Hi fellow teachers, I have been teaching for 10 years in TX, but have always wanted to leave TX and I can’t find a better time to just do it now. However, my bougie self wants to move to California, specifically closer to OC or maybe In San Diego, is that feasible as a single person?

I researched the area because my sister just moved there for a job and asked me to come with. I wouldn’t make nearly as much and the cost of living is ridiculous, so I declined. She has a nice apartment, but she has to have a roommate.. and thats not going as well as she’d like.

I’d say expect cut backs, a decrease in pay, and most likely, a roommate. You could make it work—especially without kids. Go where you want to be and be happy.

I absolutely love California, but the cost of living is higher. The pay is higher as well.

With all that's going on in CA right now? I think people are going to be leaving in droves after the mismanagement of these fires. It's also. becoming increasingly hard to get home insurance there for fires, and after all of this will be near impossible for years to come (at least). I'd consider somewhere less precarious if I were you. There are lots of other beautiful cool places in the country

Make sure you understand the hoops you’d have to go through to have your credential cleared in California. Your bougie self will need a reality check - bougie in Texas is walking poor in California. Rent, eating out, gas (this ain’t Texas) , insurance, and entertainment will eat all of your salary. Also, with budget cuts and declining enrollment- you may be the first to be let go due to seniority. Unless you teach math, science, or special education you could be moving districts and increasing your commute considerably. Unless you know the district and school, you could be in for a harsh transition depending on your experience in Texas. Finally, your second interview will be with your department and there is bias against Texas. They will want to hear that you will be a cultural fit and you should pepper your discourse with the buzzwords of DEI/SEL/CRT .

I have heard the cost of living is so high, but if it is what you want, you should go for it. If it doesn't work out the way to expect, you can always leave.

If you want ocean, there’s lots of coastline in the country beyond California that pays better than Texas.

As previously mentioned, California districts are starting to cut teachers due to a decline in enrollment, besides the fact that people are currently having less kids than previously, California has been the #1 state for five years in a row on U-Haul’s list for the number of people leaving any state, hence the decline in enrollment. Why are people leaving? One of the major reasons is the cost.

If you like coastal living and want more money so that you could actually afford to own your own home, without a roommate, Michigan pays well and needs teachers.

Good luck! Keep doing the research!! Now does sound like a good time for you to move somewhere. 👍🏼

Go for it. My motto is YOLO and you truly only live once. I think i you have the means and nothing tying you to Texas then why not move and see what else is out there.