Originally Posted by
synistar
I guess my question is what parts of CA would you be willing to relocate to if it means being able to land a full teaching job? I know teaching and nursing are like apples to oranges, but would a relocation to somewhere like Bakersfield (yes people commute from Bakersfield to LA. I heard stories of it) or Palmdale/Lancaster (an hour NE from the metro LA area) or Apple Valley & Victorville/Riverside/San Bernadino be possible while keeping the options open for the husband's career opportunities and get you to use your teaching cert now? Also not limiting just those areas, but anywhere in the central valley is a cheaper housing-wise.
I only speak from what I have seen from former coworkers who had a heck of a time trying to get an entry level nursing job in LA. There were very few positions open in the LA area but a lot more opportunities elsewhere in the state that were probably not the most desirable places to live. Bakersfield was a sure bet when it came to nursing openings just to get experience. It would mean sacrificing being close to the coast (a luxury that should be the least of your worries), but if it means using your teaching cert now, it may be another option to try those areas. It would offer a good opportunity to get some sort of stability to your finances.
Housing is a bit more affordable away from LA/SD. Sure it gets hot inland, but renting a 4 bed 2.5 bath house in those areas is about the equivalent to renting a 2 bed 2 bath 1000 sq ft. apartment the metro LA area.