[blackax]

I don't see California as all that expansive, I make 25-40% more in LA then I would in any other state. The only real monthly expense I have is my commute. Could I live in another state for less? for sure but the pay cut would be steep and be a wash in the end.

I love living in California! and I'm willing to pay the very little bit extra I do so I can have access to all that it provides.


Remember I do live in Riverside where the cost of living is much lower then LA/SF/SD

[Vettezuki]

Depends on job. Project/program managers can make as much or even more elsewhere, and costs of living (in nice areas) can be as much as a third to half of what they are in vaguely equivalent CA areas.

Not ALL of this is because of the CA government of course, but some of it is.

[BADDASSC6]

I cannot comprehend how anyone can say that CA is not that expensive. First, it has the highest state tax in every category except property tax (it's close there too though). The excessive fuel cost raise the price of every consumable item we use.

As an Engineering Manager I almost moved to Dallas for the same position on a different firm. They wanted for me to move in November while Sarah was pregnant, thus it was a non-starter. I would be making $15K more in salary and saving ~$15K in income tax. That's $30K before I even start into my housing or day to day expenses. I feel like I make pretty good money now, but it just doesn't go far here. I loose about 40% of my pay to medicare, federal tax, SS, state tax.......

I am was seriously considering Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia. I was hesitant to move to Arizona because I just don't think it is having the growth there is elsewhere.

I can't complain too much though. The Marine LNG market as a power source is new and I was able to get the Marine Engineering Manager position for the Current Market leader.

Now if I could just get these things out of here on time and one budget.

P.S. the CA school system are broke. That is a huge hit for this family. My wife has a Masters from USD with just under a 4.0 GPA and is struggling to find employment. California has not recovered from the housing bubble crash.

[Shaolin Crane]

Originally Posted by Vettezuki

Depends on job. Project/program managers can make as much or even more elsewhere, and costs of living (in nice areas) can be as much as a third to half of what they are in vaguely equivalent CA areas.

Not ALL of this is because of the CA government of course, but some of it is.

LEO pay is same or higher in NV and AZ and only slightly lower in other states. I'm applying in other states now, CA is fucking garbage. If there's something here I want i'll drive or ship it.

[Vettezuki]

Originally Posted by Shaolin Crane

LEO pay is same or higher in NV and AZ and only slightly lower in other states. I'm applying in other states now, CA is fucking garbage. If there's something here I want i'll drive or ship it.

While I'd personally privatize LEO into firms that are contracted by cities, or at least do away with ALL government defined benefit pensions, they do exist and you have to consider that. CA's are seriously fucking insane. It's part of the problem we have as ever larger amounts of taxes do nothing but pay for obligations made in the past to people who aren't even doing anything (and many cases did little worthwhile to begin with.) Those are my gentle thoughts.

[Shaolin Crane]

Originally Posted by Vettezuki

While I'd personally privatize LEO into firms that are contracted by cities, or at least do away with ALL government defined benefit pensions, they do exist and you have to consider that. CA's are seriously fucking insane. It's part of the problem we have as ever larger amounts of taxes do nothing but pay for obligations made in the past to people who aren't even doing anything (and many cases did little worthwhile to begin with.) Those are my gentle thoughts.

I agree, completely. The people who are applying, and working, are there simply for the listed reasons. Privatizing agencies with higher standard would make the job less desirable for people not motivated for the actual work. It disgusts me to see fat fucking overweight piece of shit officers that hang out at the local 7/11 for hours.