We've strongly considered bailing out, maybe to the Boise area or south of Denver somewhere, and I almost bought a business in Kennesaw, GA last fall. I was forwarded information on a new 300sq. ft. house in Kentucky, about 30mi out of Lexington; out in the country, 1/4mi from the nearest road, on 39 acres of rich farmland -- $350K. I almost dropped everything and snatched that up.
So, we've definitely had the exploration committee hard at work, but my career is in a really good groove -- I've got autonomy, flexibility, and control the likes of which I'm not at all sure I could ever find in a single package again. Who else do you know working in Silicon Valley -- not in the executive ranks, mind you, and not a "consultant" -- who can come in at any time between 6:00 and 9:30? That kind of flexibility is rare, in my experience; it works VERY well with my busy and unpredictable family -- I'm extremely loath to give it up until/unless I find an equal or better gig.
Yeah, making a move always involves a calculated risk, but I'm sure not going to skimp on the calculating.
Smart way to go.
I may relocate soon myself, and have to take in a lot of considerations. Not the least of which is the fact that in my line of work you have a "ramp-up" period to start making decent money again.
D'oh!!
That "300sq. ft." house in Kentucky is, in reality, "3000sq. ft."