[IWantOut] 21F london -> la/ny
21F London → NYC or LA? Just out of a breakup, have a US passport + £13k, bottle girl experience + fashion degree… where should I go and what should I actually do?
Hey everyone,
I’m 21F, currently living in London, and I’m craving a complete reset. Just went through a breakup and I’m done with the same city, same people, same routine. I want a proper new chapter in a new city — ideally somewhere I can make friends easily, go out a lot, and actually build something for myself.
A few key things about me:
• I’m very spontaneous and social. I love nightlife and meeting people.
• I have experience as a bottle girl in nightclubs in London (so I’m comfortable in that high-energy, late-night environment and know how to work a room).
• I studied fashion and genuinely love it, but I have zero real industry work experience. I’m open to starting at the bottom (retail, styling assistant, showroom, events, etc.) or staying in nightlife for a while to fund myself.
• I have a US passport through my dad, so I can live and work in the States with no visa issues.
• Savings: around £13,000 (roughly $16–17k depending on exchange). Not a fortune, but enough for a few months of runway if I’m careful.
I’m mainly torn between New York and Los Angeles, but I’m open to strong arguments for either (or even other US cities if they make more sense for someone in my position).
What I’m looking for:
• A city where it’s relatively easy to make friends as a new 21-year-old
• Good nightlife / social scene
• Realistic entry-level job options (nightlife, fashion-adjacent, or anything that pays the bills while I figure out the fashion side)
• Somewhere that feels exciting and different from London
I’d love advice on:
- NYC vs LA for someone in my exact situation (age, savings, bottle girl + fashion background)
- Realistic cost of living / how far £13k will actually stretch in each city
- Best neighbourhoods for a young girl who wants to be social but not completely broke
- How hard/easy it is to get bottle girl / nightlife jobs or entry-level fashion/retail roles
- Any tips for making friends fast and building a social circle from scratch
- Whether I should just pick one and go, or if there’s a smarter short-term plan (e.g. start in nightlife then pivot into fashion)
I’m not looking for the “safest” option — I’m okay with a bit of risk and discomfort. I just want to land somewhere that feels alive and gives me a real shot at starting over.
Would really appreciate honest opinions from people who’ve moved to either city young, or anyone who’s been in a similar spot. Roast me if my plan is unrealistic, or tell me which city would actually suit me better.