So I just got a job offer...WHY, Lord???! WHY ME????!!!

[LynnTheDem]

After years living in Texas, I moved, 2 weeks ago, back home to Vancouver, Canada.

And today I get a job offer.

In Sausilito

On the beach.

"Left wing and alternative so it's a bit of a lifestyle thing and the job would be easy for you." he tells me.

But "the money isn't great; only $100K pa."

WHY ME, GOD!!! I just got here, and now this??! WHY!!!

:cry:

[crispini]

1. Wow.

What's the problem? Move again! :bounce: Sounds great!

[miss_american_pie]

2. Because you rock?

It sounds very tempting.

[no name no slogan]

3. I wish I had those kind of problems

"only" $100k, left-wing and alternative, on the beach?

Shit. I seriously hope you are not really complaining about this. I know of SEVERAL people who have been off of work for YEARS who would gladly trade places with you.

[DS1]

4. 100K and you're here and not in your car already?

:D

[LynnTheDem]

10. The offers here are $100K as well.

Oh man...just yesterday I told a friend in California (stop laughing at me, Fate!) that for me to leave here it would have to be a damn good job, on a beach somewhere, lotsa money and easy work. We both laughed.

[Radio_Lady]

72. Be careful what you wish for! So do you like the rain or the sun?

If it were me, I'd stay in Vancouver just because of the weather.

I once got offered just about the same amount to move from Boston to New York City to do a radio show. (I'm one of the female radio talk pioneers from the 1970s, along with Sally Jesse Raphael and on TV, Barbara Walters).

I looked at my new husband, our five children from previous marriages, and our beautiful home on an acre of land, with a backyard swimming pool, and passed it up. We visit New York City frequently and I always wondered -- what if I had taken that job????

I spent only one year in California going to UCLA -- I rode my bicycle around campus, and couldn't take the smog nor the Santa Ana winds. I ended up finishing college in Florida. My mother's sister, my aunt, turns 82 next month, and lives in San Raphael and loves it. This year has been very wet, as you probably know.

We visited a few years ago and went to the Marin County Fair. Just for fun, my husband and I walked through a relatively modest home nearby -- the price was over a million dollars!

Wishing you the best, Lynn, whatever you do!

Keep us posted!

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Oregon
(A frequent visitor to Vancouver and Victoria, BC, Canada -- we'll drive up there again this August)

[LynnTheDem]

87. I love the weather here.

And I was born here, although we left when I was apx 2 yrs old, and haven't been back since, until almost 3 weeks ago.

I made my pro & con list per a poster's excellent suggestion, and set it aside until tomorrow, when I'll review it again & see what's what.

"No bush" appears an awful lot on the pro side of Vancouver and con side of California... :D

[billyskank]

5. Stop moaning, accept the job, and move.

[shanti]

6. when it rains, it pours.

lucky you! :thumbsup: so what are you gonna do? both are beautiful places to live...

[LynnTheDem]

8. 2 weeks ago I posted here scared that I was moving to Van w no job...

what if nobody wanted me *sob*...

And now...

You said it; when it rains, it bloody pours! What to do what to do! I don't know anyone here...got tons of friends in California. No bush here. That's a big one, the no bush thing...

Salary is the same here as there, the $100K pa, cost of living about the same (pricey!)...

I just moved here, *SOB*!

I dunno what I'll do; told him I was maybe interested...

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

27. Wow.. Vancouver is as expensive as Sausalito, for rent/mortgage?

[LynnTheDem]

31. For the same upper scale as Sausalito, oh yes.

Utilities etc are cheaper here than there, but for rent & especially mortgages, Vancouver is YEEEEEEEEEEEEEOUCH!!! Even the not-so-upper-class areas in Van are incredibly pricey mortgage-wise.

[LynnTheDem]

7. I told him I....

might be interested.

OH MY GAWD!!!

I just got here...I got job offers for here...here IS leftwing...and Canada, no bush...

But Sausilito! On the beach! Leftwing! Easy job! (the finance director who offered me the job knows me, used to work with me, so if he says easy for me, then it's easy for me...meaning I could work, make decent money AND have time for a life! On the leftwing beach!)

Oh crap what do I do what do I do...!!!

[supernova]

9. Buy a diamond encrusted bikini

And move to LA! :bounce: :bounce:

Nice work. Congrats! :party: :bounce:

[LynnTheDem]

11. The only thing worse than NO choices

is too many choices! ARRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!

This is too fucking ridiculous! Oh man...!

[Gormy Cuss]

18. Make him fly you down for an interview, silly.

It is effing expensive to live around here but you've got to consider it before you settle into Vancouver.
:hi:

[LynnTheDem]

19. Don't need an interview; we've known each other for 15 years & he knows

my work; he was worldwide Chief Auditor when I was European Financial Controller.

But I could fly down to see the office and beach, make sure it really is leftwing and all. Hmmmm. :)

[Gormy Cuss]

45. See, you do need to fly down for an interview.....

See, the more you think about it, the more sense it makes. Take any chance that you get for an expense-paid trip to the Bay Area!;-)

[LynnTheDem]

57. And a chance to visit with a buncha great friends in the Bay area...

:D And I wouldn't need to feel guilty; one of my friends I haven't seen for a long time is the one offering me the job. :D

[Katherine Brengle]

12. Who cares WHY? Pack your bags, lady...

[LynnTheDem]

13. Back to bushica??!

But Sausilito isn't *really* in bushica.

On the beach!

Well the opening isn't until September, so I have time to decide.

WHY ME???!!

Never say never; LTD last week;

"I'll never go back to the US."

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!

[Katherine Brengle]

50. Enjoy your Canadian summer, then...

come back, work for a couple of years at this very well-paying job, then use it as a springboard to an even better job.

And while you are back in the states, use the time to make as much difference as possible, as well as money lol.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

14. Can I have whatever job you don't take?.....

I'm a college educated gent slugging it out making $16,000/yr in retail, and Sausilito or Vancouver sounds VERY good to me.

Good luck on your decision.

[LynnTheDem]

15. It's accounting...are you sure you wanna stoop that low?

:D

Thanks, CPB. I'm leaning towards remaining here in Vancouver...but never say never.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

17. On second thought, retail isn't SO bad........

:evilgrin:

[LynnTheDem]

21. Oh

:P:

:D

[SoCalDem]

55. You must factor in the advantages of BEING in Canada

and unless the medical package at the CA job are superb, the copays & employee share of the medical premiums could lessen the pay package..

If you are a dual citizen and have access to the Canadian plan, the "same there" works out to quite a lot..

If we ever get out of CA, I will bid a fond "good riddance" to this place :)

[LynnTheDem]

58. Dual cit yes. And you're correct about Cdn same salary being

more in sum than that figure in the US, especially in Marin County!

I know I'm better off here, am sure of it. I just gotta look at this with a cool clear head. Keep emotions out of it.

[Radio_Lady]

76. See above. I might tend to agree with that. You said it was "home" --

Are you a Canadian citizen? On edit: So you have dual citizenship. I didn't know that existed.

What's your marital status? If married, you have to consider hubby's job, too. Any kids?

Just some things to think about.

I admire women in finance. I was math anxious and couldn't even balance a checkbook. One of the best days of my life was when I got the first Texas Instruments hand calculator, which cost $81 freakin' dollars. Now my husband takes care of banking, travel, finances.

I chime in with the usual household stuff, plus insurance and medical, and, of course, taking care of grandkids.

Take a breath. I wish I could help you weigh the options.

We have an expression in our family: "The career is LIVING." Both hubby and I have had three careers each and are now retired.

Good luck in whatever you pursue!

[Oeditpus Rex]

16. My heart breaks for you

But, seriously — all other things being more or less equal, I'd stay where I was, especially if it were Vancouver.

Because it's a hella cool city, and it's not subject to the control of the BFEE.

But that's just me. :shrug:




Oh... and it's "Sausalito."

[LynnTheDem]

24. Yes I'm leaning that way myself. Got beaches here, Van is hugely leftwing

and NO BUSH.

But I have friends in California, I'm very lonely here where I dunno anyone.

But I'll make friends here, only been here 2 weeks.

And NO BUSH.

[RetroLounge]

20. Move to the beach already

and give me your job in Vancouver!

RL

[LynnTheDem]

22. Hrmmm...now why do I feel like I'm being conned...

:D

[RetroLounge]

23. Conned? Me? Nope...

I'll take your job and be closer to yvr girl...

100K Plus living in the same city as yvr girl?

Sounds like a dream job, city, flirt opportunity...

:hi:

RL

[LynnTheDem]

25. Closer to yvr? She lives literally 2 mins from me.

Literally.

So looks like there'd be no problem subletting my apartment to you, huh? ;)

[RetroLounge]

26. None at all...

I'm already packing. :D

By the way, have you talked to her lately?

RL

[LynnTheDem]

29. Not in the last few days.

Met up with her for coffee last week. She's a very busy woman.

Bet she'd have more time though for a hunky man. ;) :D

[Hissyspit]

37. I think I know where I want to vacation. It was gonna be Rio, but...

now I know where the Party Girls really are! :P

[LynnTheDem]

40. My apartment?

:D

*note to self; check out bed & brekkie average prices in neighbourhood and add 10%.

[Hissyspit]

49. 10% Cool-Folks-To-Hang-Out-With surcharge

But in Canadian dollars!! Well worth it!

[LynnTheDem]

59. LOL!

Well but special price for YOU, Hissy! No surcharge, as you're the coolest. ;)

[lizziegrace]

28. Accountant looking for work

Right here! :hi:

Let me know which one you don't take... My parents are in Portland, OR and I've about had it with Ohio.

[LynnTheDem]

34. There are a lot of accounting jobs avail right now in the film industry;

pretty good money there.

[lizziegrace]

69. That's one area I'd wanted to pursue

My daughter's best friend in elementary school was B and B's mother Nancy is a film production coordinator. When my daughter got old enough, I wanted to pursue production accounting. But, I lost track of Nancy when she and B's father divorced. I suspect she's back in LA at this point.

Do you have any links?

Thanks!

:hi:

[LynnTheDem]

80. Couple good links;

This first is the best, imo;

http://www.showbizjobs.com/current_entertainment_jobs.cfm

And this one can be very good;

http://www.grapevinejobs.com/

HTH! :hi:

[leftofthedial]

30. what kind of work?

[LynnTheDem]

33. Accounting; CFO (chief financial officer)

Boring stuff (which is actually just a rumor we accountants push ourselves coz we don't dare let the truth get out there on how wild & sexy and NOT boring we really are or EVERYONE would wanna become an accountant. SHHHH don't tell! ;) )

[EstimatedProphet]

32. Tell them I'll take it then

[LynnTheDem]

35. Hey I'm still thinking on it myself!

:P

Actually my head hurts now...

[Radio_Guy]

36. I'd look at everything

Make four lists: positives of staying, negatives of staying, positives of moving and negatives of moving. List everything you can think of. I would think, apples to apples, staying in Canada would be more beneficial. Less stress, better healthcare, get more for your tax dollars. California has the Grope-inator to really screw things up unless he is defeated. But make sure you weigh EVERYTHING.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[LynnTheDem]

42. Thanks, Radio Guy, you are bang-on with that advice.

I'm gonna do that tomorrow, let everything float around in me brain for today.

Tomorrow must look at everything with cold clear eyes.

[graywarrior]

38. Will they pay your moving expense?

[LynnTheDem]

41. Yep.

[graywarrior]

44. Do it.

I have a great job here, but I'm talking to some people way up near Canada where I want to be. They will pay my moving expense and I hate Florida so I'm getting ready to pack up and go.

What's the worse that could happen? If you left there to try something different and it didn't work out, could you go back? Don't let guilt stop you from a great opportunity. I wish you all the luck to make the right decision.

[LynnTheDem]

46. Thanks, graywarrior.

If ya come up here to Canada, you'll need to change your name to greywarrior. :D

[graywarrior]

53. Heh heh. My best friend is Canadian. Or is it Canadien?

[LynnTheDem]

67. To me it's Canadian.

But then I'm from BRITISH Columbia, not that Frenchie province out east. :D

[graywarrior]

89. Oh, those Frenchies. My sister lives in Woods Harbor where

everyone speaks English. The next town over, Pubnico, they only speak French. All the kids from both towns go to the same school and speak English, but when my sister's kids go to their friends house in Pubnico, they only speak French.

[LynnTheDem]

91. Being a BC Baby, I flat-out refuse to speak French.

English is the only way to go, n'cest pas?

[graywarrior]

93. I remember driving through Quebec and stopping for gas.

What a frikin nightmare. The gas attendant would not speak English, refused to make change for a $20-made like he didn't know the exchange, and made us wait forever before he came back out of the station to remove the pump handle from our gas tank. Little did he know we were crazy mutherfuckers from Lynn Ma who the week before were committing various crimes while high on coke.

[LynnTheDem]

95. That isn't unheard of behaviour, unfortunately.

YOU were one of them crazy mutherfuckers from Lynn Ma who the week before were committing various crimes while high on coke??!

:wow:

COOL!

:D

[graywarrior]

112. I feel bad about a lot of it.

Good thing we all got sober together.

[LynnTheDem]

119. Sounds like you have some juicy tales to tell

Come over for a drink and tell. :D

[Kathryn STone]

124. congrats to you Lynn the Dem what do you do? like what is your title?

[LynnTheDem]

125. CFO.

Chief Financial Officer.

Fancy term for financial accountant. Meaning 60+ hour work weeks...and a lotta stress. But being a workaholic, I like it. :D

Thanks, Kathryn! :hug:

[Hissyspit]

128. The exact same thing happened to me! n/t

[Hissyspit]

39. I honestly don't know WHAT to say, Lynn.

I'm so used to not having any options, lately. Have you told Significant Other about this, yet? What do you think he would say to you?

[LynnTheDem]

43. Told him via email, no reply yet coz time difference (& that war thing)

He'll say "do what you think is best for you".

And then support me 100% on whatever decision I take.

So in other words, I get to do the hard shit myself, lol! :D

[Hissyspit]

47. Wow, you guys are the coolest couple ever.

I am sorry he had to go back.

But that doesn't help you any with your decision. Vancouver can have earthquakes, too, but I'm REALLY worried about southern California. Maybe that's another factor? What about taxes?

[LynnTheDem]

56. Taxes (contrary to RW propaganda) are lower here in Canada.

Plus of course the whole healthcare thing.

I think I've narrowed it down as to why I'm actually considering this offer;

1. I have friends in California, versus none here. (aka, I'm scared & lonely)

-But I've only been here going on 3 weeks. Being lonely is not a good reason to pack up and leave this country to go back to another country after only 3 weeks. I will make friends here in time. And being a scared wussie is no excuse for anything!

2. Work security; I know the execs of the parent company of the Sausalito subsidiary, worked with them for many years in Europe. They know me, they know my work. Nothing to prove, I proved myself to them long ago.

-But that's part of why I'm not with the team any more; when I left Europe, I wanted to spread my wings and go on to prove myself elsewhere, to keep myself challenged. And being frightened of being challenged now is most likely due to #1; being scared & lonely all alone in a very large city where I don't have a single friend and where I will have to prove myself from scratch to an employer.

What a wuss I am! :cry:

I think by tomorrow I will see the offer as being a great and much-needed-right-now boost to my employment-ego, and remember it whenever my self-confidance flags whilst possible future employers are staring at me in the dreaded job interview.

I need another glass of cream amaretto.

[redwitch]

74. Wuss? I think not.

Not at all wussy to pick up and move to a new country, new city where you don't know a soul. Pretty damn brave. I think you are a pioneer woman. :-)

[LynnTheDem]

85. I was brave when I packed myself off to Europe. But now, I pack

myself back to Canada and I'm a shivering bowl of jello just coz I dunno anyone here. I'm a wuss. :(

[Mr.Green93]

48. 100k?

Whiny rich people should keep it to themselves.

[Hissyspit]

51. You could have been an accountant, too.

Maybe not a very good one, granted.

[LynnTheDem]

61. LOL!

Hey I paid me dues; 7 years of university, fulltime nights while I worked as a waitress and then a receptionist and then a clerk fulltime days.

I earned my wages. I still do. :)

Thanks, Hissy! :hug:

[bridgit]

52. ppfftt, got that right...

x(

[LynnTheDem]

60. "rich"??? ROTFL!!!

When I left Europe my salary was over $200K pa. And I wasn't "rich" then, not by a bloody long shot.

$100K in Marin County would barely keep a roof over my head.

[bridgit]

63. naw you're trip'in, 60-65k and you'll be fine...

may have to walk amongst the common people from time to time :rofl:

[LynnTheDem]

65. Well, friends of mine in the area who make far more than that

and can barely keep their heads above water aren't as reassuring about it as you are.

Now in Dallas, Texas, average salary for a CFO is $250K and up. Dallas is a lower COLA than Sausalito.

"Common people". Such as my paid-below-poverty-level US soldier husband?

[bridgit]

68. there is a group of people you, or for that matter, i, will never be...

able to keep up with i am sure, still; the military personnel/friends of ours (don't ask me how they did it but to reference their various combat flight, mech & tech status & skill levels) are making above poverty, but that's a separate matter...tool through the wine country to be passed by one of these on the way to their winery perhaps, while driving your Ford Focus :cry:
i'm just glad we live a life as frugal as we do :thumbsup:

[SeattleGirl]

54. Because God has a sense of humor

At least, that's what one of the ministers at my church likes to say when something like this happens.

I don't envy you your situation. I guess you have to decide what's most important -- the job or your new home. :hug:

[LynnTheDem]

62. Thanks, SG. She sure does...and very often I'm not altogether

laughing at Her sense of humour. :D

:hug:

[malta blue]

64. Just beware the cost of living and the traffic.

Otherwise, rent a houseboat and enjoy!

[LynnTheDem]

66. I was thinking about that; hubby would LOVE to live on a houseboat.

Our cat thinks differently, but I bet he'd come round if the houseboat had a fish-watching glass bottom area. :D

A GF in the area warned me of the same things; cost of living & traffic. Houses in the area would be waaay out of my financial reach, so I'd be looking at quite a commute.

[Sugar Smack]

70. "the money isn't great; only $100K"

:wtf:

[LynnTheDem]

81. Seen the cost of living anywhere around that area???

[Sugar Smack]

92. Sorry. Not in the mood for "Why me".

I feel I usually see eye-to-eye with you on most issues, but not today.

I have friends who are way below povery level and who are struggling to be as resourceful as they can to pay their bills and eat. Your description of "hubby always wanting to live on a houseboat" rubbed me the wrong way. The people I know have no choices at all but STILL follow up on every lead. They, too, are educated. They, too, have "paid their dues". They can't afford to feel like the world owes them a living.

[LynnTheDem]

94. How sad.

Seriously.

I should just shut the fuck up? I should just lie about my career, my 7 long and difficult and expensive years at university that I paid for myself becasue I was orphaned at the age of 11 and had no family to help pay for my education???

Your post rubs me the wrong way BIG time.

This is the DU LOUNGE and like it or not, I do believe I have the right to post facts and ask DUers for their input. CONSTRUCTIVE input would be nice.

Meanwhile my husband sits in fucking IRAQ while I monitor the ICCC and hope his name doesn't show as one of the daily dead.

Bah, I have enough to worry about in my life to bother with your remarks.

Have a nice day.

[Sugar Smack]

96. Nope. Everyone has hard times.

Everyone. Like I said, I usually agree with you on things. But it sounds as if you're a little nutty right now. So am I. I just got back from a double funeral of the mother & grandma of a very impoverished good friend.

Peace.

[LynnTheDem]

97. Yeah they do, dear. I've had my share.

Living on my own since the age of 11, a hubby currently Iraqmired for the 2nd time and God only knows when or if he'll get out.

I do not feel the world owes me a living. I work for my living.

No, I am not "a little nutty right now" thanks, and I've attended 32 funerals of our friends, dead for bush's bullshit over the past 3 years. You want impoverished, take a look at many of the blown-apart vets coming back from Iraq. I tithe money to them every month, as much as I'm able to. Maybe that's not good enough, but it's the best I can do.

Ask gvr girl if I give money to people begging in the street; she saw me do so.

I do what I can, but I will NOT APOLOGIZE for working my way thru 7 years of university and my degrees. I will NOT APOLOGIZE for the fact that I am in a profession that earns a good salary.

I WORKED for that salary; I still do. And I do whatever I can for those less fortunate.

And NO ONE is going to make me feel bad for that.

[Sugar Smack]

100. Who said you had to apologize for that?

Wow. You are really getting defensive. So what? You've got a "happy problem". All the more power to you. Lighten up.

[LynnTheDem]

103. You attack me, then tell me to "lighten up"?

:rofl:

[Sugar Smack]

104. Eh, I wan't trying to attack you.

Just give you some perspective.

[LisaL]

71. You poor thing.

:spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank:
There. I wish I had your problems.

[LynnTheDem]

98. Like having a hubby Iraqmired for the 2nd time?

Walk a mile...

;)

[Tsiyu]

114. Ignore the unhappy

I lived on 8,000 last year. So what? I set my life up so i can. But I would love to be back in the market for a nice six figure salary and don't begrudge you your joy.

THIS IS DU where you share your sorrows AND your joys. And many of us know your struggles and are happy for you as you contemplate which is the the best move.

I say, stay in Canada. We may need you to smuggle us over soon

:applause: :toast:

Congratulations on your *ahem* sexy accounting skills :)

[LynnTheDem]

120. Oy! I totally forgot to put "DU Safehouse" in the pro-Vancouver column!

:banghead:

[LisaL]

116. I am sorry. I didn't know about your hubby.

:hug:

[LynnTheDem]

121. np, lizzy.

Just some problems you don't wanna have; and I sure would never wish them on you!

:hug:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

129. Why doesn't your husband get out? Stoplossed? Or near retirement?

I think you posted about this but I don't remember.

[fudge stripe cookays]

73. I know the feeling.

A mere two months after I got home to Austin after graduating, my last workplace called with an offer. In DALLAS. I was so pissed off. I had planned never to leave Austin again.

But here I sit. 9 years later.

At least I have a job I really like now!
fsc

[Radio_Lady]

77. OT: Hi, fudge stripe cookays! I was thinking about you yesterday!

[LynnTheDem]

86. Congrats, cookay!

Having a job one really likes is career success...and very rare.

:hug:

[fudge stripe cookays]

126. Thanks!

If I were you, I'd stay put.

Once the real estate bubble fully bursts, and our over-trillion dollar debt finally catches up with everyone, I have a feeling our economy is going to make post World War I Germany look like a walk in the park. $500 for a loaf of bread, no jobs...the whole shebang.

Not that Canada's will be much better, since they're so closely tied to ours, but you might have a chance.

fsc

[YellowRubberDuckie]

75. Was he trying to be funny?

$100K isn't good money? WTF?!
Duckie

[LynnTheDem]

84. It isn't;

Not for what I or any accountant at my level usually makes, and definitely not for the area which has a very high COL.

[nini]

78. I'm sure you realize the cost of living is extremely high there

which is why he said 'only 100k'.


But, you could manage on that - tough decision. Good luck with it.

[LynnTheDem]

83. Yes, and have had friends warn me that salary won't go very far.

It's not the money, I can do better moneywise here.

I think bottom line for me is I have friends there and none here. But that's silly really coz I will make new friends here in time.

15 years ago I packed up and flew to Europe to be the European financial controller for an international company...did not know a soul whatsoever in all of Europe. Had never met the office staff I was to be working with. I was fine, made friends I still have. And I don't recall my ever being such a ninny about being somewhere and not knowing anyone like I'm being about being here and not knowing anyone!

When did I become such a 'fraidy cat??! *sigh* Must be that "aging" shit.

[nini]

115. yep.. that aging and responsibility thing sucks :-)

Either way you go you will find the best in it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[LynnTheDem]

122. Thanks, nini!

I think staying here in Vancouver (and losing my 'fraidy-cat-I'm-all-alone wussy self) will be the pick. If I went back now, I think I'd be "cutting & running" from fear of the unknown, and that's silly of me.

[CanuckAmok]

79. Are you high?!

Take the job, you fool!

[LynnTheDem]

82. Why?

I have a job offer here for the same salary (actually a bit higher). And the cost of living is lower here.

But I don't have friends here & I do have friends there.

But I'll make new friends here.

No bush here.

So why would I be a fool not to take the offer there? You may see points to consider I haven't and I really need to consider everything!

[CanuckAmok]

88. First of all....

The cost of living is pretty high in Vancouver, and everybody's rude.

There's no highway infrastructure, and gasoline is $4.00 a gallon and up.

Bush won't be around forever, and you need to fight for your country.

I'd rather have USD$100,000 than CAD$120,000.

Just some things to think about.

[LynnTheDem]

90. Rude???

I'm amazed how friendly everyone has been here. Even "Friendly Manitoba" wasn't as friendly as Vancouver.

Canada is more my country than the US is; I was born here.

I'd rather have CAD $100K; it buys more and it's a safer currency.

Highways and gasoline prices are immaterial to me.

I detest bush. No bush here. There goes the "no bush" to the pro Vancouver and con California columns again. :D

[Kerrytravelers]

99. Only $100K. I know my heart is bleeding for you. I'd love $100K!

I know Sausilito well. It's a great place to live. Seems like you have a great thing going here.




EDIT: Oh God. I feel like an ass! You were being :sarcasm: AGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

101. Sausalito is wonderful BUT

COLD!!! Way cold...even in summer it is cold. I do love it there and it is beautiful and you only have to drive 5 miles north to be hot...

anyway...congrats! What a nice problem to have :D

[bertha katzenengel]

102. You've had a few hours to think about it. What do you think now, Lynn?

Have you made a decision? Even though with $100k, you might have to live in a studio apartment. Still.

Wow... Sausalito... lord god, I'd work there for tacos & gas money.

[LynnTheDem]

105. Is the cost of living really that high?

Friends keep insisting it is, and like you said I'd have to live in either a studio apt or do a very long commute to work, living in a less pricey area.

Problem is, how do I AND a hubby (when he ever gets out of the Iraqmire) live together in a studio apt?! And then there's my current expenses I need to cover, and people who rely on my having money to spare, and what if (God forbid!) hubby gets hurt in Iraq? Medical bills...! WTF would we do then?

The more I think about it, the more problems I seem to see in going back to the US. Actually the medical thing was pointed out to me by a friend & now I'm panicking over that.

[bertha katzenengel]

106. Let me go do some digging on cost of living -- will re-post in a moment

[LynnTheDem]

107. Thanks!

I found some info showing the median salary @$85K, but it also shows vacant houses/apts at only 6%. That's going to mean huge premium on rent, everyone fighting to get into that 6%. And then there's the medical thing...

[bertha katzenengel]

108. Okay, here is one cost-of-living calculator

http://swz.salary.com/costoflivingwizard/layoutscripts/coll_start.asp

I'm sure you could find others. This one only shows the states, does not include Canada.

On another, I based the change from Vancouver, WA (I know, it's not the same, but as near as my limited knowledge of geography could get) to Sausalito, CA. If you made $100k in Vancouver, WA, you'd need to make $207k in Sausalito to keep your standard of living.

Do not panic. List the pros and cons. List the medical needs. List what you'll need when your husband gets back. Talk a lot to friends you trust. Lean on them. It'll be okay.

And forget what I said about I'd take it for tacos & gas money. That's just me. ;)

:hug:

[LynnTheDem]

109. Would need to make $207K in Sausalito???!!

:wow:

*THUD*

Problem with listng what we'll need once hubby is back, is that we won't know until he IS back. The VA is broke; if he comes back seriously damaged, we're going to have to pay out of our own pockets for his care and that could be waaaay beyond our financial reach.

Nothing wrong with your tacos & gas money remark; when I was young I packed up and moved to Europe for about the same, lol! But I have responsibilities now that I cannot shrug off; others rely on me.

I do think the main reason I'm even considering going back is coz I have friends there & don't have friends here. But I've only been here going on 3 weeks; I'll make friends here.

That whole US medical scenario has me thinking what a great friend my Canadian landlord is, really, and the clerk at the local Safeway, she even calls me by name... :D

Vancouver is winning.

[bertha katzenengel]

110. If I were you, with what you've just written, plus you're a native

Canadien, are you not? If I were you, I'd stay. Of course the state of US politics plays in, too.

Bless your heart. Your husband is going to come home whole. :hug:

[LynnTheDem]

111. I'm dual citizen, but born in Canada.

Just moved here from Texas.

Thanks for the :hug: I hope he comes home whole; I've attended too many funerals of those who did not. Prepare for the worst; hope for the best. What a way to live. :(

[ChoralScholar]

113. Got-Dangit... I'LL take the job

The things I do for fellow DUers. I'll take this one for the team, but don't go expecting it or anything.

<silliness off>

Makes you feel good to be wanted, though doesn't it?

[LynnTheDem]

117. You are a good soul, Choral.

:D

It does, yes. Although it does stir up things in my mind, after I had everything settled -or so I thought. But especially the medical possibility, seems better to stay here. Thoughts of depleted uranium and PTSD are spinning around my brain...even if please God he returns physically unharmed.

[Placebo]

118. It's beach time!

[LynnTheDem]

123. They both have beaches.

:D

[Radio_Lady]

127. But SWIMMING in Vancouver, BC in August? I've been told there

is a secluded beach like that, but we never found it last year. We'll look again this year -- it's somewhere on Vancouver Island, up the coast from Victoria.

So, have you decided???

[yvr girl]

130. Hey you

I wanted to call you this week, but your number was on my computer, which has been not working.

[ashling]

131. Obviously one of those jobs that

Americans don't want

[IChing]

132. You are a power in democracy and truth

for your time here


Be careful
power
which, is what you have
is recognized

be gentle with it
and use the knowledge
that never say it is equated with wisdom




OR MONeY

Good luck.