A few days ago a good friend of mine (the poet) decided to move to another city.  In this new, magical place he hopes to find a better life then the one he was living in the suburbs of Buffalo.  After making the trip and settling in he gave me a call to let me know that he had arrived safely and when he would be coming back to visit Western New York.  We spoke of the car trip to his destination, the landscape of his new surroundings, and the people, culture, and layout of this lovely new city.  After a few minutes I paused to let him know that I would appreciate it if he did not talk bad of Buffalo while in this new place.  Even if he believes the writing community there is better, he should keep that opinion to himself.  Far too often, people move away from WNY and trash the region upon arriving somewhere else.  Buffalo (and the surrounding area) is what you make of it.  If you do not put in the effort you will not reap the rewards.

Our conversation was still very cordial, despite the fact that he stressed how much better the writing community in this new town is in comparison to Buffalo.  Let me pause here to let you know that the new town is not New York City as you may have guessed, but rather somewhere further Northwest.  It’s smaller than the city of Buffalo and yet the community of writers and artists is perceived to be bigger.  I believe that this is all a new place type of feeling.  You always feel more hopeful in the beginning when moving somewhere new.  That feeling can persist through life if you put the effort in, but if you expect things to come to you simply because there is a community in place it will most likely not happen.

On the subject of work.  I realize that Buffalo is devoid, most recently, of good positions workwise, but with a little time and effort most people can find decent jobs.  We have several colleges and universities in the Western New York region that afford many diverse programs of study and opportunities for employment.  I am not trying to be the number one Buffalo booster, but I do feel that with time, effort and patience one can make a great life in this area of the country.  Some people feel the need to go away and then, upon returning, understand how great we really do have it here in Western New York.  Four seasons, thriving arts and theater communities, many locally owned businesses, community coffeehouses and cafes (keeping the proliferation of starbucks at bay), a natural wonder, waterfront access and beautiful parks to compliment the rivers and lakes, a short drive to Toronto and a young college community that adds to the vibrancy of the region.

My point in writing this piece is not to call out those that have left the region, as the writer and I have also discussed moving, but rather to make the point that you should not base a moving decision solely on a feeling.  If it is completely impossible (even after you have looked exhaustively) to find a job/career in your field (or a short term position outside of your eventual field) then it is best to move on.  However, if you have not done ample research and attempted to have longevity in any given field it may not be the best reason to move to another city.  You will simply take those habits with you wherever you go.  If you are not good at keeping a job in Buffalo, you will most likely continue this pattern anywhere else in the world you decide to live.  If you are unsatisfied with working an interim job while working on a degree in your field, this dissatisfaction will follow you whever you choose to roam.

There are certain things we must do as adults that make it boring to be grown up.  Working meaningless jobs until we find the career for us is something that nearly everyone does.  Going to school and studying hard to show future employers your worth as a student and potential employee is essential.  Working hard to make it to a better place financially is required.  These are not always fun things, but they are merely a way of getting there.  The means to an end, as it were.  If you do not have the stamina or drive to move forward in the direction of your dreams you will continue to stagnate in any city, town or village you choose to reside in.

So - whether you are in Buffalo, New York City, Seattle or Tallahassee you have to be willing to overcome certain obstacles to get to your destination in life.  You take yourself (and all the intricacies and doubts of being you) everywhere that you go.  If you are bad at keeping a job in Buffalo you need to modify that behaviour rather than blaming it on the city.  If you continue with the same behaviour in the new place you will get the same results.  Confucius certainly said it best: “And remember, no matter where you go, there you are”.  On that note I will end as one cannot improve on Confucius and I believe my point has been sufficiently made.

Peace - Chantale

appropriate links:
The Library of Congress Current Poet Laureate Kay Ryan
The Poetry Society
Poetry NYC
Rooftop Poetry Club at Buffalo State College Not just for students!
Writers and Books, Rochester NY
Talking Leaves Books, Buffalo NY
Old Editions Book Shop, Buffalo NY
Portland, Maine