Possible move...

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello everyone...I have recently considered the possibility of moving to CA. Just wanted some advice as i have lived in IL my whole life, and really have nothing else to compare to. Just the thought alone kind of scares me and makes me nervous, but in a way it also excites me. I have had so much going on in my life lately and i think it might be good for me to kind of get away for a 'fresh start'. I know thousands of people move every day, but i cant imagine going somewhere where you know noone, and you dont know your way around! If I decide to go through with this possible decision, i will have a few family members going with me which will be a huge help, but how do I get over this fear of moving from where my 'home' is??? If anyone has any advice for me i would greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance for all replies!

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Welcome to California! Taxes are high, as are housing costs, car insurance, and utilities. That being said, it still is a great place to live.

It is also a BIG STATE so you might want to do more investigating and decide which area will be best for your life style. For example, I wouldn't want to raise kids in LA as it's too big, alot of kids develop lung problems and allergies due to the pollution, and you can't touch a good family size home for under $500,000. But if you are single and enjoy skiing in the morning (ski area about 2 hours drive outside of LA) and the sunny beaches in the afternoon; LA is your place. San Diego area is also great, but you really need to speak Spanish in that area.

There are many Californians on this BB and I'm certain they all have their favorite areas. Again, welcome!

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I understand your fear! After I graduated college I moved from Baltimore to Boston---not as far as your move, but it's still quite a ways away. It was scary, but just try to think of it as an adventure. Even if it doesn't work out and for some reason you move back, at least you will have gotten a "life experience" out of it, and I'm sure you will have grown as a person because of it.

After I graduate with my BSN I plan on moving somewhere, perhaps Colorado. It can be done! Just imagine you're out for adventure and experience, and have fun!

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Specializes in OB.

Go for it! About 16 yrs ago I did the same thing - moved from Maryland to the middle of the Navajo Res. in Arizona with my son and my cat (in a car w/no air conditioning - would NOT suggest that part).

It turned out to be the best move I ever made, and has opened me up to all kinds of new experiences, and provided my son with a great outlook on trying new things.

Expect to feel "lost at sea" occasionally over the first few months as you move outside your comfort zone, but stick with it and I think you will find it to be an enriching experience.

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hI! iI Know nothing about Cali... but I just wanted to say GOOOd Luck in whatever you decide! Takes alot of courage, sista! Do your thang!:D :D :)

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Do you have a particular area of California in mind? I could give you information if you're thinking So Cal. As already mentioned, it's a big state and has a lot of variety in weather, housing, employment opportunities, and leisure activities-- depends on the region you pick.

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I made a huge move to Florida and got a HUGE culture shock! Might I suggest a long vist to CA first to see how you fit? I moved with family so my situation is different. However, I wish I had tried living in the actual area for a period of time before doing the moving. FL is called a transient state meaning people move here, hate it, and move back - I imagine anyone moving to a "glorified" state from a "nondescript" state, like me, gets the culture shock :)

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Thanks everyone....happy student, you crack me up...lol...well, my aunt that would be helping us with the move is in Palm Springs, and is looking for us out there. So more than likely in Palm Springs or right around it...

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Originally posted by rnnurse2b

Thanks everyone....happy student, you crack me up...lol...well, my aunt that would be helping us with the move is in Palm Springs, and is looking for us out there. So more than likely in Palm Springs or right around it...

Eisenhower Medical Center is probably your best choice.

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

I think visiting the area is a very good suggestion. I moved to another city, same state about six years ago. You just use a map all the time.

renerian

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There are always travel assignments in the Palm Springs area. Have you considered taking a short term assignment in a hospital there? That way you could get a feel for the area without completely pulling up roots.

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Please be aware, visiting is not the same thing as living there. This is talking from experience. I've moved to Florida after visiting on many occasions, and it takes much longer. It may take as long as a year before you starting thinking of your new state as your home. After almost 3 years, I still think of NY as my home. As KristinWW mentions, in Florida you really may have some culture shock. (Although you destination is California, you'll still experience a different culture, also transient in nature.)

Jemb has another good suggestions...try a travel nursing position for a period of time before moving lock, stock and barrel.

Good luck!

Kris

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