7 reasons to do a working holiday in New York (from someone who actually did it)

Dreaming of a working holiday in New York? After moving from New Zealand to the Big Apple, Savannah quickly discovered there's far more to the city than yellow taxis and movie scenes. From career opportunities and unforgettable nightlife to meeting people from around the world, here's why living and working in New York could be the best decision you ever make.

Every time I tell people I moved to New York, or it comes up in conversation with locals that I have just moved to NYC – the first question they always ask is 'why'?

Why did you move to New York? What do you like about New York? My initial response is always 'why not?' What’s not to like about New York?! I honestly struggle to find an answer, or articulate well why I chose this big beast of a city to live in – it’s so hard to pinpoint why I made the move. But, since these questions come up so frequently, I figured I better come up with a better answer.

New York really is like the movies

We have all seen at least one movie set in New York (my personal fave is Devil Wears Prada). When I first visited New York, I felt I needed to manage my expectations. When is something ever the same as in the movies?

But the magical thing about New York is it does live up to that fantasy, the way the big city lights and streets are portrayed in the movies. The sprawling streets full of fashionable people strutting down the sidewalk, everyone in a rush to get somewhere, huge skyscrapers that when you look up make you feel tiny, beautiful pre-war buildings with iconic fire escapes lining the streets, sirens everywhere. To my delight, New York City is just like the movies! The jury is still out on whether the big city romances are like the movies though.

New York energy is unmatched

There is an energy here you can’t explain, but you feel it – it's something you need to experience for yourself to truly get it. The 24-hour neighbourhoods, the endless events and parties, people from all around the world – it's dizzying but I love it.

You'll never run out of things to do in NYC

Want to go out and have the best night of your life on a random Tuesday? You got it. Get lost in history and beautiful museums on a rainy Friday? Done. It is quite impossible to get bored in this city, there is something to do every minute of every day. Whether you’re into going out to bars and clubs or you prefer art galleries, great wine and cool restaurants. Broadway, Central Park, comedy clubs, food markets, launch days – it doesn't matter what day of the week it is, there is always something to do. That is something that really blew my mind, coming from New Zealand where you’re lucky if you get people out and about on the weekends.

New Yorkers are crazy and I love it

New York is loud, and New Yorkers are even louder. They won’t hesitate to yell at you to move out of the way, but they’ll also stop to help give you directions if you are lost. Someone described New Yorkers as kind, but not nice. Which I think hilariously and perfectly sums them up. They might not smile at you if you catch their eye or hold the door open for you – but they’ll let you know if you dropped your MetroCard and won’t hesitate to help you out if you ever feel like you’re in trouble.

You can truly be yourself in New York

People here won’t question it if you decide to head out for the day dressed entirely in neon green, or if you feel like walking to work singing your favourite song at the top of your lungs. I love that everyone and anyone has the freedom to express themselves however they see fit, and if you want to change your entire identity when you move here, or halfway through living here – New York says be my guest.

Tall poppy syndrome who?

There is no doubt that unfortunately, the tall poppy syndrome is rife. In New York, you need to be confident, to be able to sing your own successes – if you want to make it here. Further, people applaud and admire you for your achievements, for what you are good at. The attitude here is different, it’s a big pond, so you need to be a big fish to swim in it.

Creativity, fashion, art, music, culture

New York is one of the epicentres for all things fashion, art, food and music – there are so many incredible artists and creatives that live here, and being here means you have access to it right from your front door. This city is frequently described as a melting pot of people, cultures, and history, and it truly is – there are people from all walks of life here all coexisting together in this crazy wonderful big city.

And finally…because my ex doesn’t live here – and I’ll take a guess that yours doesn’t either.

Thinking of moving to New York?

Our Work USA packages will set you up with everything you need to live and work in America. We’ll sponsor you to work in the USA, guide you through the working holiday visa application, and we'll be on hand with unlimited job placement services for the duration of your visa – helping you find your feet, land a job and get nose deep in pastrami and pretzels.