Should I just forget about my dream of relocating to L.A.? (apartment, how much)

[Rose454]

Hi All,

I'm a young professional, originally from New York. I relocated to the D.C. metro area, due to a great career opportunity. Currenty, I have a great job and a pretty nice apartment, but I really dislike the weather in this region and the overall monotony of DC metro area living. For the most part, it's gray during the winter (December - March) and cold. Although the D.C. area has great career opportunities, highly educated people and a wide variety of great museum exhibits and nightlife, it doesn't have the palm trees, nor the mountain views or beautiful beaches.

I presently earn 95K/year (with great health care benefits, 5 weeks of vacay, ample sick leave, and telework options), but I'd like to get a transfer to the L.A. region. The problem is, I'm just not certain when my organization's L.A. regional office will have an opening that matches my present salary.

I'm uncertain if I should continue dreaming about relocating to L.A. Perhaps I should just forget about my L.A. dream. Besides, my mom tends to act really strange whenever I discuss moving to the West Coast. I get the feeling that she wants me to take care of her, in the event that she gets sick in the near future.

I'm saddened by the reality that my L.A. dream may never become a reality. Oh well, I can always fantasize and take vacations in the area.

If you shared the same predicament, what would you do?

[travis2999]

In twenty years from now you will be wondering the same thing... I am debating a move to the west coast as well, but it is between different areas including LA... Make a decision on cost of living, not how much you make now... Good luck!

[PDF]

Doesn't it boil down to you being able to get a transfer/job in LA? Don't give up, but it really depends on how much prefer LA over DC. It seems like you enjoy it enough to stand living there.

[Rose454]

Originally Posted by travis2999

In twenty years from now you will be wondering the same thing... I am debating a move to the west coast as well, but it is between different areas including LA... Make a decision on cost of living, not how much you make now... Good luck!

In truth, I don't see myself leaving this area, unless I'm able to get a transfer to the L.A. regional office.

The residents of L.A. are fortunate to have year round sunshine and beaches.

[Rose454]

Originally Posted by PDF

Doesn't it boil down to you being able to get a transfer/job in LA? Don't give up, but it really depends on how much prefer LA over DC. It seems like you enjoy it enough to stand living there.

DC is a very dynamic (highly political) area. The quality of life (and job market for educated individuals) is very good here, but it would be perfect if DC had year round sunshine, palm trees and beaches.

[Rose454]

I'm surprised that I haven't received any significant feedback or commentary. I thoght this was an active forum.

[kasuga888]

You mention you telework, have you ask if you can telework 100% as long as you work est hours?

Sometimes there is no perfect time to go do something, you may always be waiting unless you commit. I am in a similar situation but i have the option to work from home. I'm planning to make my move in the next few months. However, at the same time i have 2 other potential job options if my wfh does not pan out well( people asking me to interview with their organization).

[Dunbar42]

Originally Posted by Rose454

I'm surprised that I haven't received any significant feedback or commentary. I thoght this was an active forum.

Your first post is really a series of statements with a pretty vague question at the end. I'm not sure what you expect LA residents to add. A single person can live very well on $95k salary in LA if a position opens up.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Rose454

For the most part, it's gray during the winter (December - March) and cold.

Just to set the record straight, it's definitely not gray in DC most of the Winter. It's cold (usually 40s and 50s. today was mid-50s) but it's usually pretty dry and sunny this time of year like it was today. It might be gray in New York during much of the Winter but definitely not in DC. I've iive here over 20 years and can attest to that.

Perhaps you shoud just take some vacation time in the Winter and take a trip to Florida or the Caribbean.

[legal_eagle]

Originally Posted by Rose454

I'm surprised that I haven't received any significant feedback or commentary. I thoght this was an active forum.

I'm surprised that you have to ask, since it sounds like you want very badly to move. Let your mother figure things out for herself. YOLO, as the saying goes.