Worth contemplating a move to bay area?
I currently work in a small town, amazing WLB and flexibility to work remotely when required. I am happy with that part. What I am not happy about is about my growth here, there is nobody here whom I can learn from. I am not over ambitious and not looking to become a distinguished engineer or CTO but I do want to learn and grow, at a medium pace. My personal life is of immense importance to me and I detest after hours emails and calls. I have received calls from Amazon, Roblox, and some start-ups but haven't found the motivation to prepare for them, reason being the traffic, poor WLB, and abnormal cost of living in SF. For example - my TC is 120k here which translates to well over 200k in Bay area as per different cost of living calculators. In this new year, I would like to make a decision and move forward. So, I am looking for advice from people who align with my priorities, have made a similar decision in their career and what sort of experiences did the decision bring? YOE - 8 TC - 120k
Your QOL will take a massive hit. 200k is not going to cut it unless you are splitting costs with roommates or partner.
How much do you need to earn in Bay Area to rent a 2 bedroom apartment on your own (around 30 mins from office), drive a nice car (3 series, C Class etc) and still save 3-4k per month?
To support that lifestyle you need minimum 12k/mo after taxes (very minimum) so about 240k tc. It depends on how often you eat out/travel/go out for drinks etc. I would say 300k tc to be safe.
I moved from LCOL east coast to SF a year and a half ago. I think it completely depends on what your intention/motivation is. I am relatively young and wanted a fast pace environment where I can work w the best and do/learn innovative stuff. I can say that I have definitely done that and learned twice as much (and more valuable skills) than I did at my first job working at a comfortable large enterprise. I will say that my social life did take a hit for my career growth. SF can definitely still be fun if you’re an extrovert and put in the work to meet people and go out. So in my opinion, the move is worth it but it depends on your situation/values. And as other people said, 120k does not translate to 200k given rent costs and such. I pay the same for my studio in the hood as my roommates and I did for my nice 3br townhouse before I moved
Honestly, WLB can be found at any company. Even Amazon (I'm ex Amazon). Just don't work long hours. Worst case you get PIP'ed and have to switch companies.
Don’t Too much traffic already
Bay Area is not the only one with startups or FAANG jobs. If you are after experience and challenging yourself you could do it in Seattle, Austin or some other cities with these type of jobs and a lower CoL as well. Also, if you do have to sacrifice a little bit on the WLB for for a short term but what you gain can help you in the long term, it’d be worth it imho.
That's true but getting that sort of job outside of Seattle and Bay is very difficult, mainly because the number is less and probability of getting even shortlisted without non FAANG experience for those jobs would be low.
Have you tried? Check out roles in Austin area.
Over 200k is def doable in bay area. Dont let that frighten you.
Everybody is different obviously. But, I live comfortably spending only 4k a month. My rent is 2.8k. I live in a studio by myself. Nothing too fancy but it is pretty cozy. I walk to work everyday so I dont need a car. I only use uber to go out for drinks/dinner. We get free breakfast, lunch, and dinner at work. I spend about 1k a month on alcohol/restaurants/any other activity w friends or my gf. 200 in bills like phone, power, etc. No student loans or any sort of loans.