How it started
I took on the challenge because of an excellent job opportunity. The role sat at the intersection of the diverse experiences and skills I had built since I started working at 17.
It materialized through conversations, my experience in a related industry, and a combination of intersecting skills: bilingual, finance background, and familiarity with the blockchain industry. The kind of role that doesn't show up on a job board. It shows up in a network.
The living process
My first instinct was to reach out to my network. With their help, I adapted quickly to the new lifestyle and started building relationships through sports and business.
Still, the first two months were a stretch. Adapting, out of routine, finding my footing. It is an uncomfortable process, but it pays off once you settle in. On the positive side, the pace on the coast is more relaxed than in the city, which leaves more room for work and growth.
Building a routine
When you move to a new city, find a group aligned with your interests and start there. The odds are high you'll find a social support network inside that group. Your co-workers are also a great way to get the social energy running.
Key points
Living on the coast comes with trade-offs. Some are obvious. Others reveal themselves over time.
AdvantagesWhat I'm learning
It has been a blessing. I've learned to be comfortable being uncomfortable, and I've grown closer to people with more experience than me.
One of the best things you can do at a young age is live alone. Your feedback loop gets shorter and learning compounds quickly. It sharpens how you solve problems, and over time the things that once felt high-stakes settle into the normal bar.
Develop your skills and take calculated risks as early as possible.