Business Insider · 6 Sep, 15:36 · Business briefing

I left Austin for NYC 7 years ago. Here are 9 things I still miss about my old life, and 3 reminders of why I moved.

A recent Business Insider article features a professional who relocated from Austin to New York City seven years ago.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent Business Insider article features a professional who relocated from Austin to New York City seven years ago. The author reflects on nine aspects of their previous lifestyle they still miss, alongside three key reasons justifying the move. This personal narrative highlights the complex trade-offs involved in major geographical career transitions, contrasting lifestyle preferences with professional opportunities. The piece offers a candid look at the emotional and practical realities of urban migration for working adults, providing insights into how location impacts daily satisfaction and long-term career trajectory without offering prescriptive advice.

Employer demand for Business And Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must evaluate whether your current location aligns with your long-term professional and personal goals. This story underscores that geographic mobility is not merely a logistical challenge but a strategic career decision. Professionals in competitive sectors should prioritise skills like adaptability and cultural intelligence, as these rise in value when navigating diverse urban environments. You should audit your cost of living against potential salary premiums in target cities. If you are considering a move, research local industry hubs thoroughly. Do not underestimate the impact of lifestyle on productivity. A smart professional would create a detailed pros and cons list, weighing networking opportunities against quality of life, ensuring your next move supports both your career growth and personal well-being.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Business And Management, Human Resources, Psychology and Career Development — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.