Westward Bound
Well, it is official. We are heading back West; California to be specific. This is going to be happening in mid-late December.
California has appeal for many reasons:
- My wife got a part time job at our old company. She has been wanting to balance adult interaction with being a mother for a while now, and, honestly, this is a perfect opportunity to do it. We couldn’t have asked for a better offer (and, since I am not bringing in a “stable” income yet, this is a great way to keep food on the table while I get my business off the ground).
- We will be living close enough to one of the tech hubs of the world (Silicon Valley) that it can only help me in my business ventures. But we will be living far enough away where we can afford the cost of living.
- While low probability, there is still a chance I can partner up with an old colleague of mine back in California in a business venture. There is zero probability if I stay in North Carolina.
- Personally, from a general landscape (e.g. mountains, coast, etc.) perspective, I like the west coast much better than the east coast. I have missed that.
What makes this hard, of course, is the family situation. One of the reasons we moved from California was because most of our family is in North Carolina and on the east coast. They will be missed.
But, I think, in the end, this is what is best for the four of us, and when it all comes down to it, that is what has to drive your final decisions. I hope our family members understand and decide to come and visit us in California more often. It is a wonderful place to visit, that is for sure.
It is very possible that California becomes our final “landing” point. And that wouldn’t bother me. After living in 4 different residences in the last 1.25 years — and this will make 5 (and maybe 6 if and when we decide to buy a house) — I am kind of tired
For the next 2 months or so, the blog name “Life of Constant Flux” takes on a literal meaning, as a move across the country with two young children is crazy!!!
Let me be the first to welcome you back to California. It amazes me that people would leave. I know the cost of living is high and there are other things people don’t like about it, but I don’t ever image leaving. I live in San Diego and it is 75 degrees and sunny outside. That is a big distraction when I’m trying to get my uISV off the ground
So welcome back and I hope the trip across the country with your twins goes smoothly.
Chris,
Thanks a lot. We always loved California, still love California and always will love California. But when we had our twins, we wanted to be closer to family because that seemed right to us. But now with things changing job wise, the kids a little older after a year or so, it is the right time to go back. San Diego is a great city. We love it there.
Dear Joel,
Hi Sweetheart. I read your blog. I had to reply.
Yes, this part of your family is conceivably sad about your moving back to California. One of the sweetest days of our lives was when you said that you and your family were moving back east.
We have seen more of each other this past year than before. But it was not because we lived “next door”. We still lived far away. We still had to make special plans to do this, just like when you were in CA.
We are whole-heartedly and have always been proud of you. and have supported the past decisions in your life. This is no different. Our plans will still include seeing you, our beautiful daughter-in-law, and our precious grandsons as often as we can.
Thank you for being such a wonderful son. You have made us (especially me, Mom) happier than you probably will ever know.
Love and God’s blessings,
Mom and Miles
[...] has been a 1.5 months since I posted my ideas to start my Micro-ISV. After moving across the country, continuing on my consulting efforts, and some personal research and reflection, I am reconsidering [...]