I moved to Los Angeles from Chicago a few years ago for a job. At the time, the startup was still in stealth mood and couldn’t really tell me anything about it. They told me just enough to convince me that they weren’t going to murder me. They even flew my mom out so she could meet the team and “feel okay” with me leaving home. I spent two years there, and although I am now back in Chicago (I missed the seasons), I don’t regret going. The decision and close proximity to the ocean changed my life.
I’m not sure I’d count for your series since I came and went, but let me know if you’d like to talk more! I also know a FANTASTIC moving company (they moved me back and forth) if you need any recommendations. Sending calm vibes your way.
Man, that job sounds like a pretty good set-up for a transplant! I can only hope one or both of us is similarly lucky. I think anyone who feels the urge should absolutely give the move a go. Even if it doesn’t end up being permanent (or particularly easy), the only real thing to regret is never going for it in the first place.
Even though I’m looking for current L.A. residents for the post, I’d love to hear more about your time there in general! Every bit of insight helps, and I appreciate the calm vibes. 🙂
Ahhh I feel excitement for you just from reading this! It’ll be such an adventure – and I’m sure the next two months will be a huge whirlwind.
My best friend from college just moved to LA about three weeks ago – she left a stable (read: boring) job in Iowa to pursue her dreams out in California. She hasn’t landed a job yet, but seems much happier to be out there trying to make things happen. She’s not a blogger, but I can see if she’d be interested in chatting with you – I’ll ask her and email you to let you know.
I think having a wee hyperventilate is a natural response to change – I am like you, I don’t deal so well with transition (mainly because I can’t control it), but I do crave change. I would have had the same reaction, moving across the country is a big thing. I think because you’ve planned it so well, and done so enough in advance, you’ve done panicking and now you are feeling good (and in control of your decision) – you’ll probably have another panic just before you leave, but stress does that – you and John will be awesome at this move and being in a new city.
My friend moved to LA a year or so ago from Washington; she is a scriptwriter with Lymes disease – super talented, and I’m sure if she has the time she would help out with a Q & A. I’ll send her your blog and see if she’s free. She is also lovely, so if you fancy a new LA friend she would be awesome to hang out with.
This is so exciting! Trust me, the sunshine out here is addicting.
I made the big move to LA from Boston about 2 1/2 years ago for an internship, and now I work as an assistant full-time. Crazy hours, but the best decision I’ve ever made. Would love to help out! (With both the Q&A, and if you need any suggestions/recommendations once you get out here! 🙂
Woot woooooot! Sounds like you’re going through all of the emotions I was going through before I moved out here. Just know that many people have done it before you, and even though it can be tough, those many people are there to help out, because we all know what it’s like. That’s one of the beautiful things about LA: there are so many transplants, and we can all commiserate and celebrate being out here together. So excited for you!
Thank you, lady! Yeah, even in the moment when I’m freaking out, it’s nice to know it’s perfectly normal and that I am not the first to experience this craziness. There will be some commiserating (especially over drinks) very, very soon. 🙂
I’m so excited for you!
I moved to Los Angeles from Chicago a few years ago for a job. At the time, the startup was still in stealth mood and couldn’t really tell me anything about it. They told me just enough to convince me that they weren’t going to murder me. They even flew my mom out so she could meet the team and “feel okay” with me leaving home. I spent two years there, and although I am now back in Chicago (I missed the seasons), I don’t regret going. The decision and close proximity to the ocean changed my life.
I’m not sure I’d count for your series since I came and went, but let me know if you’d like to talk more! I also know a FANTASTIC moving company (they moved me back and forth) if you need any recommendations. Sending calm vibes your way.
Man, that job sounds like a pretty good set-up for a transplant! I can only hope one or both of us is similarly lucky. I think anyone who feels the urge should absolutely give the move a go. Even if it doesn’t end up being permanent (or particularly easy), the only real thing to regret is never going for it in the first place.
Even though I’m looking for current L.A. residents for the post, I’d love to hear more about your time there in general! Every bit of insight helps, and I appreciate the calm vibes. 🙂
Ahhh I feel excitement for you just from reading this! It’ll be such an adventure – and I’m sure the next two months will be a huge whirlwind.
My best friend from college just moved to LA about three weeks ago – she left a stable (read: boring) job in Iowa to pursue her dreams out in California. She hasn’t landed a job yet, but seems much happier to be out there trying to make things happen. She’s not a blogger, but I can see if she’d be interested in chatting with you – I’ll ask her and email you to let you know.
Enjoy the next few weeks of planning!
-Erika
Oh wow, a very recent transplant! That’s awesome, I’d love to have her if she’s interested. Definitely send her my way (and thanks!).
I think having a wee hyperventilate is a natural response to change – I am like you, I don’t deal so well with transition (mainly because I can’t control it), but I do crave change. I would have had the same reaction, moving across the country is a big thing. I think because you’ve planned it so well, and done so enough in advance, you’ve done panicking and now you are feeling good (and in control of your decision) – you’ll probably have another panic just before you leave, but stress does that – you and John will be awesome at this move and being in a new city.
My friend moved to LA a year or so ago from Washington; she is a scriptwriter with Lymes disease – super talented, and I’m sure if she has the time she would help out with a Q & A. I’ll send her your blog and see if she’s free. She is also lovely, so if you fancy a new LA friend she would be awesome to hang out with.
Oh yeah, there is definitely more panicking in my future – I’m pretty sure it’s inevitable, but I’ll hopefully keep it in perspective.
I’d love to have your friend contribute to the post! Thanks for the offer. It’d be great to meet another recent transplant. 🙂
This is so exciting! Trust me, the sunshine out here is addicting.
I made the big move to LA from Boston about 2 1/2 years ago for an internship, and now I work as an assistant full-time. Crazy hours, but the best decision I’ve ever made. Would love to help out! (With both the Q&A, and if you need any suggestions/recommendations once you get out here! 🙂
Yes! Consider yourself included. I’ll send details your way soon, and thanks for the offer!
Woot woooooot! Sounds like you’re going through all of the emotions I was going through before I moved out here. Just know that many people have done it before you, and even though it can be tough, those many people are there to help out, because we all know what it’s like. That’s one of the beautiful things about LA: there are so many transplants, and we can all commiserate and celebrate being out here together. So excited for you!
Thank you, lady! Yeah, even in the moment when I’m freaking out, it’s nice to know it’s perfectly normal and that I am not the first to experience this craziness. There will be some commiserating (especially over drinks) very, very soon. 🙂