I'm from Ohio, too. And I started my career there. And as you know, it's not easy. I hope you're in Columbus or Cincinnati. I grew up in Toledo: Not exactly a t

I'm from Ohio, too. And I started my career there. And as you know, it's not easy. I hope you're in Columbus or Cincinnati. I grew up in Toledo: Not exactly a tech hub :) You should relocate. I can tell you this without a shred of reservation. I first went to a payment processing startup in Boca. Lots of money in South Florida, wonderful weather, quite a few more startups than you'd guess. Then to the bay area for a wider range of work. If you're good, you will get flown out for interviews and given an offer with relocation. You should seriously consider this. As for your other concerns, when I was younger, I was less of a collaborator and more of a "screw this, i'll do it myself, you'll see, it'll be great." And I'm talented, and often it was great, so i got by. But I eventually realized that for me, being more humble, reaching out more, it just makes life easier. And if you want to be humbled, go to where the best and brightest in your industry are.