I left a red state for a blue state. The quality of life and job opportunities are better here, but it's not perfect.

Sat, 02/17/2024 - 05:15

Raneisha Stassin with her son in California. — Raneisha Stassin said moving to California has helped her career and it's been a great environment for her son.
Courtesy of Raneisha Stassin

Raneisha Stassin, 31, moved to California from Arkansas in 2017 and has no regrets.
In Arkansas, it seemed to her like most people got their jobs through friends of friends.
In California, a diverse network has helped her professionally and her son's needs are supported.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Raneisha Stassin, a 31-year-old freelance public relations communications consultant and podcast host based in California. It's been edited for length and clarity.