Texas may not appease everyone moving here. The state-level politics based on representation are decidedly conservative. The changing demographics, based on immigration and cross-country migration, are undoubtedly moderate-to-liberal.

At this time, personal liberty plays second fiddle to business freedom. Texas reminds me of my time in Japan. There was an expat adage about living there: make money by working hard, meet the people, and don’t complain. Paradise awaited those who outworked the locals. Similarly, new Texans are embracing their new home by complaining less and working harder.

My experience in Japan had a recurring theme amongst expats who complained about work and frequently dealt with conflict in that homogeneous society. They didn’t last long. Their work visas would end unexpectedly, and they found themselves on a one-way ticket going back home. I only lasted three years with bittersweet memories, but good enough to go back. 😄

Similarly, Texas is a different world. It’s a ‘right to work’ state. Unions don’t hold much sway. It offers a low-tax environment. There is no state income tax for individuals, and taxes are very low for relocating businesses. While the politics might not be favorable for workers relocating from the coasts or from overseas, the politics are good for business operators because operators favor low taxes and reducing the power of unions.

If one is seeking professional growth as a businessperson, Texas should remain on the radar. While I’m a moderate independent, I think it’s a safe career move living in a state favoring businesses and their workers. Ageism is also less of an issue with a sizeable semi-retired business community eager to start new businesses from scratch. It’s much harder to find work or change jobs on both coasts if you are over 35.

The Democrats from the coasts are not wrong in seeking new tax revenue sources; however, they are alienating businesses by eyeing high taxes. I recently learned about a federal tax proposal aimed at electric car makers. I hope Elon Musk and Tesla don’t leave Texas for Mexico. Samsung wants to expand its chip business on the land near my new home. If these businesses stick to their roadmap, tremendous growth awaits them, and likely, less conservative politics.

I harken back to my time in Japan when I was deeply conflicted by that society because I felt like a second-class citizen over there. Maybe I should have kept quiet and wrote books like the great travel writer Pico Iyer who has stayed in Japan for more than three decades. I recall my work being a constant battle due to long hours and little regard for life balance. Some expat peers never complained and still thrive in Japan, achieving permanent residency.

Texas is somewhat similar. It’s not as constraining given federal sovereignty that can override Texas’ efforts for autonomy and different rules. However, the rules here favor businesses, too, and they won’t stop enterprises from coming here based on this reason alone. The politics will change this decade. Just be patient with fellow Texans, make money, and don’t complain. 😅