Run Run, As fast as you can

Today I was walking to one of my two jobs and I realized: I have two jobs. Then I realized, not only do I have two jobs, but I have two jobs, an internship, and am taking a class. Not only do I have two jobs, an internship, am taking a class, but it's summer. Summer. I thought that was supposed to be time off to, oh I don't know, relax.

How quickly I've realized that the word "relax" is not n the vocabulary of an East coaster, let alone the phrase "slow down." I love the East coast, but have I really turned into one of them? Why do we never stop moving?

Now, I'm sure two jobs, an internship, and a class is normal for plenty of people during the summer. I do like to keep myself busy, I've only met one other person that juggles as many activities as I do on a regular basis and does it well. But I'm all for taking a break as well. Walking from one job to the other this afternoon, I realized that this go-go-go mindset of the East coast is catching up to me, leading me to be my busy, excited, driven self 365 days of the year.

I'm 21-years-old and have had the privilege to live in three major (at least well-known) cities in my life: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and London. I'm also lucky enough to have a dad that loves to travel, so I have been many places throughout the country and to other countries on my own time. I haven't quite found a place that is as non-stop as the East coast.

Pittsburgh isn't on the East coast? you might ask, or argue. (More likely argue.) No, it is not. Whether or not the location is, the attitude definitely isn't. I do concede that we Pittsburghers have an attitude much more similar to Philly than to NYC, but that's irrelevant for my argument. Things are laid back in Pittsburgh; we watch football and make steel. We're practically a bunch of hicks, West Virginia is only about 2 hours away after all.

I've decided that the East coast is so unique because it is the epitome of capitalism and competitiveness. This is enabled because it is part of the corporate world, and because travel is so simple. The ability to travel from D.C. to Boston to NYC all in one day for various business meetings in a short amount of time is clutch. Don't forget your staple trip to the Jersey/Maryland shore or the Cape. There is always a tight schedule to get from A to B, faster and better than your opponent so that you can achieve success quicker and more so than they can.

I can't claim that this is solely a big-city thing. I lived in London and didn't experience this competitiveness. I was actually surprised at how uncompetitive people were, almost not driven. But that's a post for a different day when I can explain myself better.

I can't claim it's an American thing. I also lived in Pittsburgh, where people were more willing to help you tackle the Cleveland Browns fan to the ground, rather than race you to him.

The East coast, quite a unique place. One that I've grown to love because of its opportunities, yet hate because its caused me to feel like my life is a quick blur in front of my eyes and I have to do everything I can to catch up.