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Would you accept a pay cut to relocate back to your home turf? Especially if you were unhappy with your current location and the actual work environment?
I moved to Chicago about a year ago, and let's just say it hasn't been the best decision I've made. I've been contemplating moving back to NJ ever since I moved here for many reasons.
The only thing is this will be a $16K salary cut. My SO who also lives in NJ tells me not to worry about it, since I'd eventually like to transition out of this field anyway, but I can't help thinking that is a big chunk of change.
Should I sacrifice my happiness and stay put while my SO and family both continue to live in NJ, or should I take the plunge and move back, continuing the search while at least being employed?
I know you probably figure why doesn't my SO move here, well he makes twice as much as I currently do and I don't think I'd be able to sustain both of us on my salary while he looks for employment here in Chicago.
I hear you about Chicago. Illinois is my home state and some day (possibly soon if things continue on the same path they have been) I may need to take a pay cut to leave my home state.
I hear you about Chicago. Illinois is my home state and some day (possibly soon if things continue on the same path they have been) I may need to take a pay cut to leave my home state.
Doesn't sound like a bad idea. But thank goodness you have your friends and family close by.
I would absolutely make the move - no question. 16k isn't worth a miserable life, no way. Is what you're sacrificing everyday (family, friends, an overall better existence) worth it?
It would depend on the percentage of the cut but, in general, I absolutely would right now. Good bye Texas - hello Washington, again - some day. Good luck to you.
16k could be very subjective. A cut from 40k to 24k would be massive but a cut from 200k to 184k not as bad. It depends more on the cost of living more than "16k". Most of northern and central NJ could be expensive but so is Chicago if you live in or close to downtown. Chicago suburbs are inexpensive but so is south NJ.
And far more important would be the peace of mind you can buy with 16k.
I have moved across the country a lot in the early days of my career, about 10 times over 5 states so my 2 cents - try to understand if it is the job or the city or something else that is making you feel misearble? Changing the job might be easier than moving across the state/country. Would moving across the state change the factors and make you happy? Think about it first before you make any decision.
I actually did the 40k to 24k pay cut to move back home. It was the worst decision I've ever made. I did eventually have to leave again because there is no money to be made in the South.
Doesn't sound like a bad idea. But thank goodness you have your friends and family close by.
I think the point is to be as 'happy' (read: content) in ones life as is possible and if that means one returns back to their home state, at the very least you are surrounded by people you love and who love you as well. These are important things that cannot be quantified by money...in my view.
Friends and family, for me, was exactly the reason I made a return move back to my home state; without a job no less.
Quote:
Originally Posted by G-fused
I would absolutely make the move - no question. 16k isn't worth a miserable life, no way. Is what you're sacrificing everyday (family, friends, an overall better existence) worth it?
Best of luck with whatever you decide.
I agree with you 100%! Especially the difficult part..."whatever you decide."
Quote:
Originally Posted by analogkid84
It would depend on the percentage of the cut but, in general, I absolutely would right now. Good bye Texas - hello Washington, again - some day. Good luck to you.
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