Thinking of a change of scenery…big life change

[VipFuj]

Im at a time in life where Im as flexible as possible with where I can live, and also at a decent crossroad deciding where I’m going to be living for the next while.

Basically I’ve lived in so-cal my whole life and I definitely don’t hate it, but I think I need to change my living situation. Right now, I really cant envision myself bettering my situation. I just finished college with a degree in the IT field, but I cant really get a job; partly because of the job market and partly because of my inability to sell myself and lacking the motivation to change.

I want to move up north, whether that be northern California, the bay area, or up to seattle. I like the west coast and both places like san fran and seattle seem like the kind of places I would like a lot (Pretty similar to here, but still different).

One part of me knows that I’m just going to take my problems with me wherever I go. But I feel changing my setting and living situation will help/force me to deal with my problems in a better way, rather than using all the crutches I have here at home, which are attributing to me staying the way I’ve been since high school.

The other part of me is extremely apprehensive about doing something like this. I mean, if I cant get a job here, I’m not that confident ill get a job in another place, let alone quickly enough to pay for my own housing. My bank account wont last THAT long since I spent a lot on a trip a few months ago. So I don’t know…

I also don’t really want to leave the family to the point that I would only see them periodically, whenever I had the time/chance to visit them. Would kind of suck to only see my nephew so rarely that he looks like a different kid each time I see him (since they grow up fast)

I dunno. I need to grow up and I don’t see doing that in this situation. But I also am not sure about doing so much as to move away to another city/state. And because I haven’t grown up im not confident I’ll be able to do all of this

Was anyone else in this situation? Or is currently in it?

[CAL2010]

Hey! Both the Bay Area and Seattle would be good choices for your degree (Silicon Valley & Microsoft ). I think if you are apprehensive, maybe you could try the Bay Area which is within reasonable driving distance from So. Cal. That would give you the opportunity to visit family on weekends or major holidays. It would also give you the chance to possibly deal with SA, but not overwhelm yourself. I'm sure the Bay Area (and Seattle if you choose) have help available for people with SA. The Bay area is going to be more expensive than Seattle so if money is a problem, then you may have to consider this as well. Since you live on the west coast you could also go and visit each area to see which one you would prefer. Either way I think it would be a good move if you want to do it. You are young and have your whole future ahead of you!! Good luck to you either way

Have you thought of Portland?