NYC to Bay Area Move Advice

Hey all, currently in quant in the city and I seriously want to move out to the Bay Area (doing quant out there as well).

I’m confident I can land a spot out there, just not quite sure how to approach the process. Been at my current spot for ~ 1 1/2 years and have developed quite a close relationship with my boss, as well as my colleagues. I would be willing to bet large amounts of money that none of them have ever considered me planning this move.

I lateraled from a small quant “start up” into my current spot, so I am somewhat aware, but that fund was well aware that I only planned on being with them for a short amount of time.

I’ve seen similar posts to this one, but they had enough differences to make this post necessary. Should I secure an offer before informing anyone, or let them know of my plans ahead of time? If I hadn’t grown so close to the majority of my colleagues I wouldn’t be concerned, but it feels wrong to leave with short notice.

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