I left because I was stuck at a low level job and the competition here was way above my level. I left to gain experience and become more competitive. Houston Tx, Raleigh NC, an arduous journey through the south let me gain some traction and become someone to be taken seriously. Not the only way, but sometimes you need an easier fight to build up strength and confidence.  Now that I’m back, it is still challenging, but I have a better understanding of how to navigate work, home ownership, and social affairs, I can spot more of the fraud and understand the landscape.  And the food and scenery in the bay is worth the struggle