Considering a move to California - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

kermitology · 08-22-2006, 10:06 PM

Are there any forum members who are Canadians working in California? I'm talking to a company in Santa Clara about a potential job opportunity there. Anyone have any thoughts on it?

calf · 08-22-2006, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kermitology

Are there any forum members who are Canadians working in California?

LA Flames Fan?
socalwingsfan?

probably doesn't help by me posting their names...it's a new opportunity. I'd personally try and find as many reasons to go as possible

Pagal4321 · 08-22-2006, 10:17 PM

My brother works out in San Deigo, not sure if that helps. I can give you an e-mail address if you have specific questions.

socalwingfan · 08-22-2006, 11:37 PM

I've been here since '99 came down on a T-N, converted to H-1 and then got my green card. Not too familiar with Santa Clara, but like most of California it is probably damn expensive to live in. Shoot me a PM if you want more info - i've basically been through the whole immigration process. My wife and I love living here - it was tough at first but we are pretty settled in here and wouldn't trade it for the world.

Phanuthier · 08-23-2006, 12:27 AM

Maybe I might join you there next year. I've been looking at some schools in that area

For an RF guy, California seems to be a better place to be then Alberta.

That, and I just came back from San Diego, and have no idea why I came back. I honestly can't see how Oiler fans call Edmonton, Alberta the best place to live in the world. Honestly.

Calgary Flames · 08-23-2006, 12:40 AM

Aren't you too emo to live in California? j/k

I'm also considering a move of these proportions. Calgary ain't cheap anymore either. I'm American, have a Social Security # and could move there tommorow if I wanted too.

Neeper · 08-23-2006, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calgary Flames

Aren't you too emo to live in California? j/k

I'm also considering a move of these proportions. Calgary ain't cheap anymore either. I'm American, have a Social Security # and could move there tommorow if I wanted too.

You're lucky. I wish I had an option like that. I think I would like the California lifestyle much more. But there are so many positives to staying here as well.

greerb · 08-23-2006, 06:49 AM

WOW, people are wanting to move out of Calgary and I am just wanting to move in. Good luck if you do decice moving.

Reaper · 08-23-2006, 08:47 AM

I have dual citizenship (Canadian-American), my United States Social Security Number and I would never want to move to the United States. Don't get me wrong, America can provide the majority of my entertainment for me but in no way am I interested in moving there.

Bring_Back_Shantz · 08-23-2006, 08:49 AM

It might be a pretty cool move, but just remember there are a lot of things to consider.
DOn't forget about that pesky public healthcare system down there. I'd definatley insist that my employer provide at least the same level of care I could receive here (ie pretty much unlimited).

Anyway, if you do, make sure you get yourself a motorcycle.
Best way to avoid traffic jams is to go right trough them.

Clarkey · 08-23-2006, 09:27 AM

Don't you want to produce music? If that's really what you want to do and not just some little hobby/pipe-dream then I'm sure you'd have a way better shot in California than here.

RedHot25 · 08-23-2006, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

He's an engineer

but doesn't he also play in a band or sing or something or other? I think that that was what the poster was referring to....

Clarkey · 08-23-2006, 09:32 AM

Ok I think it might be someone else on here but I remember someone wrote a while back that they became an engineer so that they could get into sound engineering for the music industry.

the_only_turek_fan · 08-23-2006, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kermitology

Are there any forum members who are Canadians working in California? I'm talking to a company in Santa Clara about a potential job opportunity there. Anyone have any thoughts on it?

My cousin who is an EE moved to California in 1999 for a job. From what he tells me there are many opportunities out there and the salaries are really good. However it is not all rosey out there as cost of living is extremely high. Also, traffic is a nightmare. Also be prepared to work 10-12 hours a day. The weather will be really nice though!

My cousin moved out of there in 2005, and he went to Florida. He was earning a lot of money, but he was spending a lot too. So he moved to Tampa Bay. Same weather, a little less opportunity, but the cost of living is way less.

kermitology · 08-23-2006, 09:46 AM

Yes, I'm an electrical engineer, and I am in a band. Music production is something that I'd love to do, but it would be something FAR FAR down the road. I also want to be based in Canada for that.

Tron_fdc · 08-23-2006, 10:25 AM

I have a friend that moved to SD for a year with the same background as yours (engineering).

That was 7 years ago, and from what he tells me you should give your firstborn up (at least) to get there.

gonzo29 · 08-23-2006, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calgary Flames

Aren't you too emo to live in California? j/k

I'm also considering a move of these proportions. Calgary ain't cheap anymore either. I'm American, have a Social Security # and could move there tommorow if I wanted too.

I'm in the same situation as you, and am thinking about going back to Santa Barbara, or San Francisco. You'e right, Calgary is getting pretty dang expensive, but California circa 5 years ago was much more expensive than Calgary is today.

To the original poster, if you have an opportunity to go down there that will allow you to live a comfortable lifestyle (ie. $$) I'd say go for it.

socalwingfan · 08-23-2006, 12:00 PM

To those interested in Santa Barbara - they are considering building some "affordable housing" condos which will be available to anyone making under $160, 000 /year. One of the most beautiful cities in the world but also one of the most expensive. The median price for a home there is 1.2 million

Another thing to consider - going to a hockey or baseball game in LA is an all day event - you need to plan for it - leave work early - fight traffic before and after

kermitology · 08-23-2006, 12:14 PM

I've done a little bit of looking at cost of living and such, salary would be huge to me... like nearly double what I make now. But more work and responsibility as well.

I don't really want to move, but if something works out I'll have to think hard about it. Median salary in the San Jose area is about $65000 US (Gross) for my type of work. Plus the office is 6 miles from the HP Pavillion. :P

Edit: Gross not net.. that's freaking insane if it was net!

Lupulfan · 08-23-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kermitology

I've done a little bit of looking at cost of living and such, salary would be huge to me... like nearly double what I make now. But more work and responsibility as well.

I don't really want to move, but if something works out I'll have to think hard about it. Median salary in the San Jose area is about $65000 US (Net) for my type of work. Plus the office is 6 miles from the HP Pavillion. :P

Yeah, the salary is definitely good there. Do you have to sign a long term contract or something? If you don't like it, you can always move somewhere else