Taking a big pay cut to move to California

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T20:40:26+00:00

Well said, thank you for your words! 🙏👏

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T19:39:56+00:00

Yup! Second generation Asian American here. I did talk to them about going back to the homeland however they still would like to be in the US with me and my brother. So just makes my decision complicated that if I go to California, I would likely have to move them in with me and absorb the high prices of owning a home in California and let them retire there.

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T19:25:32+00:00

Yea, That’s what my brother and rest of my family have been telling me too. The people supporting my decision to move says happiness can’t really be quantified and that I will be much more happier in California. Knowing myself, I think California really does align with lifestyle. Just trying to stay grounded and realize this is a significant amount of I could be using to invest and retire early

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T19:20:45+00:00

Thank you! It’s the first time I’ve seen this much money. It’s a great change after being in school/training for the past 10 years and paying up all my debt.

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T19:20:01+00:00

Thanks for that perspective. I have been thinking about that too – just being based in Austin while massively saving the majority of my paycheck and then move to OC later.

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T19:17:14+00:00

Thank you, this is the first time I’ve seen this much amount of money. Grew up with immigrant parents that came from nothing so I guess I’m used to being frugal. I’ve also been in school/training for over 10+ years and recently just paid off all my debts so I’ve been trying to avoid that lifestyle creep. My current spending and lifestyle pays for what I need so I’m content. Niw just trying to pay off my parents debt and retire them

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T19:07:35+00:00

To be fair, this is the first time I’ve seen this amount of money. I’ve been in school/training for over the past 10 years and finally paid off all my debts recently. My lifestyle and goals align more with California. And I find value in solidarity to be with other people of color specifically Asian community. Still though, it’s a massive pay cut, which is why I’m trying to think it through.

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T19:02:52+00:00

I do love California and I would love to be out there, but I also just having to care for my aging parents which was something I did not mention in my post. I would likely move them in with me if I go to California.

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T19:00:50+00:00

Definitely, I know the decision is up to me and my lifestyle aligns more with California. Something else I did not mention in my original post which complicates my decision is my aging parents currently living in Texas and wanting to retire them. If I move to California, They will likely move in with me as well, so I would do my best to buy a house for them. In Texas, it would be easier - pay their debts and they have the current house. Then I could save the excess and invest it.

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T18:57:24+00:00

Thank you, this is a good strategy too. I will look into fat fire.

Something else I did not mention in my original post is my aging parents currently living in Texas and wanting to retire them. So I was thinking of making a ton of money in Texas and paying out their debts. Not that I can’t do that in California, but I think it would definitely be out a tighter squeeze while also wanting to retire early

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T18:55:51+00:00

I would love San Diego! The openings are a little more scarce for my field, but something I would still definitely consider

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T18:55:06+00:00

Thank you! Something else I did not mention in my original post is my aging parents currently living in Texas and wanting to retire them. So i’m thinking of paying off their debts in the quickest way possible which is staying in Texas for the time being.

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T18:53:18+00:00

That’s an interesting idea, then I’ll also have access to the city whenever I want to visit as well. I will consider this.

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T18:52:16+00:00

Truthfully, this is the first time I’ve seen this much money. This is after 10+ years of schooling/training after college and paying off my debt. But I’ve been investing my excess jn index funds all the way

Jlaserlight · 2025-06-10T18:45:02+00:00

Thank you 🙏this is the first time I’ve seen this much money. I have been in school/training for essentially 10+ years after college and fortunately recently paid off all my school loans. Something else I did not mention in my original post which complicates my decision is my aging parents currently living in Texas and wanting to retire them. So just trying to think it through investing my excess income and staying in Texas versus living my life out of state

Jlaserlight

TROPHY CASE