This is definitely one of those topics I have been contemplated recently. I’m still young, don’t have any permanent job, and am about to graduate with a BA. California is ridiculously expensive. Unless “The Plan” includes living at home until I get on my feet, I’m not going to be able to afford things without a stable income… which will be difficult to acquire considering how competitive the job market has been lately.
As much as I love California (minus the weather), I might end up leaving after sketching out a cost-benefit analysis. Leaving the country would be a bit more difficult, but it’s something I may end up doing for graduate study anyway. Getting a work visa and a more permanent place to live than a dorm would just be taking things a step further.