Halfway, at least. But the only reason it’s halfway across the country is that I’m in the middle, see. If all goes “well”, I will have a job in southern California before very long.
I’m really stuck with mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, it’s an excellent job – copy editor for pretty much all external publications for a company I’ve grown quickly to love. The job is great, the people are great, the pay will certainly be more than I’m getting right now, maybe even increasing my standard of living.
But it’s Irvine.
For context, I live just outside of Austin. Out my back door right now are deer munching on the grass and the neighbors’ grape vines. There’s three big dogs here and a river and peach and pecan trees. I can see the stars. I have almost an hour’s commute to work – from nowhere-land, which is plentiful in Texas, to the middle of the capitol.
I’ve lived in and around Austin for more than a decade – all of my adult life. I never wanted to move, and I certainly did not want to move to southern California. I don’t like southern California. It’s all city there. The weather doesn’t have that cackling crazy edge that Texas has. I’ll never find a big glass of good honest southern iced tea. I won’t have good Tex-Mex. People will point and laugh when I say y’all.
But I’ll be using my degree for once, and I really do want the job.
It hasn’t been offered to me yet, but I did talk to the internal mobility recruiter and she seemed surprised and impressed by my credentials, enough that she’s eager to see my editing samples. Since most of my editing work is a lot of final drafts by now (Why would I need to keep my rough drafts? O tempora, o mores), I just did some free editing for a friend on the understanding that I could include it in my resume.
I’m eagerly – and nervously – looking forward to some real answers from the creative team! Any SoCal Dopers have advice or good thoughts? Should I have put this in IMHO?
It’s Southern California. People move here from everywhere. You might be surprised how rarely someone will laugh at a “y’all”. I’d say if you move out here thinking it’s going to suck, you’re right - it will.
Being in a good job you like is hugely important, so if you’re happy at work, chances are it will spill over to after-hours.
I’ve never been to Austin, but Irvine will surely be different. There will in fact be a lot of stuff you will miss, but you’ll also get new stuff! You’re going to have a kick ass selection of all Asian cuisines, for example.
If it’s a great job, I say good luck! You’ll figure it out out here. It’ll be fine!
I’m just a bit nervous about the whole California thing. I’m used to the absolute perverse insanity of Texas; I’d have to get used to an all new flavor of perverse insanity!
California IS beautiful, though. And the nice weather and the mountains and the beach are appealing. But those big cities…urgh.
We actually do have a rather bustling Asian selection here: lots and lots of Thai, Vietnamese, some amazing sushi places, more Indian restaurants than you can shake a stick at, even some traditional Chinese.
Ooh. Will I be able to find good Middle Eastern food? If I can track down some good falafel I will be somewhat soothed.
I’m really, really, really excited about the prospective job. But Austin has been home no matter how far I’ve gone from it. It’s where I went to college and where I got my first adult work and where I’ve wanted to live all my life. It breaks my heart to leave what has always been big-H-Home. We moved all over the place when I was a kid, and as much as I enjoyed seeing the country, I’ve always wanted to set down roots somewhere.
A buddy of mine says I’ll hate the area, but he’s a negative Nancy anyhow. What’s a male negative Nancy? A negative Nigel?
I have to admit, you’re going to Japan. You’re taking a bigger plunge than me. Excitement! Adventure! $1600/month one-bedroom apartments!
Are these places to visit when the buildings start to close in or actual places to live? I mean, either is nice… and I have to admit that California’s wilderness is breathtaking.
I’m struggling with being negative about the whole prospect of leaving all my friends and my family behind. A fresh start is appealing, though…
Absolutely. I have yet to have trouble finding excellent food of any variety.
I must confess I’m not overly familiar with the Irvine area, but in looking at some maps I’m seeing a ton of parks, several lakes and other natural amenities around there.
It is a scary prospect, I moved from central Ohio to LA 4 years ago. It takes some adjustment (to say the least) but if you go into it looking at is as an adventure and new opportunities and experiences to explore then you’ll do just fine. (Feel free to call me if you need someone to comfortably say y’all to)
Excitement! Adventure! $1600/month one-bedroom apartments!