I made the same mistake, moved from NY for a tech job in Texas during covid.

The honeymoon phase ended in the first week when I couldnt find decent quality food at restaurants. I haven't had political issues like she mentions. I struggle with the poor infrastructure here, the frontage roads spaced everything so far apart it makes the area feel like a giant strip mall that goes forever.

By the time my lease ended the tech layoffs came. Been struggling to find jobs back home so now I feel stuck in Texas.

Its depressing, but I try to make the best of it.. There's lots of really nice greenways so when it's not too hot I bike around. I felt way more free and happy in the Northeast corridor.

I can see the difference between California influence and original Texan culture. There's pros and cons to both, but when both of their flaws come together it's the worst.

I will never relocate for a job again once I get back. You either hire me as remote or I'm dodging a toxic work environment.