would you move

[hillview]

Would you move your family (kids in middle and high schools -- freshman year) across country for 2x salary and enough stock to retire on (I don't yet have an offer so this is imaginary money at this stage). Back story is that I am interviewing for a very sr level role. DH has been not paid for 3 years (well 2, he had severance) he is working to start a company but so far not drawing a salary. He could do this job anywhere. I am feeling stressed about lacking a second income and having more/"enough" to retire on. We live in a lovely neighborhood with fabulous friends (the kind of friends who travel together). Kids are very happy and doing well here. Our area is very walkable. I grew up in the region so know people here from decades ago. DH is not from here. We would be moving to an area (San Diego) where we know no one.

Would you move? What would you consider? Thanks!

ETA I HATE the winters here. HATE them, they depress me (really). I would like to be able to walk outside every day. I also don't see retiring in New England as I want to be able to be outside more often than I am.

[mommy111]

Moving to the West Coast is a dream for me, a fellow New Englander (again, mostly weather related. I don’t hate winters, but do hate how they restrict outdoor activities, and we love the warm sun here). To be able to do it at 2x salary......wow!! The only thing that I would consider is the freshman....if he is OK with moving and you can get him the support to manage, I would go for it.

[nfowife]

What’s the salary range? Can you afford to rent a home in a good school district that does not have a ridiculous commute (it’s expensive there). Are your husband and kids on board?

[westwoodmom04]

Yes, as long as you are prepared for the housing market, which will make Boston look cheap. But I love California and also hate winter.

[westwoodmom04]

Yes, as long as you are prepared for the housing market, which will make Boston look cheap. But I love California and also hate winter.

I’d also budget for private schools, I think you’ve gone that route previously? California does not find its public education system the way Massachusetts does.

[gymnbomb]

Yes, without hesitation, as long as the salary is really still a lot better after cost of living adjustments.


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[trcy]

Yes, without hesitation, as long as the salary is really still a lot better after cost of living adjustments.


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Yes, this is my thoughts exactly!

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[Kindra178]

My only hesitation in your story is that public schools in Cali don’t seem to offer the same type of services as other states. Massachusetts is the best education state in the nation and do cutting edge ideas well (udl). I will let the natives speak on this issue but I have been shocked at things like Bisous’ mention that the schools don’t have a social worker and Nicci’s posting of language test scores and at what level a student can get help.

I agree with you on the weather. I really think raising kids in Ca would be easier...


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[TwinFoxes]

A lot of people move to San Diego and think "why didn't I do this before?" It's full of transplants. But the schools really are an issue. However, Poway has its own school district, it's not part of SDUSD.

A previous poster mentioned in another thread that SD is conservative, and in general that is true. I don't know what your politics are. I just googled, and Poway's congressperson is a Democrat (which definitely surprised me).

I'm a Californian at heart. There is so much I miss about it. If we were given the chance to move with 2x the salary we definitely would. SD wouldn't be my first choice, even though I grew up there, but I'd still move.

[Snow mom]

For me it would really depend more on how much I needed that money. We are a single income family (by choice) in a not inexpensive area of MA. My DH is by no means a high income earner but we make it work. I wouldn't trade a lot of what you mention for more money. We cut expenses rather than look for higher income. If you are really jazzed on SD or the job itself would be higher quality of life maybe. Otherwise it seems like a lot to give up for money.