How did you do it?

Hi everyone,

I moved to New York last week because I wanted to build a better life for myself and pursue a career in public relations. I'm 22, and I knew moving here would be hard, but I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now and could really use some advice.

I have about $4,000 saved for rent, and I'm currently paying $1,000/month in Brooklyn through a family friend. The rent is affordable, but I'm honestly miserable living there. There are mice—we've literally found one every other night. I didn't realize there were multiple other people living in the house, and there's a group that hangs out outside almost every night smoking, drinking, and being loud. I barely sleep, I'm constantly anxious about putting my feet on the floor because of the mice, and the place just doesn't feel clean or comfortable.

I do have a part-time job that pays $17/hour, and I have a PR internship starting in September, but it's unpaid. Right now, I'm trying to find something that will actually allow me to support myself until then.

I've been applying online and walking into restaurants looking for hostess and serving jobs because I have experience doing both, but if I'm being honest, I really don't want to go back to that if I can avoid it. I moved here hoping to build a career, not just survive from shift to shift.

I'm not expecting a dream job overnight, but I'm wondering:

• If you were in my position, what kinds of jobs would you be looking for?
• Is it worth moving out of my current place even though the rent is cheap, or should I stick it out to save money?
• How did you get through the "starting from nothing" phase when you first moved here?

I don't really have family I can lean on for guidance, so I'm figuring this out on my own. I know a lot of people come to New York chasing something bigger, and I still believe I can build a life here. I'm just having a hard time seeing the next step right now.

I'd really appreciate any advice from people who've been through something similar. Thanks.