This, absolutely agree. I am from an extremely small town in northern-coastal Maine that very often felt like an episode of "Trailer Park Boys". California was

This, absolutely agree. I am from an extremely small town in northern-coastal Maine that very often felt like an episode of "Trailer Park Boys". California was always a magical and far off land, and I ended up here mostly by accident. I don't think I'm as experienced as pedalpete (I've only worked in Southern California), but I can relate to the "from a small town, moved to California" thing. I've worked for three startups, a mid sized company, and a large corporation, as well as have done a little freelance work. I'm currently starting my own .com company with one other person. I've attended events within the startup community, hacker community, and as events typically thought of as "corporatey". Much of the startup community is, as pedalpete said, an echo chamber. However, there are great people and I'm very grateful to have such close contact with them and even call some of them personal friends. I don't know the specifics of your situation, but based on reflection of my own background, you probably are in a better position than you realize. Macu, if you're interested in setting up a skype or hangout call some time I'd be more than happy to be a sounding board for some of your questions in more detail. Even if I can't bring solid advice to the table, I'd be more than happy to tell you where I've made mistakes.