I'm native to Northern California, but have spent my adult life so far in San Diego.
Apart from swapping "forest" for "desert" my statement would've been true for Northern California too.
So, I'm fairly certain you were not employed for all of your life. Most people don't start joining the workforce until at least high school, and even then, their low paying jobs don't offset the costs of educating them, let alone the many other services governments provide.
People have left everywhere, and gone to everywhere. Free migration between states is part of the reason that they're united. What's your point?
Here's California's population. It doesn't look like we're rats fleeing a sinking ship. Clearly some people must like what's here for it to be continued growth...
It's nice up there, but doesn't offer too much metropolitan lifestyle options. I'm sure you'll love being able to brag about having Harry Reid as your senator, however.