Yeah, how easy it is depends entirely on how choosy you are as far as where you want to live. For me, it was harder (and I was ridiculed for it)...because I have the philosophy that you should work where you want to live rather than just live where you work. Sometimes you get lucky and these things overlap. But optometry is a tricky profession...it is a LOT easier if you're flexible and you can just go wherever the jobs are.
As for my experience, I stuck it out. I really wanted to return to my hometown, and I did.
I had just been offered a full-time employment position in a city about 3.5 hours away from home. It was a pretty good gig, but it would probably always be employment. There are pros and cons to this, but I wasn't totally sold on the location. And it wasn't SO perfect that I felt really good about living in my 2nd choice city.
Just as I was about to have to make a decision, things started falling into place here. I'll be honest...it is riskier (and therefore scarier). I'm working as an independent contractor: Part-time at a private practice, and I'm to start buying in in a year or two. I'm filling in the gaps for now in retail (but as retail goes, it's actually really good...very flexible, which is what I need right now as I'm trying to build up the private practice). Even though it is hard right now, I believe it will be for the best in the long run.
As for my class, something worked out for all of them, too. Even those who wanted to stay in St. Louis, which is pretty saturated since that's where the school is. It's pretty common to have to piece together a couple of part-time gigs, but it's not always the case.
One of my good friends opened a practice cold close to her hometown (pretty rural)...she was working FULL 9-12 hours days six days a week pretty much as soon as she opened the door (it's only been open for a month).
I know this is only anecdotal, but hopefully it gives you an idea. It is stressful, but you will find something.
