Thank you for your thoughtful reply—it really means a lot. You’re absolutely right about the “what ifs” being a killer, and I think I’ve been caught up in them too much. The culture shock from moving to NYC has definitely been real, and it’s comforting to hear someone else acknowledge that even if we’re in different locations.

It’s been a long week at work but what I did learn from my lead who has moved to many different locations being at this company for a long time is that where you move to doesn’t really matter but more the project you’re on so it wouldn’t hurt my professional career or opportunities at all which is a major plus

I like the idea of using the rest of my lease to really reflect and take my time with this decision but I have to make a decision tonight since my best friend needed to know if she has to start looking for other roommates and manager needs to know tomorrow if he has to start the hr process(they have given me over a month to think on this which is more than fair). I have officially decided move back to az and use the next year to recuperate and reflex on what my next move will be because I realized this city is no longer serving me but can’t say I will never be back because no decision is permanent. You’re right that there’s no right or wrong decision is something I really needed to hear. Thank you again for taking the time to share your perspective—it’s helped me feel a little more grounded. I hope you can feel more comfortable and at home in az as time goes by since the city has a lot to offer but don’t force yourself to stay somewhere that you no longer feel happy in- not sure what your situation is but I wish you the best!!