"Am I in the right place? Should I move? Is there time still left? Am I gonna make it?" I've asked these questions of myself many times. There was a time, at the start of my career, when I was invited to join Facebook as a UX designer. But my then life partner didn't want to move to the Bay. I sat that opportunity out, and I live with those regrets. Even if I hadn't stayed longer than vesting, the value of those stocks would have provided the long-term security my marriage did not. Money buys a lot. But at the same time, I've known many folks who moved to the Bay and never had a "big break." Some even drown in debt because of the lifestyle costs. Being in an area increases the number of shots you get. But you don't win every shot. If life brings you an opportunity, step into it. Take the shot. But that also means taking the shot in front of you. When the layoffs hit Amazon, I took a shot on a return to the UK. ILR would mean Free Healthcare for Life and the privilege to work and remain in two countries, unhasseled by law. That's a really big life hack. You don't need a lot of money to retire well with infinite health potions on command. I could have gone to the Bay and scrambled to get into Anthropic or OpenAI. Maybe I would have. Maybe I wouldn't. But I decided on living a life more aligned with what I like about being alive. Should you have moved? Maybe. Did you? No, or you wouldn't be wondering. Is there an offer for you to move? Then you should step into that opportunity. Is there not? Then make your peace where you stand and carry on. We can't win all games. Can't win all bets. When opportunity knocks, open the damn door. Otherwise, let it go and enjoy the present