My wife and I met in Florida, we both absolutely loved it and plan on returning there long term in the future. I just started in Tech (1 YOE) and the current plan was to move to the Bay for a few years to pile money/experience before transitioning to South Florida to start a family. After reading some posts on the financial tradeoffs of living in HCOL, I have been feeling uncertain of my plan. From my point of view, the Bay area offers more competitive market which can translate to more pay and skill development, a potential lifestyle that my wife and I would likely enjoy, as well as more opportunity for career advancement. However I have doubts about the net financial gain with such high housing costs. Currently living comfortably in LCOL at a 55% savings rate. Florida seems to have much less of a tech market, though I have seen some signals that it is improving. Florida has LCOL - MCOL depending on area. I am currently in the midwest, my family lives here. Her family lives in Florida. I am not concerned with WLB for the next 5-6 years and enjoy working, and also as we don't plan on having kids for a few years I want to capitalize on the freedom I have now. Wondering if any Blinders have had similar circumstances in life, what tradeoffs did you play to and how do you feel about them now? I lead a great life and can see myself being happy in both scenarios, however I am very driven and wonder if I would regret not stepping into the more competitive job market. TC 115k LCOL #engineering #career #HCOL #LCOL #MCOL #finance
you are not gonna be piling money in the Bay area
but for experience heck yeah
You’ll advance more quickly in Bay Area. If WLb is non issue right now I would work in Bay Area now then settle in Florida after a few years
Better networking and if you lose a job it’s easier to find another job
Moving to bay for few years is good strategy
100%