My journey of living alone in the city
From waking up to the sound of roosters crowing and birds chirping at dawn, to waking up to honking cars and loud construction noises. I chose this life—to leave the province and study in the city, sustain and work for myself, and live as an independent young adult who needs to figure things out on her own.
Hey Google, play “You’re On Your Own, Kid” by Taylor Swift.
My journey of living alone in the city
Living as an independent young adult in the busy streets of Manila can be both exhilarating and challenging. In the city, everything moves fast; people are always in a hurry, and traffic is often congested. I moved to Cubao in Quezon, eager to finish my studies and experience all the city had to offer. I have to admit, at first, the fast pace of life and constant noise and crowds overwhelmed me.
One of my biggest challenges in living alone is handling everyday tasks like grocery shopping, laundry, and other errands. Finding time to get these things done while juggling studies, work, and personal well-being can be a real juggling act. But as I learn to adapt, I began to appreciate the independence that came with living on my own. That’s why organization and time management skills are crucial to thriving in the hustle and bustle of a busy city.
Overcoming the challenges of living alone in the city
Living independently also allowed me to explore new interests and hobbies. Without anyone else’s influence or judgment, I discovered what truly made me happy. I started writing again after years of neglecting it because of other people’s opinions.
Despite the downsides, there is something special about living in a busy city that draws me in. The excitement, the buzz, and the vibrancy that comes from being in a hustle-bustle environment are unparalleled. Additionally, the diversity of cultures that I can experience in the city is unique and allows me to broaden my perspectives.
I learned to have joy in finding affordable groceries, and discovering hidden parks and quiet cafes where I could escape from the chaos of the city. And despite occasional bouts of loneliness or homesickness, I felt proud of myself for taking on this new challenge.
This whole journey offers me a lot of opportunities that are waiting to be discovered. It also showed me that even in a place where millions are constantly moving around, it’s possible to carve out my own little corner of peace and belonging.
