Thoughts on Returning to Real Life in Miami When I wrote this two and a half years ago, I honestly thought I’d never be back. At least for more than a weekend. I figured my time in Dade County – as it eventually becomes for so many – was over. I’d outgrown the fun. Time to start my career. Time for a serious city. Yeah, so much for that. THEY KEEP PULLING ME BACK IN… During this time I’ve found opportunities elsewhere, both personal and professional. Opportunities that probably would have led me to what some would call a “real life.†But what I came to learn is that none of that matters if I’m not constantly warm, close to a beach, and perpetually aggravated by people who don’t speak English (life is nothing without conflict). And so this week I return to Miami full-time, and barring some unbelievable life-changing event, I’m pretty sure I’m back to stay. Third time is the charm, I suppose. But things have changed since I came to Gainesville in 2007. And I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little wary of diving back into Miami head first. I’ve gotten used to the ease of communication up here. I’ve gotten used to having idle chit chat with the cashiers at local businesses, and being able to tell the mechanic exactly what I need done to my car. I go back in Miami enough to remind myself that that’s not going to be how it is when I return. But knowing something and experiencing it are two completely different things. Even during the summer I knew it was a temporary gig. And even every other weekend allowed me a chance to get back to America before the culture drove me nuts. HAVING TO FOLLOW MY OWN ADVICE ISN’T ALWAYS FUN  Miami is not a forgiving city. Sure, there are always those who will help you out, but as I love to tell people on the forums, nobody is handing you anything. There’s not a ton of professional jobs (not that I’m looking for one), and even jobs in the service industry are getting harder and harder to find. When I left in 2007, the economy was a little better and you could make a living bartending at a lot of places. Now I’m not so sure. I’ve been surrounded by young, pretty, white college girls for the last two years. Girls who are not only my type, but really don’t expect anything out of me either. In Miami, it’s not only hard enough to find a white girl, but when you do they expect things like “dates†and “ambition.†I’m guessing the 1 a.m. text messages asking “where you at†just aren’t going to cut it anymore. Or maybe they will. It is Miami after all.  All trepidations aside, I know nothing is to be gained by staying in the Neverland that is Gainesville. It’s been a fun, carefree couple of years. But I’m ready to get back to the maddening inferno that is life in Dade County. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I also know there’s no city I know better. And knowledge, as they say, is power.
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5 Comments on"Thoughts on Returning to Real Life in Miami"
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Gingiebunny & Sungal says:
You’ll do just great Matt. I think finding a good apartment in a nice area is key. As far as communicating with people who speak broken English, writing it down in Spanish is necessary. That’s what I plan to do at the groomer. I just returned from the freezing cold of NJ and all of these little annoyances are a small price to pay for year round beach time.
Posted on 12/10/2009 at 5:25 PM