Early career insurance AM - should I just thug it out?

Joined large insurance asset manager out of non-target undergrad, LO fixed income; and enjoy the work, low stress, and my seniors are incredibly smart and have the typical high finance pedigree. However, the pay is not great and the location is not as exciting (lame, but I want to move to NYC like many young people). Have been trying to look and network into roles in S&T (which I also think would fit my interests in investing better) and other asset managers, but haven't been getting much traction. The pay eventually gets good, and it's a doable reverse commute, should I just shut up and grind? I have a pipe dream of working at a HF one day, and seeing all my friends in banking blow out my comp and live in NYC does suck a bit (even if I think my work is more interesting). Anyone start in a similar role and move? Interested in just seeing what options are out there.