Seeking advice about moving (Santa Monica: home, employment, college)

[noctemdiem]

I have posted a thread about moving from NOVA to Santa Monica, but I wanted to get some advice from the City Data forum members. And I don’t know if I should have posted it in the same board. But I have a difficult decision about moving that I have to make in the next 2 weeks or so.

I have been working as an intern at a company and they have finally offered me a full time position, which I have been working towards for the last 7 or 8 months (in Northern Virginia). BUT my part time job has also offered me a position in Santa Monica, where other than the two friends I have moving with me I won’t know anybody there. All of my friends and family are located within 15 miles of where I’m living now. I just don’t want to regret an opportunity to have a great “adventure” in California, that I’m able to do now that I’m still young. The salary at both of the places are about the same and both are careers where I LOVE what I’m doing.

So please...offer me some advice and make this decision a lot easier on myself.

[SoCal35]

Well...that is not a bad "problem" to have in this economy.

Only you can answer that question for yourself.

That said, I'd say if living in California does appeal to you I'd say go for it.

You are young and have a few friends that will be here. I did the opposite of what you are considering: moved from West to East Coast.....I eventually moved back home of So.Calif. However, I am glad to have experienced something different. It will educate you in ways you can't imagine.

Best of luck to you.

[Mr. Fantastic]

You're going to turn down full-time employment for part-time employment to live in more expensive California?

Yeah that sounds smart.

[noctemdiem]

SoCal thanks for the feedback.

And Mr. Fantastic, I'm sorry if my post made it sound like I was going to be working part time in Cali, they offered me a full time position with a full time salary. Now that it's clarified, is there any advice you could offer me?

[BRinSM]

considering both places are equal as far as housing, i would come to CA if it's something that you really want to try. i did the opposite of you and lived in VA for a while in college, but moved home because I liked CA better. I don't regret my move though as I got to experience a new city and see places that i would have never visited otherwise. it sounds like you have a job lined up and some roomates to come along with you, so it may not be a bad idea to try it out for a while. ultimately you have to decide which is more important to you though, family or adventure. good luck, it sounds like you'll be fine with either job you choose.

[uptown_urbanist]

I agree with BRinSM. I'd go for the California job. You don't have to stay forever if you don't like it or if you miss your family, but I think having the opportunity to experience new places and things (and meet new people) is something you'll really appreciate.

[Mr. Fantastic]

Originally Posted by noctemdiem

is there any advice you could offer me?

Flip a coin.