Post #36137 by Humuhumu on Tue, May 27, 2003 6:31 PM

Okay, so here's the latest thinking:

I figure it'll take me a year or two to get the lay of the land, figure out where I want to live in the long term, and find a job that really fits. The first job & apartment have to be just good enough to get me started and keep me happy enough that I don't have second thoughts about the big move.

Despite some reservations, I think I'm going to try to stay in biology. I've spent some time looking at companies & institutes, and I keep getting drawn back to the Pasadena/Northeast LA area. There are some companies doing really cool stuff there; it looks like that's where I'll be focusing the job search first. There's some cool stuff in La Jolla, but I suspect I'd like LA better than San Diego. I'll keep looking there just in case, though.

It won't mean much until I actually start sending my C.V. out, but I'm already starting to think about neighborhoods to live in. My basic requirement (and even this is flexible): a place where somewhat decent coffee is within walking distance, and the commute to work won't be more than 45min-1hr. (I used to commute 1-1.5 hrs to work each way here in Seattle, traffic here is a bitch, I'm prepared.)

I've looked a bit at S. Pasadena (the rents are steep to be sure, but within my budget). Long Beach sounds appealing, but it looks like the commute would be a bit too much. Someday, I may want to get close to the ocean, but I don't think I'll be able to swing it right out of the gate.

Sorry, Bay Area folks -- I love San Francisco, but I think I need a bigger change than that. Besides, the bay will be within very easy driving distance, and it doesn't take much of an excuse to get me on the road in my sweet little car. I'll be able to come see you guys all the time. You'll get sick of me.

I gave open-ended notice today at work, so I'm committed!

The best tiki bar is the one that's within stumbling distance of your bed
The Humuhumu Room

[ Edited by: Humuhumu on 2003-05-27 18:38 ]