Should I stay or should I go? ... leave OC for Ohio? (Santa Ana: middle-class, home)

[GSR13]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMaE6toi4mk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W1PnI7QGS8

[zeekosu]

Originally Posted by CaliRestoration

Here's a stat you should remember.

75% of VC backed startups fail within 5 years. That means only 1 in 4 companies in the funding stage ever make it past 5 years, let alone become desirable enough to be acquired.

As someone who has personally had his double trigger exit actually succeed (about 3 months out now so I know what I'm talking about), I will say this, the chance you make $2,000,000 on an equity acquisition is very minimal.

1) Do you trust the CEO? Is he the "impact maker" and driven individual you think can move the company to acquisition?
2) 4 year vest is a long time, most companies don't even make it that far. Are you okay with everything failing given your best shot? If so, then definitely take the risk. If not, then leave, because I've seen many startups take everything someone has, and still fail.

Just to be clear, the money would come from the stock valuation after IPO. The company cannot rely on private funding for years. The investors will want a return on their investment in 10 years or less.

It's exciting to have a lot of responsibility and help create a company from nothing. But if it were to fail it would be somewhat heartbreaking since I wouldn't know how to find a job back near my family at that point.

[CaliRestoration]

Originally Posted by zeekosu

Just to be clear, the money would come from the stock valuation after IPO.

That's even more remote. The amount of startups that make it to the IPO level is incredibly small. I would seriously think this decision through.

[Justabystander]

Originally Posted by zeekosu

Just to be clear, the money would come from the stock valuation after IPO. The company cannot rely on private funding for years. The investors will want a return on their investment in 10 years or less.

It's exciting to have a lot of responsibility and help create a company from nothing. But if it were to fail it would be somewhat heartbreaking since I wouldn't know how to find a job back near my family at that point.

I am not sure about the women being "more gorgeous" in California. I grew up in OC and found my beautiful wife in Chicago. One thing is for sure; you only have so many years on this earth, so you had better not waste it on something that is not making you happy. If the $2M is a sure bet, then cash it in after the IPO and leave, maybe starting your own business in Ohio. Otherwise, your time to establish a life where you want to be is slipping away, and the time you have with say, your healthy parents, is finite. Is the job in Ohio stable? Do you see yourself there for a long time? Then I would return and try to start a life, since the cost of living in so much lower there. Otherwise, gamble away with an end game to get out.

[426HemiCA]

Tough decision that only you can make. I am originally from Cincinnati and still love it and enjoy visiting on occasion to get a fix of Cincinnati style chili and Montgomery Inn ribs along with Larosa's Pizza and real steak hoagies, hit a Reds game and drive down to Lexington to enjoy the beautiful horse farms of Central KY. That being said, I wouldn't leave Manhattan Beach to live there again, I enjoy the Ca. weather and classic car scene along with surfing too much. Good luck with your decisions, there are good and bad points for every place, Cincy weather isn't too bad, but if you are North of Dayton the winters are pretty brutal.

[LuvSouthOC]

Originally Posted by GSR13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMaE6toi4mk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W1PnI7QGS8

Is this part of the soundtrack from Stranger Things?

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by zeekosu

Thanks for the replies. Here's the thing... I don't want to live in LA or OC long term. I don't want to get married or raise a family here. .

May I suggest that you already know where you want to be?

Don't waste time asking strangers on the internet for advice.

Follow what your gut instinct is telling you. THAT is the right answer for you. No one else's opinions should matter.

Best wishes!

[UEHelp]

May I ask what you do for a living? I'm just curious what kind of career produces that kind of income. I'm not trying to be snarky in any way.

Personally, even at $120K, I think that will go much further in Ohio. California (IMO) is going in the wrong direction with high taxation and quality of life, especially for what you to spend for it.

Additionally, it sounds like family is important to you and quite frankly, that's a BIG reason to consider moving back. Time is precious.

I once heard the term in smaller cities, one can be a big fish in a small pond and in larger cities, a small fish in a big pond. I have no idea why I bring this up! Hahaha 

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

May I suggest that you already know where you want to be?

Don't waste time asking strangers on the internet for advice.

Follow what your gut instinct is telling you. THAT is the right answer for you. No one else's opinions should matter.

Best wishes!

OK maybe it’s my gender bias here but genetically women know & trust their gut feeling better than men.

When I was at OP’s age, I didn’t know my gut feeling unless I just ate a spicy burrito.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

OK maybe it’s my gender bias here but genetically women know & trust their gut feeling better than men.

When I was at OP’s age, I didn’t know my gut feeling unless I just ate a spicy burrito.

Yes my gut feeling got me in trouble wayyyy too many times and some of my female friends as well.

Now once someone has studied an issue, like moving, and evaluated as much information pro and con then their gut feeling is of value.