So, I was chatting with a friend the other day about how living in big, ambitious cities has totally changed my life. We were talking about places like San Francisco and New York and how they’ve shaped our careers and personal growth. It got me thinking about Paul Graham’s essay “Cities and Ambition”, which really hits home for me.
The Magnetism of Ambitious Cities
Paul Graham nails it when he says great cities attract ambitious people. It’s not just about the opportunities but the vibe these cities have. You can feel the ambition in the air, which is so true for San Francisco and New York.
San Francisco: The Epicenter of Innovation and “Interesting” Smells
Living in San Francisco is like being at the heart of innovation—if that heart had an oddly persistent smell of, well, let’s just say “urban aroma.” The city is full of tech and creativity, often mixed with the occasional whiff of the streets. But don’t let the smell of urine put you off; this place is bursting with opportunities.
I moved into a startup house in June 2014 and met Mujtaba, a friend who changed my career path. From then on, my career took off, dodging potholes and avoiding the sky-high rent prices that could make anyone cry more than the city’s unique fragrance.
Mujtaba helped me get my first product management job. We had crazy adventures—like camping in Yosemite, almost getting eaten by a bear, and debriefing our weeks at Chaat Cafe while avoiding tech bros and their IPO dreams. Sure, the infrastructure might be falling apart, and the homelessness crisis is sad, but the friendships I made are solid. I mean, I’m attending their weddings now, where the guest list is full of ex-startup founders.
New York: The City That Never Sleeps (But You Might If You Can’t Afford Rent)
Moving to New York brought a different kind of ambition, seasoned with subway grime and street vendor hot dogs. New York is all about relentless energy and diversity, with someone always yelling, “I’m walking here!”
In New York, I honed my skills and expanded my horizons, learning to navigate the rat race—sometimes literally, on the subway. If you can survive a summer in the sweaty, packed subway, you can survive anything. The city’s demand for excellence and vast network of professionals was a goldmine for learning. Plus, there’s no better place to master the art of pretending you didn’t just see a rat the size of a small dog.
Eating out in New York is an adventure. From $1 pizza slices to $100 artisanal vegan sushi, the food scene is as varied as it is expensive. But it’s all part of the city’s charm. And the friendships I made here are priceless. Many of my closest friends, whose weddings I now attend, were met over shared subway rides and rooftop parties.
Lessons from Ambitious Cities
Living in these cities taught me a few key things:
- Network and Mentorship: Building a strong network and seeking mentorship is crucial. Mujtaba’s guidance in San Francisco was pivotal in my early career stages.
- Adaptability and Growth: Both cities demanded adaptability and a growth mindset. Whether it was adjusting to New York’s fast pace or San Francisco’s innovative culture, these experiences fostered resilience and flexibility.
- Vision and Innovation: Being around ambitious people and cutting-edge ideas fueled my drive to innovate.
- Cultural Immersion: Immersing myself in these diverse cultures broadened my perspective and enriched my life.
Living in ambitious cities like San Francisco and New York has been a game changer for my career. These cities, with their unique vibes and opportunities, have pushed me toward my goals and shaped my path. As I keep moving forward, I carry the lessons and experiences from these vibrant urban jungles with me.
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