I’ve been trying to leave San Francisco since 2014. After pretending to retire in 2012, I thought it made sense to move to a more affordable place like Honolulu to save money and be closer to family. Honolulu isn’t cheap, but it’s still cheaper than San Francisco! However, every time I attempt to leave, San Francisco somehow manages to pull me back in. Here’s why:
In 2014, I stumbled upon a reasonably priced ocean-view home in San Francisco, so I opted for it instead of a much pricier one in Honolulu. In 2017, we had our first child, so we decided to stay for consistency. Being first-time parents was stressful enough. In 2019, our second child arrived, and having familiar doctors during that time was comforting. The pandemic hit in 2020, forcing us to stay put for months. Moving to a new city with young kids during a pandemic was too uncertain. In 2021, our son enrolled in a Mandarin immersion school and loved it, making it tough to switch schools. In late 2023, we found a dream home at a better price, so we bought it. By fall 2024, with both kids in school full-time, I might return to full-time work. San Francisco offers more job opportunities than Honolulu. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the AI boom could make many people wealthy.
Having a family makes leaving any city harder. Without kids, my wife and I would have likely moved to Honolulu long ago. We dreamed of a simpler life by the ocean with year-round warm weather. We had enough to live comfortably, not extravagantly. I envisioned renovating my grandparents’ old farmhouse in Waianae, enjoying the beach, eating poké, and hiking. Despite losing status, we’d be happier and healthier, a fair trade for us. But kids are a blessing, and once you have a family, it’s tough to uproot.
San Francisco has its charms. The mild year-round weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The city and its surroundings are stunning, especially with a view. Napa/Sonoma Valley and Lake Tahoe are close by. It’s a hub for education, culinary delights, job opportunities, and diversity. Despite its positives, San Francisco has its downsides too, like corrupt officials, high living costs, and homelessness. Every city has its flaws, but what sets Honolulu apart for me is its lack of hustle culture.
Excitement is a key factor keeping me in San Francisco. The city hosts events like APEC, drawing global attention and investments. Recent events at OpenAI, a major AI company, have been captivating. Being in a vibrant city with constant activity is essential for me. Planning for the future, especially with AI advancements, is crucial. Investing in AI companies seems like a prudent move to secure my family’s future. The fear of missing out and the potential of AI revolutionizing industries keep me rooted in San Francisco.
Leaving San Francisco poses challenges. Reintegrating into the city after leaving during the pandemic may be tough. The fear of losing opportunities and connections drives my decision to stay. AI’s impact on jobs and the future adds to the complexity. As a parent, ensuring my children’s success and security is paramount. Investing in AI and adapting to the changing landscape are strategies to safeguard our financial future. The evolving job market and potential career disappointments for future generations require careful planning and foresight. By staying informed and making strategic investments, we aim to navigate the uncertainties ahead.
