Moving to Downtown Los Angeles last year almost felt like a rite of passage. At that time, I couldn’t believe I scored an apartment (with parking) under $1200. I remember spending my first few weeks looking out of the windows to admire the city skyline. Whenever I look at it now, I’m blinded by the flashy billboards and glowing high rises. It’s not terrible, but I’ve been there long enough that all of the skyscrapers blend into the background.
My naive mind thought living in DTLA would make it “easy” for me to get around the streets and have better access to public transit. I can confirm that the experience has been nothing short of simple. I always used to dread getting stuck in traffic - I still don’t enjoy it, but I’ve learned to make better use of my time when I navigate the most congested routes. Coming to terms with Los Angeles’ dense population and how packed it is on an everyday basis. I can’t say that it’s gotten easier, but I’ve learned to adapt with the movement of the city.
I’d like to clarify that living out here doesn’t mean that I have the time (let alone interest) to attend any events in downtown. At the same time, I don’t feel that I’m ever missing out on all the happenings along Figueroa. I’m currently in a small neighborhood within one-mile of the convention center. Between my full-time job, evening adult school, commutes and all, I haven’t spent much time on my hobbies or recreational fun. For this term, I’ve been laser focused on leading a career-oriented lifestyle. I’m tired, so I hope all the effort I’m putting in is worth it.
There were many times earlier this year I wasn’t sure I would have income to support myself. I jumped around at least 3-4 times just trying to secure work that suits me and my strengths. I endured some financial challenges a result. Closing the year, I’m thankful to have found a place to work and a role that aligns with who I am today. Even though my salary saw some decrease, I’m making it work for me. It is such a rewarding experience to be in a space where the dynamics feel “right”, and I have healthy working relationships with my team.
Living alone in this capacity has given me an opportunity to take full ownership of my life: all the up’s and downs included. Being in DTLA hasn’t shown me to hustle, but through the trials I’ve endured, I’ve learned how to survive. Lately, I tell myself that I don’t want to live out of my kitchen for the rest of my life. As much as I crave stability, I’m at a point where I want to move around again, because I want more. Truthfully, I deserve more, but I don’t know if I’m ready to step away, when it feels like I just settled in.
My naive mind thought living in DTLA would make it “easy” for me to get around the streets and have better access to public transit. I can confirm that the experience has been nothing short of simple. I always used to dread getting stuck in traffic - I still don’t enjoy it, but I’ve learned to make better use of my time when I navigate the most congested routes. Coming to terms with Los Angeles’ dense population and how packed it is on an everyday basis. I can’t say that it’s gotten easier, but I’ve learned to adapt with the movement of the city.
I’d like to clarify that living out here doesn’t mean that I have the time (let alone interest) to attend any events in downtown. At the same time, I don’t feel that I’m ever missing out on all the happenings along Figueroa. I’m currently in a small neighborhood within one-mile of the convention center. Between my full-time job, evening adult school, commutes and all, I haven’t spent much time on my hobbies or recreational fun. For this term, I’ve been laser focused on leading a career-oriented lifestyle. I’m tired, so I hope all the effort I’m putting in is worth it.
There were many times earlier this year I wasn’t sure I would have income to support myself. I jumped around at least 3-4 times just trying to secure work that suits me and my strengths. I endured some financial challenges a result. Closing the year, I’m thankful to have found a place to work and a role that aligns with who I am today. Even though my salary saw some decrease, I’m making it work for me. It is such a rewarding experience to be in a space where the dynamics feel “right”, and I have healthy working relationships with my team.
Living alone in this capacity has given me an opportunity to take full ownership of my life: all the up’s and downs included. Being in DTLA hasn’t shown me to hustle, but through the trials I’ve endured, I’ve learned how to survive. Lately, I tell myself that I don’t want to live out of my kitchen for the rest of my life. As much as I crave stability, I’m at a point where I want to move around again, because I want more. Truthfully, I deserve more, but I don’t know if I’m ready to step away, when it feels like I just settled in.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Eye Worn Onto Dawn
Now to End own Year
One Yawn to Wonder
One Year Downtown
Eye Worn Onto Dawn
Now to End own Year
One Yawn to Wonder
One Year Downtown
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