NYU Grad Couldn't Afford to Stay in New York, Moved Back Home

After graduating, the author struggled to find a full-time job and had to leave the city she loved.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Liz Lindain, a 23-year-old media studies graduate from NYU, had to move back home to California after college because she couldn't find a full-time job in New York City and couldn't afford to live there on her own. Despite falling in love with the city during her time in college, Lindain faced the harsh reality of not being able to land a stable job after graduation, leading her to leave her dreams behind and return to her hometown.

Why it matters

Lindain's story highlights the challenges many young graduates face in trying to establish themselves in expensive cities like New York, even after attending prestigious universities. Her experience reflects the broader trend of college graduates struggling to find well-paying jobs that allow them to live independently, often leading them to move back in with their parents.

The details

After graduating from NYU in May 2024 with a degree in media studies and a minor in entertainment business, Lindain applied to numerous entry-level journalism, marketing, and social media jobs in New York City. While she was able to secure some interviews, she did not receive any full-time job offers. With her East Village apartment lease ending in July, Lindain realized she could not afford to stay in the city without a stable income, and she did not want to burden her parents further with financial support. Lindain then made the difficult decision to move back home to Santa Clarita, California, where she grew up.

  • Lindain graduated from NYU in May 2024.
  • Her East Village apartment lease ended in July 2024.

The players

Liz Lindain

A 23-year-old media studies graduate from NYU who had to move back home to California after struggling to find a full-time job in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“I couldn't afford New York without a full-time job”

— Liz Lindain (businessinsider.com)

“Though I have a part-time job mentoring high school seniors through their college applications, I knew it wouldn't be enough to sustain living in New York while I tried to find a full-time job, and I had no idea how long it would take.”

— Liz Lindain (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Lindain continues to search for a full-time writing job in New York City, while also focusing on her freelance work and mentoring activities in California.

The takeaway

Lindain's experience highlights the financial challenges many young college graduates face when trying to establish themselves in expensive cities like New York, even after attending prestigious universities. Her story reflects a broader trend of graduates moving back home due to the inability to find well-paying jobs that allow them to live independently.