A someone who spent part of my 20s in NY this piqued my curiosity! I have often wondered if I could still "hack it" in my former beloved city. I have friends that have stuck it out but it seems even more brutal than ever. It was very brave of you to start over with your career, regardless, and maybe you are selling that experience short a bit - although I can relate to not feeling m age/feeling a bit entrapped by it too. Glad you are settling into a new phase that sounds more relaxing anyway! p.s. also your story reminded me of a tv show called "Younger" where a 40 something woman poses as being in her late 20s to get back on the career ladder in NY - you might enjoy it!