Many opportunities lie in big cities. As such, plenty of people from small towns in the provinces and rural folk find themselves moving to the urban environment of the city in search of work and a better lifestyle.
The abrupt change in lifestyles can be jarring; the faster pace, dealing with the unknown and navigating the pitfalls of adapting to an unfamiliar way of life mean it’s important for newcomers to come prepared. How can this be done? By taking note of some aspects that the dynamic life in big cities has to offer.
Higher Expenditure
The cost of living in the city — big or small — is higher compared to life in a small town or rural area. This is the main change that people should be aware of.
Renting a condominium in a business district like the Ortigas Center may be convenient and save commute time and costs compared to living somewhere in Cavite. Regardless of the decision, the newcomer needs to weigh up the cost of rent with the time, stress and expense of commuting.
Other options may be available to reduce costs; for example, by sharing rented accommodation and splitting the utility bills and cost of basic household items.
Apart from the roommate situation, it’s wise to set up a budget for living expenses. This allows a person to take note of their income and outlays. There are different ways to budget for expenses, but one popular method is to follow the 50-30-20 rule.
This rule dictates that one should allot 50 percent of their post-tax income on needs. Thirty percent is for wants and the remaining 20 percent for savings and investments. Anyone can try this rule and slowly adjust the percentages or cut down on some expenses to suit their lifestyle.
Anonymity
Sense of community is usually an integral part of small town living, so newcomers may be shocked that the big city is mostly lacking in this aspect. As a result, individuals may experience feelings of being lost and lonely during their first few weeks or months.
This feeling can have an impact on one’s daily life, so it’s good to find ways to meet other people, both socially and professionally, as much as possible. Interacting with strangers may be difficult for some, but forging relationships with people who are going through the same hardships can make life in the city more bearable.
Cultural Differences
People who move to the city commonly do so for education or work, which take up the majority of their time. While it’s good to be focused and driven, taking breaks every so often staves off burn out and help with adjusting to new surroundings.
There are many ways to go about this in the big city. Given the number of malls in the Philippines that provide shops, restaurants, cinemas and other forms of entertainment, navigating your way around one is an easy starting point. Aside from that, the nightlife is thriving, too. It’s one of the best ways to unwind and meet friends.
Whatever you choose, particularly when out after dark, stay safe and vigilant. You will soon learn the areas you don’t need to go, as the crime rate is higher in the city compared to less built-up towns and villages.
Living in the city has so much to offer. With planning and realistic expectations, the transition to a new lifestyle will be exciting and fulfilling.