From East Coast to West Coast Back to East Coast: Lessons in Change, Balance, and Resilience

I’m originally from Virginia (a military kid), where I spent my childhood through my teenage years before moving to California in high school. From a young age, I was no stranger to culture shock. Moving across the country as a teenager and adjusting to life in California was a jarring experience. (I said y'all a lot. LOL. Bay Area Natives told me I sounded country as heck!) Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a series of culture shocks shaping my life's story. Over the years, I’ve learned that embracing discomfort—whether through new cities, schools, jobs, or experiences—has been the key to my personal and professional growth.

In 2024, I embarked on my own journey, moving from California to New York. As a military kid who has lived in places like Guam and Korea, I'm no stranger to change or adaptability. I pride myself on embodying that of a chameleon, camouflaging myself, and fitting into any room I walk into. Now, living in New York City, I’ve encountered new challenges. People often ask what made me move and how it's going...well, keep reading...

Let's start by sharing a secret that is close to my heart... I've always wanted to live in New York. Whenever I visited New York, I would ask myself—Why don't I live here? As a Millennial who has survived so much, including a global pandemic (yeah, that happened, and I'll keep reminding you...) Life was lifing! But I dared to chase my dreams anyway, and even though it took me a while to get here, I'm glad I made it! For me, it's New York or Nowhere.

Moving from California to New York wasn’t just about a change of location—it was a complete immersion into a new pace of life. In California, I had become accustomed to the relaxed pace of the Bay Area. It was the land of Silicon Valley, where tech innovation is often paired with yoga pants, Birkenstocks with bring your dog to work days, and jeans-and-T-shirt as work attire. The culture was one of creativity, flexibility, and an easy-going vibe. In California, my days ended with walks along the marina, yoga or sound bath sessions, and leisurely quiet evenings at home or with friends, and the weekends were spent exploring the West Coast's sunshine and beauty.

Then came New York.

The shift was a total 180. I've traded Redwood trees for concrete skyscraping buildings. New York is fast (very fast), relentless, and unapologetically direct. If I'm honest, it's the kind of stuff I live for. The city never sleeps, and neither do its people. Everywhere you go, there’s a palpable energy—people dressed in blazers and trench coats in Manhattan to stylist street fashion and diversity in every other borough you visit. The city buzzes, and it's electric! It's both magnetic and intense. I found myself moving swiftly, having conversations that seemed to happen at warp speed, and learning to walk just as fast! At first, it was a shock to my system; this easy-breezy West Coast mentality I've grown accustomed to felt confused by needing to adopt a more serious and straightforward, fast-paced call-it-like-I-see-it East Coast mentality. The hustle, the grind, the never-ending movement—everything has felt so different from the laid-back atmosphere I was used to.

But it wasn’t just the city that I had to adjust to. It was the personal changes: New Era Tieara is embracing everything new: not just a new city, but a new job, a new neighbor, a new apartment, and a new puppy—a new version of ME, all while I was still grieving the old—my old life in California. I had to let go of familiar routines, comfortable spaces, and the sense of belonging I’d built back on the West Coast. But it wasn’t just about the old—it was about stepping into the new, learning how to find my balance in a city that moves at a pace that demands growth and resilience. Being back on the East Coast has been healing the inner teenager in me, who is fond of lighting bugs and Utz Salt & Vinegar chips.

Through these changes, I’ve come to understand the power of adaptability. I’ve learned that culture shock, while uncomfortable, is a powerful force for growth and expanding my perspective. The more I’ve embraced change—whether moving from Virginia to California as a teenager or moving from California to New York as an adult—the more I’ve expanded my mindset. I am grateful to have lived and worked on both coasts. My dream? To be bicoastal!

These experiences have taught me to be resourceful, resilient, and forward-thinking, blazing every trail I embark on. Each new challenge or chapter has strengthened my adaptability and pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. These shifts have profoundly influenced how I view the world and the value I bring to the companies I work for, the projects I lead, and the people I connect with.

I’ve learned that discomfort fuels personal growth and drives professional success. I now approach every project, team, and opportunity with the mindset of someone who thrives in uncertainty and ambiguity and embodies creativity when solving complex problems. These experiences have also shaped my empathy, emotional intelligence, and ability to share what I've learned along the way.

Let's summarize, shall we?

1. Resilience is Key

Moving across the country and navigating a new city like New York builds resilience. From adapting to a fast-paced environment to facing unexpected challenges, I've learned that perseverance through tough times strengthens your character and prepares you for future obstacles. This resilience is a growth mindset developing my elasticity to bounce back, expect the unexpected, and fail forward.

2. Adaptability Fuels Growth

Transitioning between states and roles has taught me the value of adaptability. Each new experience, whether a job or a life change, has shown me how to pivot, embrace the unknown, and grow personally and professionally. I don't know what my future holds, but I know that my ability to switch, pivot, quit, or win is essential to sustaining my newfound main character energy as New Era Tieara.

3. Embracing Change as a Catalyst for Personal and Professional Development

My career journey has taught me that change and failure are not setbacks but essential stepping stones to growth. Whether it’s a job that didn’t work out or personal challenges, each experience offers valuable lessons that shape who I am. Change is constant. Change is inevitable. Change encourages growing outside of your comfort zone. One of my early trips to New York left me lost on the subway—now, I’m giving tourists directions. Each misstep and risk taken has led to more significant learning, growth, and evolution. No matter how uncomfortable, embracing change, whether in a physical location or a new career, has become the key to my personal and professional transformation.

4. Authenticity and Alignment Matter

Through each experience, I’ve discovered the importance of staying true to yourself. Aligning career and life choices with personal values and aspirations has led to deeper fulfillment, showing that authenticity is crucial for long-term success and happiness.

I still have so much more to learn, but one thing is clear: embracing discomfort has been one of the most powerful tools in my personal and professional evolution. It’s made me who I am today—someone who’s not afraid to take risks, challenge the status quo, and continuously push myself to evolve. Understanding my strengths and weaknesses, as well as my likes and dislikes, has allowed me to be authentically me. I am now searching for a new career that is more aligned with this version, New Era Tieara.

5. It's OK to Start Over, Take Risks, and Bet on Yourself

Taking risks and being an outlier often go hand in hand. I've started over plenty of times in my life, and I'm doing it again! Choosing to step outside the norm and take bold chances, whether in your career or personal life, sets you apart from the crowd. It’s about embracing uncertainty, challenging conventional paths, and trusting that your unique journey will lead to growth and new opportunities. Being an outlier or a risk taker means you’re not afraid to stand alone in your convictions, ideas, or decisions. It’s a mindset that values innovation over conformity, and often, the most significant breakthroughs come from those who dare to take risks and carve their own paths.

Ultimately, my willingness to take risks and be an outlier builds resilience and character, paving the way for transformative success and a life reflecting my unique vision and values. That's what New Era Tieara is all about!

6. Set Your Own Pace and Find Your Balance

New York has taught me invaluable lessons about setting my own pace and milestones. In a city that never sleeps, it’s easy to feel swept up in the constant hustle. Very easy. But amidst the noise and hustle and bustle, I’ve learned the importance of grounding myself—of tuning into my own rhythm rather than racing to meet external expectations.

This journey has shown me that true progress isn’t measured by how quickly we achieve milestones but by the depth of our personal growth and alignment with our core values. Getting clear on this leads us to work for great companies and make a meaningful impact wherever we go. New York has become a mirror for me, reflecting the need for balance, intentionality, and self-compassion. I’ve realized that setting my own pace allows me to embrace each moment, celebrate small victories, and stay true to who I am. It’s a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about reaching the finish line but about the journey and person we become along the way.

Moving across the country, whether the first time or the most recently, wasn’t easy—it built character, confidence, and resilience. It taught me to embrace challenges, adapt quickly, and turn setbacks into growth opportunities. I'm ready for any adventure. New York, in particular, has tested and transformed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined—consider it my initiation into city life! (LOL) After all, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere ;)

As I continue to settle into life in New York and search for my next career opportunity, I’m embracing this journey with faith and optimism. With courage and confidence, I’m ready to take on whatever new challenges and opportunities lie ahead, trusting that each step is guiding me toward a more fulfilling and purposeful career and life path.