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This isn't my first time posting but for some reason I can't log into my old account so here I am with a new one looking for advice!
I moved to Boston almost 6 months ago for my job in which the account is located at BMC. I took the job only because it's an international company I fought 8 months to even get an interview and I knew I'd have an option to transfer out shortly. It's also in my career field. At minimum, I'll have to be at this account for another 6 months (9 months if worse comes to worse) and I'm depressed about being here in Boston.
I just really don't like this city. I find it expensive, dirty, congested, and overall just not enjoyable. Now I've lived in both Connecticut and Rhode Island. I stayed in Ri for college and made day trips to Boston to "get away" and I always found the city full of things to do but never a place to live. While I love the public transportation, I expected for a major U.S. city to be above the "curve" especially after flying out to the West and visiting every other state on the East Coast. Recycling, going green, public health initiatives, etc.
I don't want to have to be in college again, which EVERYTHING here seems to affiliated with some college to feel like I'm moving or helping progress humanity.
Example: For one of the only states that has mass statewide health FOR everyone, not just children or seniors, I'm finding a lot of limitations with doctor's and high transfer rates to hospitals. I recently found out I was pregnant (unplanned, but joyous) and that there are only two birth centers in the ENTIRE state. I really thought Boston/Mass was a headway in healthcare and options but for some reason this shocks me when you cross the border to NH and find 5.
While I'm not feening for friendship, almost everyone I met has been in Boston or Mass since birth and their life scope is limited. Or they dislike the city as much as I do! Which of course doesn't help my feelings.
Also, all my coworkers are also transplants to the city, so they aren't a wealth of resources.
Basically, I need some advice how to make the next 6 months of my life here in Boston even mildly acceptable?
I've been all over the state to the tourist places, I plan to try a few others, I've been out to Cape Cod, Provincetown, Salem, Plymouth, etc. I've been to the science museum, malls, etc. So, suggesting me to get out more isn't the problem. I actually enjoy what Boston has to offer as VACATION things, not living here permanently.
Are there any day to day activities that have helped other transplants enjoy the city?
I would be more concerned about the baby coming and since you did not mention a husband or boyfriend raising that child alone and how this will affect your job and the prospect of a transfer in the future. Pregnancy hormones probably have a lot to do with your mood as well since so many changes are going on in your body at the moment. I loved Boston when I was there but I do not have the need to be constantly "entertained" so I am definitely not one to give advice on how to do that on a day to day basis. Good luck.
I would be more concerned about the baby coming and since you did not mention a husband or boyfriend raising that child alone and how this will affect your job and the prospect of a transfer in the future. Pregnancy hormones probably have a lot to do with your mood as well since so many changes are going on in your body at the moment. I loved Boston when I was there but I do not have the need to be constantly "entertained" so I am definitely not one to give advice on how to do that on a day to day basis. Good luck.
Thank you for you response!
My boyfriend is here and a great support. I'm actually not concerned about taking care of my child as I have the support and resources, and I'd be transferring out closer to family or changing my position entirely because I work 10-12 hours and I couldn't see myself working like that with a baby. And I've been feeling like this since January, so hormones aren't really a factor. The info about my pregnancy was to connect to the example on how I feel Boston isn't as progressive with the lack of birth centers or options for a major city.
It's not really a need to be constantly entertained. Honestly, I'm a homebody most of the time but I love to immerse myself wherever I am living and I'm having a hard time "connecting" with this city if that's makes sense.
You haven't actually described what you like doing. Things I enjoyed while I was in the city included using the scenic bike and walking paths and exploring the absolute plethora of restaurant options available. But you know, again, its really hard to tell you what you will enjoy doing.
Have you tried counseling? No place is perfect, but the fact that you're looking to "connect" and have fun while you have a bunch of more pressing life issues on your plate leads one to suspect that you have some internal issues to sort out. Good luck.
Basically, I need some advice how to make the next 6 months of my life here in Boston even mildly acceptable?
Join an expecting moms group? Everyone else will be in the same boat as you, so you won't need to worry about who's a transplant or not, etc.
I'm not sure what's so much more thrilling about daily life in Connecticut and Providence (malls?), but if you'd care to share, that might help people advise you on which activities to check out in the city, or where to go outside of the city. It may just be that you should be taking the T out to Brookline, Newton, or Cambridge to do your socializing.
As for college students everywhere, you're in luck: they leave in May/June and won't be back until September.
Winters in Boston, even though this was a pretty easy one, can be long, dull and dreary. At least the next 6 month should be better! Have you considered that by doing a lot of touristy things you are making yourself feel like more an outsider?
There are lots of things to do in Boston but it's hard to make suggestions without know what you like to do or where you live. Plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, small specialty stores, and farmer's markets. Lots of free and cheap activities if you hunt around for them. What did you like to do on a regular basis where you lived before??
I don't know much about Mass Health so I won't comment, but congrats on your pregnancy. It's always seemed to me that pregnancy and a baby is an instant way to meet and connect with people. Why not look for an expectant mother's group (craigslist or meetup) or take prenatal yoga? I know you said you aren't craving friendship but that may be to be more involved in the city.
So you have two issues with Boston, having one two birth centers and not liking city life.
What's the big deal about using a birth center?
And secondly, maybe urban life isn't for you. Maybe you are happier only visiting a city, just not living inside of it. But most major cities are congested, expensive and "dirty". Cities by nature are just full of people, and therefore they are always congested. And being expensive is because they are desirable places to live and work, so real estate is very expensive which affects rents and the cost of goods sold there. And dirty, well human beings produce a lot of waste products and some people just aren't good about putting their trash in the proper receptacles. I've seen both ghetto types and teens tossing paper thoughtlessly on the sidewalks. But I do find Boston cleaner than most other cities for its size.
But I do find Boston cleaner than most other cities for its size.
This. If you think Boston is noticeably dirtier than any other Northeast city, you've lost me. Are you mistaking older for dirtier? Yes, Boston is generally not shiny and new. We don't like to bulldoze structures and build new ones that will likely fade faster (think LA or Phoenix). We have a serious problem in the country as it is making everything disposable. Maybe you need a more intimate, nurturing setting? I just don't know how much better a place like Providence or Hartford would take care of you, both socially and medically. Maybe you need a smaller urban center like Portsmouth or even something like Salem?
Basically, I need some advice how to make the next 6 months of my life here in Boston even mildly acceptable?
Are there any day to day activities that have helped other transplants enjoy the city?
Congrats on your pregnancy! I don't live in Boston (I'm from NH), but I work there every day and completely sympathize with your feelings about the city. Lately, I've been trying to focus on the positives by planning little activities. I'm not sure if these will seem touristy to you, but here are a few that I've enjoyed:
-I'm not a particularly religious person, but I love peeking into churches and Boston has TONS of them. One week I found all the churches near my job on Google maps and I visited one each day. They all had little informational pamphlets and I'd walk around the church, sit and read the history, and just enjoy the silence for a few minutes before going back to work.
-I recently took up needlepoint and spent some time checking out the stores in Back Bay that carry patterns. Everyone working there was extremely pleasant - it was relaxing just being in the shops. One woman even took the time to show me how to do different types of stitches.
-Last spring I tried to seek out places to go for walks and I stumbled on the Corridor Path in Back Bay (it starts behind Copley Place). It's in the middle of the city, but you wouldn't even know it. It's cute, quiet, and peaceful. Commonwealth Ave is also nice for a stroll. Sometimes it's good to go where the tourists are - their enthusiasm reminds me that there are some great things about the city.
I don't know if you've seen this before, but there's a show called Chronicle and it's on every weeknight at 7:30 on ABC. They show hidden gems in Boston and New England (local business profiles, shopping, outdoor activities, crafts, restaurants, etc.) in a way that makes the area feel like home. That will definitely help you find some things to do to pass the time.
The good thing is that you have an end date, so I would definitely look forward to that. Just try to focus on the positives - it's good for you and for your little one
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6 More Months of Boston... and I'm depressed!
