HELP Need to Escape from Los Angeles--Any suggestions would be much appreciated! (Dallas: foreclosure)

[O'Reilly]

Back in 2003 my husband and I traveled to Plano several times. We were hoping to relocate. It didn't work out. Instead we tried to stay in Los Angeles and opened our own small business, an ice cream franchise. Things went okay for a few years. At one point we had 2 stores going.

Fast forward to Oct 2008, economy started to slide. Our business went down about 32%. We closed one store. Things got worse. Started using our credit cards to make up the deficit. Things got really worse. Max'd out credit cards. Business fell off 45%.

We couldn't pay our property taxes and our lender paid them. This caused an increase of our house payment from $2,000 to $4,200. Can't make the payment.

We hired an attorney to help negotiate a loan modification. He ended up being suspended from practicing law on an unrelated issue that even with our due diligence in checking his background was not revealed to us until too late. He took $3300 up front, gave us some bad advice and now our home is in pre-foreclosure. both my husband and I are looking for steady employment. We have experience and education in the Insurance industry however, that industry, like most in CA have fled the state--so no jobs.

To top it off, our store has been robbed a gunpoint 3 times (3rd time was this evening) by the same A-hole. He seems to be able to elude police.

All this hardship and suffering makes my husband and I dream of moving to Texas again. We've always found the people there to be honest, helpful and nice. Neighborly, like--BELIEVE IT or NOT--the way California used to be when we were both growing up here.

How hard is it to relocate to the Dallas area and find work if you are an outsider? Do Texan's accept normal, hardworking Californians? We're not elistist, liberal idiots.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by O'Reilly

All this hardship and suffering makes my husband and I dream of moving to Texas again. We've always found the people there to be honest, helpful and nice. Neighborly, like--BELIEVE IT or NOT--the way California used to be when we were both growing up here.

How hard is it to relocate to the Dallas area and find work if you are an outsider? Do Texan's accept normal, hardworking Californians? We're not elistist, liberal idiots.

It can be difficult if you are trying to find a job from California because most companies here will not be willing to pay relo (due to the economy there is a large pool of available talent right here in DFW). That is likely to be the biggest factor if you struggle to find a job, i.e. you are not local so it is harder to bring you in for an interview and you might ask for relo. Also if you are having financial difficulties, those will follow you to Texas.

The recession here is not nearly as bad as it is in some other areas, but unemployment is still pretty high in Texas (over 8%). It is not a land of milk and honey here; rather it is simply comparatively better than, say, Michigan.

Lots of people here started off as "outsiders". Dallas does not have a silo-esque, small-town mentality. Being from elsewhere is not a big deal. We also realize that not every Californian is a stereotype, just as not every Texan is honest, helpful, and nice! Sadly, some Californians are a stereotype. Just don't be "that" person and you will be fine.

[FarNorthDallas]

There are lots and lots of Californians in Texas. You'll have plenty of company.

[MaryS80]

I would put off moving until you get all the legal odds and ends tied up.

[getmeoutofhere]

Originally Posted by O'Reilly

To top it off, our store has been robbed a gunpoint 3 times (3rd time was this evening) by the same A-hole. He seems to be able to elude police.

Why don't you get a Mossberg short barrel and make the next time he tries the final time?

[MaryS80]

Originally Posted by getmeoutofhere

Why don't you get a Mossberg short barrel and make the next time he tries the final time?

It's California, they would probably get sued by the robber or the robbers family.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by O'Reilly

Back in 2003 my husband and I traveled to Plano several times. We were hoping to relocate. It didn't work out. Instead we tried to stay in Los Angeles and opened our own small business, an ice cream franchise. Things went okay for a few years. At one point we had 2 stores going.

Fast forward to Oct 2008, economy started to slide. Our business went down about 32%. We closed one store. Things got worse. Started using our credit cards to make up the deficit. Things got really worse. Max'd out credit cards. Business fell off 45%.

We couldn't pay our property taxes and our lender paid them. This caused an increase of our house payment from $2,000 to $4,200. Can't make the payment.

We hired an attorney to help negotiate a loan modification. He ended up being suspended from practicing law on an unrelated issue that even with our due diligence in checking his background was not revealed to us until too late. He took $3300 up front, gave us some bad advice and now our home is in pre-foreclosure. both my husband and I are looking for steady employment. We have experience and education in the Insurance industry however, that industry, like most in CA have fled the state--so no jobs.

To top it off, our store has been robbed a gunpoint 3 times (3rd time was this evening) by the same A-hole. He seems to be able to elude police.

All this hardship and suffering makes my husband and I dream of moving to Texas again. We've always found the people there to be honest, helpful and nice. Neighborly, like--BELIEVE IT or NOT--the way California used to be when we were both growing up here.

How hard is it to relocate to the Dallas area and find work if you are an outsider? Do Texan's accept normal, hardworking Californians? We're not elistist, liberal idiots.

As long as you are not liberal idiots as you put it and don't try to push Ca down their throats the people in the Dallas area are very helpful and friendly.
Like everywhere jobs may not be as easy to get as 5 years ago, but they are there if you are willing to make the sacrafices necessary. I would suggest you look into working for one of the many call centers in the area. I know of 2 in the Carrollton area, actually 3. One I think is really in Addison. The pay isn't great but it would be a start.

Good luck

Nita

[Lakewooder]

Originally Posted by MaryS80

It's California, they would probably get sued by the robber or the robbers family.

True..however after three times this guy oughta be shot.