What are you use to?
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6/28/2007
I moved to Silicon Valley (from Alabama) in September 2005 and I have been here almost 2 years now. My opinion of Santa Clara, and this area in general, is very mixed. All of my family and friends are back in AL, meaning I am here all on my own. The 2 MAIN things that take getting use to here is the cost of housing and the people.
I am sure many are familiar with the cost of living here and many assume that what you make at your job evens it out in a way. Well, that may be true for people who are just starting their careers out of college, but thats not talked about. It is EXTREMELY common for people to change jobs every year or two in order for a wage increase. It is much more rare to meet people in a company who has been there for over 6-7 years. Where I am from in AL many people are in there jobs for 20-30 years.
Commenting on the people of Silicon Valley...
Its not that people are rude here, but unlike in the deep South, people in the Silicon Valley dont just talk to a stranger for no reason. They dont say hello to you when they see you coming ang going to work and they rarely help a woman who obviously needs help with her groceries. Many of the men rely on AAA rather than bother to get their hands dirty and change a flat tire. Where I am from in AL we associate AAA with AARP, something the elderly need.
Jennifer | Santa Clara, CA