[saryant]

As someone else who's looking at SV from the outside and in a somewhat-similar situation, I can tell you that the temptation to turn to HN is strong. I've asked for (and received!) advice here in the past and I'm very grateful for it.

I don't have the OP's history, my own isn't nearly as impressive, but I can certainly relate. I'm sure he could find a job in Iowa, just as I've had no trouble finding jobs in my current location, but the draw of Silicon Valley is high though from the outside can appear more difficult to enter than perhaps is the case.