The author works all the time, and thinks that by moving to New York, of all places, he will achieve a greater work-life balance. Having lived in both places and having struggles with the same issues: the work-life balance in both places is heavily skewed towards work, and in those places, that balance is heavily dependent on the person's ability to say "no" and to stand up for oneself. If the author had said "I am moving to a sleepy suburb in the midwest", then I'd say he's making a good choice that will require very few changes in his own ability to manage his life: the environment would impose. As is, he's just switching one high-pressure area for another.

Edit: apparently work/life balance isn't the issue, as the essay and comments here clarified. Very well.