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I am asking myself a similar question now. In my opinion, don't pass up something that you know you will regret or you absolutely know will make you happy. There is no way you can be your best spouse, parent, sibling, etc. if there is always a part of you that doesn't like where you are or if you have regret for passing on an opportunity eating at you every day. But at the same time, make sure that you don't force your own life choices onto others who will also need to live with the consequences of your decision. There is definitely no easy answer.
I moved from Charlotte to Phoenix in December of 2014. Some of the hometown folk told me why would I ever want to leave my hometown? Some said they would give me a year in Phoenix and then I would be back in Charlotte. I moved because I had visited before and thought the city had more opportunity than Charlotte. So I sold my home, saved a little nest egg, and started the journey of job hunting in the Phoenix metro area..... Lets just say 1yr and counting here. Landed a "sweet" job and things are working out nicely...Sometimes you have to go with your gut. For me I knew I needed change after living in my hometown for 30+yrs.....I felt like I had hit a brick wall there. Same ole people, sights, sounds, etc. Change is good for the soul sometime. Oh and btw, I don't have any family in the Phoenix area...but now that Im here...all my close friends and some family members now want to come out here....Go figure.
Last edited by westcoastbabe; 01-25-2015 at 10:15 AM..
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Suppose you pass up a great opportunity but then a year or two later much of your family moves away, leaving you stuck there alone and too late to take advantage of that opportunity? When we moved to this state 22 years ago we left family behind, but soon after, moved up my mother in law. My parents came to visit and loved it so much they moved up too, as did a brother and a sister. Now we have more family here than left back in California and we have no regrets.
It depends on the individuals moving. I live in an area where my career prospects are very limited. I have interviewed with out of state companies and welcome to chance to move, but only to certain areas that have appeal to me for a job that would be worth the move. I could still see my family, just a little less often. I could always look into moving back a few years down the road, if I chose to do so. I may not even end up moving depending upon the job search, but these are all things I have personally considered.
Your family will always be your family whether you live with them or all the way around the world. You can always pick up the phone and call them, or email them, or get on a plane and go visit them. There are also programs like Skype where you can talk to them and see them if you want.
Personally, I'd make the move if family was the only thing holding me back. You say it's a better opportunity for you and your family will understand that. However, you're really the only person that can say what the best choice is for you.
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