Moving for a dream job vs. moving close to family (relocate, jobs)

[OA 5599]

It looks like I may soon be in the position where I will have to choose between moving to Portland, OR for my dream job, or moving to St. Louis for a decent job. I'm 24, male, unattached socially, and have no wife/girlfriend/pets, so moving anywhere is not a big deal to me at all. If I move to St. Louis I'll be a few hours away from where I grew up, and will be able to see my immediate family much easier than if I move 2,000 miles away to Portland. I'd really like to end up back in my home state eventually, I'm just not sure if I want to do it now, or go out and try another place for a few more years.

For a little background, I've been living several hundred miles away from my immediate family for a couple years now (haven't lived at home in almost 6 years). I've always been close with my family, and while it was hard at first, I've gotten more used to it and don't get homesick very often anymore. It does seem fairly hard on my mom and sister, however.

The one big problem I have with moving to Portland is that in the future, it may not be anywhere near as easy for me to move as it is now. If I end up entrenched socially, no longer single, or a homeowner, I can't just pack up at a moment's notice and move back home if one of my parents were to become ill. From that perspective, it would be much easier for me to just move back to Missouri right now and become established.

At the same time, I don't want to deny myself the job opportunity of a lifetime, and the chance to live somewhere I've always wanted to live (the West). I really don't want to look back 10 or 20 years from now and wish that I had gone to Portland, and at the same time, I don't want to look back and wish I had spent more time with my family.

I should specify that the job in St. Louis isn't a bad job at all, and I'd likely be challenged and happy working there, but the job in Portland is my dream job. Anyone ever come to such a crossroads themselves, or end up moving closer to family later in life, and have any insight? Ideally, I'll only get one job offer, and the decision will be made for me...but if I get both, it will be a very tough decision. My family has of course expressed interest in my moving near them, but they have also said they will fully support me in whichever path I choose.

[sueprnova]

Go for the dream job! Have the time of your life!!!

[Coldjensens]

Go with your family. It is the only thing that lasts. Eventually the "dream job" will be just a job, but you will still miss your family.

[swmrbird]

I say try the dream job. Even if it may be harder to move closer to home later in life - it won't be impossible. You never know if the dream job will come up again but family will always be there for you. You're young - it's better to try something new now than moving closer to home, realizing you wish you would have gone or didn't need to stay and then trying to get away.

In the end though - it's whatever feels right for you.

[geekduo]

Go for your dreams now while you are young! Home will always be there, it will never be as easy for you to experience other parts of the country than it is right now. Later when you do want to relocate closer to home, companies will like that you already know the area and have experience from elsewhere to bring in.

[Granny Sue]

I vote for the dream job! You are young! Spread your wings!

[Hobokenkitchen]

Go for the dream job!
You can travel to see your family at the holidays, and they can come and see you. Quality time together is very valuable.

Plus get a decent phone plan so that you can call regularly. Don't neglect your family, but you have to live life for yourself.

I live in a whole different country from my family, and it is sometimes tough. But we call often and when they come and stay it's really special, quality time.

When I see how my Aunt and her daughter get on (who live half an hour from each other), I am very glad that I retain such a good relationship with my Mother, even if we see each other a lot less often.

[Roma]

With the economy the way it is I would recommend the job with the most "job security".

[texdav]

Being that it is common for people to change jobs three to four times in a career;you really need to seek opportunity when it knocks IMO. Besides being 2000 miles away is nothing how days with air travel being so common;this isn't the 50's.You need to also thnik what is best for you and any future family if you plan in getting married later.

[OA 5599]

Originally Posted by Roma

With the economy the way it is I would recommend the job with the most "job security".

Both jobs have pretty good job security, as the rest of my field in general usually does.

Originally Posted by texdav

Being that it is common for people to change jobs three to four times in a career;you really need to seek opportunity when it knocks IMO. Besides being 2000 miles away is nothing how days with air travel being so common;this isn't the 50's.You need to also thnik what is best for you and any future family if you plan in getting married later.

The future family is a tricky one. I'm in no rush to settle down by any means, and I'm single and have been for a few years now, so marriage for me is an unknown number of years in the future. Ideally I'd like to start my own family in the future, and if I do I'd like to have my parents be involved as grandparents, which would be difficult over a 2,000 mile distance.

I've only had a phone interview with the company in Portland so far, which went excellent. I should get a trip out there after the 1st, and I'll just have to see how it "feels" I guess. Both companies said they want me, and just need to wait until after the first of the year to make sure they have enough work coming in during 2009 to keep me busy. I really did like the company in St. Louis, but the type of work just isn't as high-profile and interesting as the company in Portland. As I said, hopefully I'll just get one job offer and I won't have to decide....