some friends when I was nannying in New Jersey and then through the Australian facebook pages I met people and then when I started work I met a whole new group of people. People are very welcoming in NYC, this city is full of people from everywhere but here and we've all been alone in the beginning like you. Put yourself out there and the rest is easy. 

Didn't you get lonely?

Oh for sure! Cried a lot to begin with, and sometimes still do! But thats part of it. 

What phone plan?

T-Mobile. Not the best service but being an international, for $70 a month its unlimited text and call in the U.S and unlimited calls to Australia.

How do you get around?

A few months back I finally decided to get a Citi-bike membership- BEST THING I EVER DID. It's $99 a year, compared to the subway which is $113 a month. I find it super convenient and its some light exercise at the same time. I'll catch the subway if I have too ($2.50 a ride) and a taxi if I’m wearing heels or its raining.

Whats your favourite thing about New York?

This city is so big, with so many people. You really can be whoever you want to be and you'll find someone out there just like you. Anything you want to eat, drink, listen too or watch - New York has it - and at all hours of the day and night. 

Favourite restaurant?

Catch, Buddakahn or TAO to name a few. All in the Meatpacking. I also LOVE Cafe Gitane

Favourite bar?

Le Bain, Standard Rooftop. 

Favourite place?

Walking the streets in the West Village, and the Hudson River bike path. 

 What are you excited about in Australia?

Hmmm there's a lot. Driving a car, good food, strangers with manners (like helping cary a suitcase up the stairs), the ocean being only streets away, being able to invite friends over for dinner because where I live will be big enough (I love you Manhattan but your apartments are too small!), seeing my family whenever I want - good coffee.