u/CheekPretend2158

I already know what you’re thinking - that most people would do any job for $200K. Im writing this post to figure out if my job is a diamond in the rough or if this is possible to find the pay without selling my soul elsewhere.

I currently work in surgery in MCOL city. On paper, I work 5x8 hour M-F with 108 hours of call per month. In reality, I am actually working about 30 hours a week. We almost never get called in, only for true massive emergencies.

The problem? I never intended to work in surgery. It happened by accident when I moved to a new city because I just needed something, quick. I have always wanted to work in an ER or ICU setting. I genuinely get so excited about my rotations those settings. I watch CME on these areas… for fun (yikes). I do not hate my job, but everyday feels incredibly meh because it isn’t my passion. Everyday, I feel like I’m waiting to start my “real” life down the line. “Just one more year until I can save more money.”

I am also over missing my family. I’m wondering if I can make this type of money on the east coast, specifically Virginia or North Carolina?

I know… boohoo. Would you stay for money or leave for passion?

31F. My husband and I have lived in Phoenix for four years now. It was supposed to be a quick 1-2 years during our adventure phase in our late 20s but we never made it out for various reasons. We are ready to settle and have kids.

Cons: I feel deeply unsettled by the landscape (concrete jungle + brown/rocky landscape). I feel this on a visceral level. I hate seeing strip malls and rocks instead of grass and trees on my drives. I won’t be able to get the type of home I’ve dreamed of as a kid with a nice big grassy few acre yard. Most houses look exactly the same and have no character. The lack of seasons was initially a pro because I was seasonally depressed in the New York winter, but now it feels that the last 4 years in AZ have blended into one unmemorable chunk of time.

Pros (for me): The most beautiful sunsets out there. Vast landscape that is unique to this part of the country. California beaches within 5 hours (can’t imagine going to an east coast beach after seeing Laguna). Endless cutesy restaurants and things to do. Off-roading with minimal restrictions which is unique to AZ. Significantly higher pay for both of us in AZ.

Has anyone ever made this jump? How do you like it?