I'd go to New York as I planned and get a bar job and a day job so that I could support myself. I'd explore non-academic growth like learning an instrument, learning a language and then just save a little so that I could do nice things. I'd meet new people, move on with my life and see where it takes me.
It would be disappointing, but I would probably still enjoy my life just as much. It would just be different. As long as I have a roof over my head, a bed, a shower, enough food and water and I'm happy then I suppose life wouldn't be too bad.