Thanks for sharing this. I made a similar move in 2021, from NYC to Bellingham, WA (Vancouver's American neighbor). "There my defining trait was I didn’t snowboard or ski." <-- This is too true! Add mountain biking to that list for the ultimate social death knell.
I was in a zoom conversation with ~50 people where the topic was "working online, living offline." A link to your article came up on the screen, with that same line "they feel more like airport layovers..." and heads were nodding -- literally around the world. I don't think the number of likes or comments can truly reflect the resonance this topic, and your piece, is having. I wanted to let you know that. And big credit to startupy for hosting that call & sharing the article.
I've been thinking a lot about the "I", the macro-micro framing, and how to be intentional about navigating these contexts. I'm in a similar struggle to what you're describing, though I don't plan to move back to NYC. Regardless, this framing makes sense and is a helpful way to think about it.
Love this: "they feel more like airport layovers between internet sessions than the center of life itself"
I feel this applies to much more, for me, than just the time between internet sessions. I find myself an interloper between the best moments of life, or where I am fully engaged. The internet is simply the easiest way to find something engaging (or addicting) for better or for worse.
Thanks for sharing this. I made a similar move in 2021, from NYC to Bellingham, WA (Vancouver's American neighbor). "There my defining trait was I didn’t snowboard or ski." <-- This is too true! Add mountain biking to that list for the ultimate social death knell.
I was in a zoom conversation with ~50 people where the topic was "working online, living offline." A link to your article came up on the screen, with that same line "they feel more like airport layovers..." and heads were nodding -- literally around the world. I don't think the number of likes or comments can truly reflect the resonance this topic, and your piece, is having. I wanted to let you know that. And big credit to startupy for hosting that call & sharing the article.
I've been thinking a lot about the "I", the macro-micro framing, and how to be intentional about navigating these contexts. I'm in a similar struggle to what you're describing, though I don't plan to move back to NYC. Regardless, this framing makes sense and is a helpful way to think about it.
OMG you're back?! ♡
Love this: "they feel more like airport layovers between internet sessions than the center of life itself"
I feel this applies to much more, for me, than just the time between internet sessions. I find myself an interloper between the best moments of life, or where I am fully engaged. The internet is simply the easiest way to find something engaging (or addicting) for better or for worse.
Thank you for sharing your experiences!