West, East or Stay?

So as I begin to collect Pennsylvania unemployment, my situation has called for me to begin contemplating my options. Let us begin the debate.

We will start with the West Coast, specifically San Francisco:



PRO: There's a ton of jobs in what I want to do, specifically working in social media for a company. There are a million start ups and it looks like some people will be helping me out in getting in at the right company. This is good and will pay a higher salary than I will get in any other area I could potentially move to.

Second, I got a bunch of people I know up in San Francisco and the surrounding area. Yes the city is weird, but it does kick ass. And even if don't move up to San Francisco, I could save some money by living with my folks for a little bit. Which leads me to the cons...

CON Unless my opening salary is outrageous, not likely, I'm most likely going to have to sit a few months in the bullpen at home. That's okay, but that means no going out on weekdays, no play at home, and probably a much longer commute than I'll ever have to deal with if I am going from San Jose to San Francisco.

Also a con, San Francisco rent prices are literally out the ass. I'll probably have to get a roommate or even two. Tough stuff. Next up, my family's hometown...



PRO: Ahhhhh my beloved city. City of Champions. City of my family. City filled with tons of my classmates from college. City where I can't swing a dead cat not bump into someone I know. This is all pretty kick ass. I could probably even room with somebody that I actually know, which is a huge plus. Job wise? Not as great as San Francisco, but there are some things popping in and around bean town. Just a matter of finding them. Also good? Close to my alma mater of glorious Saint Anselm College, which will allow me to visit my sister, frat bro's, and potentially my real brother if he decides to go there. This means regular trips up to revisit glory days which I cannot put a price on.

CON: Rent wise, it's not as bad as San Francisco but the wages probably are on par if not a little better then Pittsburgh. Unless I can find a dece job and get in with someone I know, it probably will not work. And even if I do find a job, it has to be north of my certain number. If not, it won't work. It's going to depend on getting a job which leads me to our last city....



PRO: Ahhh the Steel city. I'm going to lead off by saying I personally feel I am not done with this city. I'm not saying I failed, but I did more shit in 7 months there than some people could do in 3 years. However that being said, I've developed a bunch of friendships there and I would be remised to say I got some shit I need to finish up there.

Also good? Rent prices. I literally cannot beat them anywhere in the country. Literally even if I made the same amount of money at my last job I could live like a King AND pay my student loans. Pretty hard combination to beat....except for these:

CON: Pretty much the job situation. My old employer was a pretty cool company to work for. I don't think I'll be find anything I want to do and even if I find anything remotely close to doing that, the company is probably going to be a step back career wise. Plain and simple. Can't get away with that.

Other factor? It's a small town. I already announced I was leaving, which I don't mind renegging on, but I won't be able to go certain places without bumping into people I don't really want to bump into. Not to mention that awkward thing of seeing people I know out and about. Invitation to places? Ehhhhh don't think so.

The other thing? I might have to bartend for a little bit. I don't mind that, but if I bump into people from the old employer? Even more awkward.

So what does that mean for me?



I gotta say, at the end of the day...it's all about number one. I can always visit Boston. That's a fact, it's always gonna be the home town. Always going to know people there, always available to visit. No matter what.

And Pittsburgh? Yeah I might come back some day, but unless the opp is better than what I had...it's probably not worth it. I can always lure whatever women and friends to the most beautiful city in the world.

San Francisco.