[MS90]

I do have a software job in the USA. However, with the exploding prices of everything in Austin, it's getting harder and harder to hang onto any cash. I get consistent raises year over year but don't feel that I have any more money.

[novok]

Even better! I would suggest studying for interviews with something like interview cake & leetcode and getting a job at a FANG.

Try moving to seattle or if rain doesn't work for you, the bay area. With an income of $300k+ you could probably save that $100k amount in a few years. Don't move until you have job, that way you get a relocation benefit and that $3000/month rent won't seem that crazy to you.

Even working at a startup will pay you better than what I'm estimating you make in austin.

[MS90]

Yeah, no thanks. I've been to Seattle and to the bay area and I wasn't a fan of either. I have an entire life built here and have zero desire to ever move, and even less to work for a FAANG.

There's much more to my life than being a programmer, that's just what I do for work. My life does not revolve around it.