Moving to DC was the right call for my career, but I missed New York. I found a way to get the best of both worlds.

Leaving New York made me appreciate the city's energy and public transit.

Anika Nayak

Living in New York City was equally exhilarating and exhausting, and I loved every minute of it.For almost two years, you'd find me deep in my monthly rituals: chasing rotating specials at my favorite eateries like Salt & Straw, celebrating festivals from cultures across the world, and riding trains throughout the five boroughs to show up for the people I love.Aside from the culture and community, the professional learning and development opportunities were abundant. Somewhere along the way, though, I found my professional voice and a growing interest in federal policy, and felt New York City could only open so many doors in that space.Relocating to Washington, DC, felt like an increasingly obvious choice. As much as I loved New York, being in DC would put me in the epicenter of US policy, and my rent could be much cheaper.So after nearly two years in Manhattan, I left.Living in DC has made me appreciate NYC even more

There are benefits to living in DC, but I've missed the community I built in New York.

Anika Nayak