u/Fine-Tree-387

I'm 32 and currently living in Toronto, working in the public sector. I'm making around $130k CAD with a fairly stable position, pension, and good benefits.

I've been offered a Senior Project Controls role transit program in San Francisco at around $190k USD, with the potential to work on a major long-term transit/rail project. It's a consulting role rather than a public-sector position.

I'm seriously considering it, but I'm trying to get some perspective from people who have actually made a similar move.

The big factors for me are:

• $135k CAD Toronto public-sector job → ~$190k USD SF consulting
• Giving up pension/stability for significantly higher compensation
• I'm single and 32, so lifestyle/social life is important
• I'd be moving alone and would need to build a new social circle
• Office would be around Civic Center
• Considering both SF and Oakland, particularly neighborhoods with good transit and a social atmosphere
• Career-wise, the SF role would give me U.S. transit/rail and CBTC experience, which could potentially open doors later

For anyone who has moved from Toronto to SF/Bay Area, especially in their late 20s/30s:

Was it worth it?