No matter what, please keep your dog. I left my dog behind and I regret it so much. Long story....but I thought I would get a job then have her with me. Its been 2 and half years...maybe 3 that I haven't been with her because I haven't a full time job and a home of my own. She has like 5 years to her life base on normal dog life. I'm trying to figure out how to be with her. I can't go back to the house she is at as my family don't want me back. I am in a different State so I can't go see her. I never realized how much I was going to miss her. And I never expected this outcome. I went to a different state that I once lived in without a job. I thought I would find one in few months but I didn't. So please find a job before you move and please keep your dog no matter what.

But from your post, it looks like you won't do that and you do have a head on your shoulder about financial matters. I'm not good at finance...so can't really help. All I know is what is your I interest. Try to get a job in that field. You like your dog so maybe something with pets? People recommend that kind of job for me to so forwarding that advice to you. You have business degree so maybe you will be able to get into any kind of field of interest in the business section or just go for a different field all together.

If you are moving to another State not knowing anyone, you are going to be lonely. I moved in with my friend and her family and I feel very lonely sometimes. It's not so bad these days but it's still around. What I did was go to a church. A friend have told me to do that but I didn't want to as it wasn't my kind, but I was so lonely that I did. I dont have much in common with them, but they have been friendly to me. So that might be a way to meet people. Of course, as a dog owner, you get to walk your dog so you meet people. The little job that I have, I haven't gotten to know the people. But most likely when you are working you will meet people.

But then maybe being surrounded by people aren't your problem, but you just feel lonely.

It looks like you need to stay where you are for now. You need to save money. I'm in the same situation. I don't like where I am now, but I can't move to another state because I don't have the money and I have a friend here.

This is advice given to me. Find any job for now. It is not permanent job so don't think of it as so important. But if concerned about resume building then it should be in your field. Save money for 6 months to live off if moving to another state. It is so you have money for rent and stuff while you look for job if you move there.

How does Portland, Oregon sound? It's smaller than those cities you mentioned and it has nice scenery and I believe young people. If that kind of weather don't bother you.

Colorado is suppose to be really beautiful. It is also a very spiritual place. It's been only 2 months but have you checked out places around there going on adventures with your dog. I once thought about moving there with my dog, but when I found out they kill pit bulls there so I couldn't go there. I do believe there are a lot of people who does soul searching there...so it seemed to me. It took me few months to get used to this state. I was feeling real bad living here but I have no other option. I was thinking yesterday to look up more info about this state since I'm here. One of my main problem is I don't have a car and I don't drive. Here you need to drive everywhere. If you don't have that problem, you can venture out and see what your state has to offer.