The Move

My plans have always been to get out of California once Kayli was out of University and settled in her career job. Several months ago I applied for a management job with BJs Restaurants in Florida (my state of choice). I was to commence training while still with BJs San Jose but before I commenced I decided to take another path that would pay better and suit our lifestyle plans (including travel and spending time in Australia and some time in Malaysia). The cost of living in California makes it very difficult to spend time away and maintain an apartment there. It is also a very poorly run state with loads of homelessness and rapidly increasing crime.

To give you an idea of the difference in living costs San Jose cost of living is about 67% above the national standard while Jacksonville Florida is about 8% below. My income will decrease somewhat however with the path I am taking it will be similar to what my income was in San Jose and probably more in a short time.

The transition plan was for me to move to Florida and Ada follow me once things are settled there (perhaps 3-4 months). Over the past month we were organizing a move into a smaller apartment in San Jose for Ada and Kayli with Kayli taking the apartment for the longer term. Just before signing a lease on an apartment Ada’s contract with her employer was ceased prematurely. We decided then that Ada could move with me so we found Kayli a room to rent instead of leasing an apartment. So that’s why the past few weeks have been fairly hectic.

Furniture that Kayli did not want for her room was sold and the rest of goods into storage. The car was loaded for the trip with things we would need straight away, and the Jeep was put on a truck towards Georgia. As I am writing this we are with cousins in Georgia and I have been reunited with my Jeep.

Another update in this series in the next day or so. Love to all!