Moving to Make It?

[Thirteen]

Hello all --

The man and I are probably going to move outside of CA for his 2yr. residency position.

After assessing his resources and income, it just wouldn't be enough out here to live during residency. So far, he's been living in his parents' basement apartment (not having to deal with utilities, etc), but if we married, it would be very difficult for us to make it. I mean, I'd be working for a yr. with an MA, but I want to go back to get a JD, so... Loans would be our friend during that time.

It looks like we're going to leave for a few years until he's finished.

Has anyone else had to do this? Did you have success, or was it a regretted decision?

Re: Moving to Make It?

I think that including cost of living factors in deciding where to apply or how to rank programs makes sense depending on your circumstance. In your case, it sounds like that would be an important factor for you.

[madeintaiwan]

Re: Moving to Make It?

We didn't do this, but our friends moved from STL to WA state for his prelim year [they had 2 kids] then just moved this June to KY for his 3 years of optho residency. They had newborn for this last move. We left CA and moved to STL for medical school and now we are in KS for the next 4 years. E will then do a year fellowship somewhere. We have 3 kids [I SAH] and the majority of our families live in CA and places not midwest.

E is a PGY2 and we have 3 kids and we make it work on well under 50k a year. Of course we make huge sacrifices to do so. Medicine is what it is. You go where you can get in. I think it is often full of regrets. You just have to learn to make the best of them. I finished my BSc with a infant-toddler and minimal income. I would go to law school wherever you are. Whether you're in CA or come back to it, you'll still have to take and pass the CA bar exam.

[moonlight]

Re: Moving to Make It?

From what I understand Cali is one of the most expensive states to live in. My IL's have a cousin and family in CA and they have been trying to convince them to get out of there for years. Of course I say this sitting here in Texas, which is an extremely affordable place to live. 50K in this state (even in the big cities) would go a long way for a couple. If you look into going to even lower COL places like OK, LA, AR then 50K would stretch you very far... but of course you'd be stuck in OK, LA, or AR for a few years. LOL! It's all a trade off.

Do you know where you would go or is this just up for discussion?

[ladymoreta]

Re: Moving to Make It?

Moonlight is right about this part of the world. We lived very comfortably in Dallas during DH's medical school in Dallas on 55k per year. We're in Oklahoma for his residency now, and it's even cheaper. Not to mention that we're not really participating in the real estate crisis here yet, so if you buy a home, there's still a good chance the value might go up.

Residencies pay pretty close to the same regardless of the city, so you could have a much better standard of living in a cheaper place. Since it's just a couple of years, I'd say just look for the place that is best suited for both of you, since every program and every city has its own personality. I'm not sure how moving will affect your degree, but I would absolutely not recommend any kind of living arrangements with parents after you get married.

[Thirteen]

Re: Moving to Make It?

His top choice, actually, is in Dallas.
I'm originally from OK, and I know how cheap it can get

It'd be nice to finally be in a place where my rent ALONE could get me a house with a yard. *smile* Oh well, we'll wait and see.

Most places are cheaper than CA, anyway.

[moonlight]

Re: Moving to Make It?

His top choice, actually, is in Dallas.
I'm originally from OK, and I know how cheap it can get

It'd be nice to finally be in a place where my rent ALONE could get me a house with a yard. *smile* Oh well, we'll wait and see.

Most places are cheaper than CA, anyway.

It sounds to me like you are on the right track! Hang in there!!

[SuzySunshine]

Re: Moving to Make It?

DH and I left CA for MN for residency and reason #1 was the cost, we're much more comfortable now and can enjoy our life rather then worrying where the next dollar is going to come from.