[quote=Former SD resident]Thanks to those who responded. Paramount you are correct there are a lot of VP’s at Banks, he is not considered an executive but more like senior management, he does present his ideas for product development to executives. Also, he does not really management financial instruments. He runs the development of all their on-line lended products. Before he came to this bank they did not have much of an online presents, now they do. He designs everything on how a “product” will work online. He understands how the business needs a product to work and also how to work with programmers.

We know there are not really any banks he can work at in SD. We did find one position at a bank that was similar, but it would have been a little step down and in the job description it actually said to “monitor employee breaks” which he definitly does not what to do. He is open to working at data companies, really anything having to do with data products.

We are looking at San Francisco too, but would really love to be back in SD as that’s where we both grew up and now that we have children we would like to be close to family again. Are looking at LA, but we both don’t really like it and would only move there for the perfect job. Thanks again for your help.[/quote]

My advice to your hubby….Unless he already has his connections here in S.D. and his reputation already preceeds him, I would recommend S.F./bay area over S.D. at this current state. With all due respect, the fact that he is looking at recruiting sites/etc tells me he doesn’t know people down here…

All the indicators are that the silicon valley is ramping up again…If he plans on establishing himself, I’d start there, because there is much more opportunities up there imho..You pay for it with higher living costs…But, you also have much more opportunities…So, if he is going to spend his time building his reputation, might as well do it in the bay area.

I can’t speak for banking industry, but regarding anything related to tech and I.T. down in San Diego, things sort of work like a fraternity almost because the community is really tiny down here…There’s the traditional hotjobs/dice/monster application process. Then there’s the “frat” thing in which you know someone who knows someone who opens a position specifically to accomodate someone, and that’s more so director level and above (for pure techies that’s senior principals or architects and above).

If I was going to relocate to C.A. (or if I was going to start over), I’d be in the Bay Area now.

There were times that in the past I felt moving from SF to SD was the worst career decision in my life….In fact, there are still times that I feel this way too, because relative to where I was or could have been, versus now…significant difference…Not to mention, I end up traveling up there all the time anyway….The “startup” spirit just isn’t in san diego currently imho…(at least not for tech)…And since it sounds like you/him don’t really have plans to start a self-run business, it probablye would be difficult for him to find a comparable position in S.D… (Like I said, i know probably at least a dozen or so “real” directors and vp’s that have not been able to find anything comparable for 8+ months…They aren’t even being considered for lower, hands-on positions, because people think they are “over-qualified”) And the prevailing wind that is blowning in the tech field is companies that are hiring are looking for hands-on techie grunts, NOT outside managers….

If you and him are really infactuated by S.D., go to the bay area, make a killing up there, and contact SDR or sdrealtor to buy a vacation home down here…It’s just an 1hr flight to and from…