Gap Year - Risk or Regret

[ThePriceOfSugar]

In brief: I'm 23. Started uni at 17, have a master's, just over 1y in a corporate job. As is suggested I'm not much of a risk-taker and have travelled a defined path.

My boyfriend of 2y moved to New York 6 months ago to a great job and wants me to come join. I've been trying to get a transfer through my company for about 7 months and am getting closer, but as I'm junior there is every chance I'll be declined.

Should I just go to NY anyway and call it a gap year?

Yes:

• hate my job (cyber, paid minimum wage as an analyst)
• not much market for the jobs I want in my country
• I have a year of salary saved up
• BF is happy to support me financially
• NY is my dream city and I have a small network there
• young enough to make mistakes?

No:

• will be living on a visitor's visa until I find a job
• pressure placed on relationship
• Covid impact on work and life in NY
• Quitting job seems incredibly privileged and foolish

Shall I take the leap and see what happens? Or stay, wait for a solid opportunity to come along and probably lose the relationship (long distance can't be forever)?

Agree with everyone else - go!

Are you planning on moving forever if it works out? Do you want to settle in the US and have a family there? Have you family here and have you mentioned it to them? Is the relationship you're moving for a healthy, stable one?

The reason I'm asking is that I spent a summer there at your age and met an Irish woman who'd a child. She warned me not to settle there. She was desperately homesick but couldn't leave because of the child. Seemed very sad. I'm all for travelling when you can but it's not clear if it's only for a year why your relationship wouldn't last. I actually found 3 months in the US enough to get a good experience and adventure but didn't see the point or much benefit in staying longer tbh. (That and my Visa had run out).

GO!!!!

But do make sure you keep those yrs wages and have a plan for if you broke up so you’re not stuck / even if you just have a hard time it adds to the pressure of it if you feel like you are trapped

Absolutely yes, go for it!

You're 23, presume no kids or mortgage

This opportunity is the kind of thing our 20s are meant for!