Relocating to LA for a low paying County job (Orange: sales, apartment)

[gz390]

Anyone here work for LA County and what is that like? Has anyone negotiated a higher starting salary? I have a job offer I am considering here in the Chinatown area. Pay would be almost 30K less than what I currently make in a low cost of living area (my hometown) on the east coast working at a private company. Is it worth taking such a paycut for a stable county job? Is a county job really hard to get? Applied a year ago almost and recently got the offer. I am miserable and bored here and I used to live in Orange County for a couple of years before moving back and now desperately want to move back to So Cal. I'm a single man in early 30's, no kids, marriage, debt, responsibilities and actually prefer working in an office. I don't mind living with roommates in a shared house since I probably can't afford a nice apartment with that salary. I am definitely overqualified for the position based on education/experience but I am at the point where I just want to be able to do what I am told and then go home, and not have to worry about job security.

[V8 Vega]

See the California to Red America thread in California.

[SouthCoastJon]

I’m also a single male in my early 30s with no children, but I have quite a bit of student loan debt. I barely make it work, and I work in the private sector (but we do a lot of business with county governments). With rising prices on everything from gasoline and rent/housing it’s getting more difficult each day. However it’s pretty difficult to replicate the “Southern California experience” anywhere else, so I still feel it’s worth it. Keep in mind that living in LA is completely different than living in OC. OC has pretty much returned to its pre-pandemic normal, while LA has not. You won’t be asked to show your vaccination card to sit in a restaurant in OC. Cost of living is also slightly lower as the sales taxes and housing are slightly lower in most of OC, but entertainment options are more limited.

[1200RT]

I'm a former LACo employee. I'm not sure what department/agency you're interested in, however at 100k+ employees, there's a lot of different jobs. I've never heard of anyone negotiating a salary outside of base earnings, however if you need a special qualification, degree or license to qualify for a higher grade level, and you plan to obtain that qualification during the early part of your employment, you could potentially negotiate that. County salaries are public domain, so you should be able to get a gauge of whats realistic. The county values time in service and classification, so negotiation isn't really relevant like a private company.

I will say - there are a lot of really good and dedicated people in public service in socal, and those that are just along for the ride. Many leave for the private sector, so it seems like you're going the opposite direction (unless, and let me stress this, unless the department you're looking at is something unavailable outside of the private arena - sheriff, fire, medic, etc)

[ccm123]

I’d say “go for it”, as long as your new position will allow you to cover your expenses. If you want to be out here on the West Coast, it sounds like you have an opportunity to do so.

You can always relocate here, then find another position if you like.

I’m sure you know - but there’s a lot of things to do in Southern California that makes living out here worthwhile.

[VLWH]

Originally Posted by gz390

Anyone here work for LA County and what is that like? Has anyone negotiated a higher starting salary? I have a job offer I am considering here in the Chinatown area. Pay would be almost 30K less than what I currently make in a low cost of living area (my hometown) on the east coast working at a private company. Is it worth taking such a paycut for a stable county job? Is a county job really hard to get? Applied a year ago almost and recently got the offer. I am miserable and bored here and I used to live in Orange County for a couple of years before moving back and now desperately want to move back to So Cal. I'm a single man in early 30's, no kids, marriage, debt, responsibilities and actually prefer working in an office. I don't mind living with roommates in a shared house since I probably can't afford a nice apartment with that salary. I am definitely overqualified for the position based on education/experience but I am at the point where I just want to be able to do what I am told and then go home, and not have to worry about job security.

First check out the cost of living compared to what you pay now. Rents out here are ridiculously expensive and expected to get worse.

[Cloudwalker]

Sounds like a good way to get you back here and if it doesn't work out, it will be much easier to find another job locally than applying from a distance. It's also probably easier to secure other County jobs from within, rather than being an outside applicant.

I think there is also real value to the job stability, PTO, health benefits and retirement plans that County positions offer, especially if your plan is to show up, do your work, then leave without having to think about your job 24/7.

Chinatown definitely going to be a little different from your OC experience, but could still be a good fit at your age in your circumstances. Super close to Union Station so gives you lots of decent commuting options too.
Life's short, it's usually the things we don't do that we regret, not the other way around. Do it!

[2sleepy]

My son went to work for a public agency after getting his BS in Accounting, he had job experience and probably could have made 20-30k more working in the private sector, but he wanted a job where he knew he could walk out at 5pm and not be told he has to work late (or all weekend) and he wanted a pension. He has since gotten his CPA and some good pay raises and doesn't regret his decision.

[MarcBetrus]

Take the job and just bartend/serve a couple days a week to supplement your income. After some time you'll get a pay raise and a promotion, and you won't need the second job anymore. Put your money in a high interest savings account, like a Citi High-yield account, create a diverse portfolio, maybe buy a piece of property, rent it out... Grow your money, contribute to your deferred comp program (if they offer that)...build some wealth, and before you know it you'll be living in the Hollywood Hills!!

[Stephy0519]

I think you posted this on Reddit, as well....


It's worth it, for the benefits, alone. Many, many folks there told you the same thing. You can also transfer between county and state and internal jobs are much easier to bounce around in, than externally.

Also, the county and state have pensions still.