Why Did This Tech Dad Move from California to Texas?

When I launched “Tech, Beats, & Life,” I promised to keep it real about the intersection of technology, culture, and family life. Today, I’m diving deep into a personal story that’s shaped my perspective on all three: our family’s move from Huntington Beach, California to Dallas, Texas.

The Catalyst for Change

Our journey began in 2016 when my then-girlfriend (now wife) and I moved to California for her job at Johnson & Johnson. Fast forward to 2023, and we found ourselves packing up our lives – and our two young children – for a move back to Dallas.

Why the big move? It wasn’t just one thing:

1. Growing family needs
2. California’s challenging housing market
3. A desire to be closer to our roots

But the real driving force? Our children.

When Life Throws You Curveballs

Parenthood changes you, but our experience was particularly transformative. Our daughter was born 8 weeks premature, spending her first month in the NICU. Later, she faced developmental challenges, particularly with communication.

Then came our son. Those first three minutes of his life, as nurses fought to fill his lungs, were the longest of my life. These experiences reshaped our priorities and ultimately influenced our decision to move.

Adapting to Change

The decision to move wasn’t easy, and the process came with its own set of challenges. Financial strain hit hard – this time, we were footing the entire bill for the relocation. We had to make tough choices about what to bring and what to leave behind.

Emotionally, it was a rollercoaster. We’d lost both our beloved dogs in the year leading up to the move. While it simplified the logistics, it left a hole in our hearts as we embarked on this new chapter.

But amidst the challenges, we found unexpected silver linings. The move brought us closer to long-time friends from high school and college. There’s something comforting about reconnecting with people who’ve known you for years, especially when you’re going through big life changes.

And then there’s QuikTrip – I know it might sound trivial, but seeing those familiar stores pop up as we drove through Arizona on our way to Dallas? It felt like a small piece of home welcoming us back.

Career Shifts in the Digital Age

The move coincided with significant career changes. I transitioned from a marketing role in the entertainment industry to a non-profit position. My wife, after a challenging time at J&J, found a role that aligns better with her goals.

In this era of remote work and digital transformation, our experiences highlight the evolving nature of careers and the importance of finding roles that align with our values.

Parenting in a New City

Plano, our new home, is renowned for its family-friendly environment. The move has particularly benefited our daughter, providing better access to speech therapy and developmental resources.

This experience has deepened my interest in how technology can support child development and education – a topic you’ll see more of on this blog.

The Cultural Shift

Moving from diverse California to Dallas has been an eye-opener. While I miss the scenic beauty of the West Coast, Dallas offers:

• Stronger representation for our family
• A thriving tech scene
• A balance of urban amenities and family-friendly suburbs

Looking Ahead

This move has reshaped our family’s trajectory and my perspective on work, life, and technology. As I continue to share insights on “Tech, Beats, & Life,” you can expect:

• Deep dives into family-friendly tech
• Explorations of work-life balance in the digital age
• Honest discussions about parenting challenges and triumphs
• Reflections on cultural identity in the tech world

Our journey from the beaches of California to the heart of Texas is more than a change of scenery – it’s a new chapter in our family’s story, deeply intertwined with the evolving landscape of technology and culture.

Stay tuned for more real talk about navigating this tech-driven, beat-dropping, family-loving life.