furiousbob

I'm currently working in retail in Pasadena (near Los Angeles) and my sister keeps telling me to move up to Norcal (she's in Berkeley and my other sister's in Santa Cruz). Things down here are not going to well so I was considering the move. I'd be living in a room, not an apt, and hopefully in SF itself so I can bike in the city. How are the jobs in SF?

How's life in general in SF? I'm 20 years old, not going to college (for my own reasons), and working 50-60 hours a week to pay the bills. Anybody have any personal stories about how they made it in SF?

damnpoor

If you don't already have a guaranteed job and don't have a lot of money in the bank, I highly recommend moving somewhere less expensive.

Gee3

If you have a place to stay (like with your sisters) with reasonable or no rent then I'd say give it a try. You're only 20 so it doesn't hurt to at least try and venture out!

As for jobs... I believe retail jobs are pretty abundant if you don't mind having to work your way up in the future. Try looking at the job market first before coming up to get an idea of what's available. Maybe try Craigslist, Monster, retail company websites/job sections, etc...

Good luck!

BigSean

I was much like you. Rented rooms till I was 28. I worked my butt off for many years and now Im self employed and ave been for many years. Ill tell you it can be done. However you gotta work harder then those around you. Id also suggest trying to get into a trade rather then retail. Atleast then as you move up you can make more money.

jonathanb715

+1 Retail margins are tight, and there's still a lot of downward pressure - wages and benefits in retail won't be improving anytime soon. Since you have sisters up here already, can they let you crash on the couch every now and then while you come up for a few days and look for a job? That way you have a chance to arrive knowing you already can pay the bills.

JB

Mhendricks

+1 on this reply. To be honest, you'd have more luck and a cheaper lifestyle by moving to Santa Cruz.

ROJA

As my comrades have noted, SF is expensive- check out Berkeley for some cheaper options. Keep in mind that the average household income in the Bay Area is around $100k (and that definitely isn't rich around here), so if you are making starvation wages, finances will be tight. That said, it is a great place to live and ride!

0_o

I came out to the Bay area in my early 20's. I went from Memphis Tn - Northern area of MI + Detroit MI - L.A - then to SF in about about a 3 1/2 year period. I know first hand how hard it can be to pull off a move from one area of So Cal to SF. I did it with out a lot of cash in my pocket and pretty much as a last minute deal. So I would just suggest first see if you can stay at your sister's place in Berk for 3- 6 months. Before you head out to the Nor Cal area save up a couple grand for a future shared rental in SF .
Then move out to Berk with you sister find a job in retail for those first few months save all your cash up that you make before making that move from Berk out to SF. That extra cash will help ya out a lot. While you're working in retail look for a city job or a state job that is located in SF that is if your retail thing is not what you want to as a long term thing.

Bob S

There are a lot of jobs out there but you will probably have to change industries to get one. Financial services is a big one. I happen to know that the Nordstrom store in Corte Madera is always looking for good help, I am sure there are others. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
good luck

furiousbob

This may have to wait a while then. I know I need to save up some cash in order to make a move that big. I was originally thinking of living in SF mainly because it'd be a great place to ride. That didn't seem too realistic though. I may have to wait half a year or something before I make the move.

Ty.S

SF is expensive, but keep in mind... that you get what you pay for. You could live on the cheap, but you'd be in a district that reflects your rent. I'm not one to judge anybody based on where they live, but there are parts of SF that are not exactly places I like to be. Having said that.. Santa Cruz is more affordable and not as crowded, so your living costs will be signifigantly reduced over anything in SF.

Being as young as you are, getting into a "trade" would be a great move for you. You're still young and can do a lot of things that older people can't. Your options for the "trades" are pretty wide open. With a high turnover rate and a system that is desperately seeking english speaking laborers you'd have a better chance of hooking up with a construction crew. Some crews pay better then others for starters and your ability to move up is largely based on your experience and tenure.

Good luck with your decision moves are a pain, but can be fun too.

preze

You won't like it out here. The bike lanes are full, the taqueria lines are long, and to pay rent you might have to sell your bike.

Ty.S

Thats why you just look for a Taco truck! if one is busy, go to the next, or the next.. or the next etc.