In part due to a death in the family and a mother with Alzheimer's symptoms (requiring a lot of help from me on a daily basis) I've taken the last three weeks off. Before the layoffs and before the death in the family we were in the process of committing to buying land for retirement. We were in contract for this land when my brother died unexpectedly and then immediately following the death of my brother Qualcomm announces their 15% cut - all this occurring during the time we were signing away contingencies for the new property. Coming up with money to buy land was stressful on its own - but a death and layoff notices were a lot for me to deal with. I had already put in three plus years with Qualcomm doing what amounted to repetitive tasks for a group that didn't see to need an analog/RF design engineer. With all that on the plate I decided it was a better use of my time not to worry about the fate of Qualcomm or my own personal employment with Qualcomm. Therefore, I began the process of restarting several of my own electronic projects. So, here we are today, this week we should get our layoff notices. If Qualcomm keeps me then good - I could use the money and once I get back to work I can focus a lot better knowing I survived the first wave. If Qualcomm gives me my care package and sends me on my way - then that's also good. I'm trying to get a house built on recently bought property and plan to move my mother there with me at some point - to take care of her. Best to all Qualcomm employees reading this - good luck. Life is short - no sense getting wrapped up in unnecessary drama.
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To: Anonymous152860 and Anonymous153312
We've purchased over 1.4 acres of land with a house and barn in a rural area. The county will issue permits. It is very likely you could build a small home without anyone ever asking a question. However, I desire to get permits for an additional dwelling and conform to whatever county rules exist for the purpose of increasing property value - especially when I'm elderly. Yes, the manufactured homes help remove additional permits/inspections that you'd normally have to get if building from scratch on site. The builder makes his living designing these custom homes, installs them locally and regularly works with the county. He's already started my case and things look very good insofar as building on that property. The place is already nice. It will be even better with additional improvements. I'm looking forward to escaping the technology rat race. My new life will include manufacturing Nixie clocks. We only live once - as far as I know anyway.
152860: Permitting is no worse in S.D. County than any other place in CA. Any decent contractor will know the process. And mfgr'd. homes are usually designed to conform with most buiding codes, and can easily be modified to meet others. The only real problems most people face around here is if they attempt to build monster homes on land that falls within the purview of the California Coastal Commission. Even that isn't insurmountable if you know what you are dealing with and plan accordingly.
Building a home in CA, esp san diego county is extremely frustrating and stressful. The permitting and fees are outrageous and very slow bordering on corrupt. If you plan to develop a parcel in CA I would urge you to reconsider given all the challenges in your life right now. thanks for the story and best of luck.
To Anonymous152842 - I'm working with a really great builder of manufactured homes. He's helping me navigate the county permits right now - next we'll focus on the house itself. These are custom built manufactured homes and they look amazing. So, yes, most likely we will pour a cement slab for the home to sit on and connect utilities. As for electronic projects - 15 years ago I was one of the main designers for a high end spectrum analyzer. At this time I am in contact with several of my colleagues who designed the synthesizer for that very same spectrum analyzer. We're considering working together on a project - a synthesizer project. I have a few of my own smaller projects that I'd like to market as well. Occasionally, I provide engineering services for companies looking for a consultant or contractor.
OP: Your electronics projects sound interesting. Keep in touch with people you know via LinkedIn or similar media. Who knows--there may be other people who could use an interesting electronics hobby while job hunting. Also, about building a house on your own land: Have you checked out the kits for homes manufactured by Linwood and others? All you have to do is construct the pad/foundation and run the utilities hookups. Pretty much everything else comes pre-cut so anyone who can read instructions and use a hammer can put them together. They always look great in the pictures.
OP, you are very courageous in this difficult time and wish you the best of luck.
OP, I hope others who are seriously stressed and or depressed read what you shared and come realize that (1) they aren't alone and (2) as difficult as you might think you have it, there are a lot people who have it much tougher than you. I am really sorry to hear about your tragic losses in your family. And I am sorry to hear that you had to endure this with other terrible things going on in your world at the same time. That being said, I think you've taken all the things life has thrown at you with a great stride, and you seem to have emerged from this as a really strong person. I am sure, whatever adversity you face in the future, you will always have a bright future waiting for you after all the dark clouds clear. While crap might happen all at once, it too will pass, and the difference between those that end up having a bright future and those that don't is, those that end up with a bright future, never give up, and always put in a good fight. I admire your courage and determination, and I hope others read what you have willingly shared to pick themselves up as well. Best wishes for you and your family. We're all cheering for you to have better day in the future.