Trying to decide whether to move or stay

This is probably an unusual post, but I've been trying to make a decision. I've completed my education and have good academic credentials. My concern is that I live in an area that doesn't have the kind of work that I'm looking to do. I've been offered the option to make a move to another state and do a 6 month internship. It'd be with a good company. The only problem is that it doesn't pay very much. I've been offered some jobs back here where I live, and although they'd not be what I'm looking to do long-term, it'd give me a chance to save up some money and then make a move in the future. I've asked others what their opinions are, and some say that I should go with the internship because even though it wouldn't pay much, it'd allow me to get outside of the area and eventually help me to get into what I'm looking to do. In other words, if I've got the option to move now is the time because the opportunity may never come again and I may not be able to do it in the future. Others have said that they think that it's good for me to stay put for the time being and save up some money. The other concern that I've got is that right now, I've got my own place and can go and come as I please -- sort of like security, whereas if I move, I've got to put all my things in storage, and take the chance that something could happen within 6 months which isn't a long period of time. I realize that I'm not being very specific here on the details, but was wondering if some of you could give some opinions, and if you've ever been in a similar situation and what you decided to do? Thanks.

 

Where do you live and where would you go?

 

Personally, I would think long-term and make the move. A couple years from now, you'll forget about it and have the experience and the opportunities it provides for the rest of your life.

 

Go. You can always come back.

 

Didn't the guy you quote in your signature arrive in Philadelphia with just two loaves of bread in his pack? (Not advice, just asking)

 

Where are you in your life? With wife? With kids? And no, a dog doesn’t count in my book.

The reason I ask is because if I were younger and didn’t have others to worry about, I’d take the internship. If you have others riding on your decision, then I’d go with the sure thing: the job offers from where you are now since the internship is only good for 6-months. That's not to say an internship won't materialize into a full-time position, but if you have others to worry about, you definitely don’t want to be caught 6-months down the road without a job and benefits.

That’s just my opinion as a cautious father and husband.

 

Good advice.



Abner

 

Since PhD2B spoke as a cautious father and husband, I'll speak from the view of a loving mother and wife

First -- I've got to say that my husband's job has always been the better paying (by far better paying job). I'm just a lowly math teacher. I also stayed home with the boys before the youngest went to Kindergarten.

We've moved many times -- each for a better position for my husband, each with new challenges and joys for all of us. I never minded a move. Each move brought new interests. I never had difficulty finding a job myself. The kids never had difficulty adapting to a school. We always found a church in which we could be active. We didn't move when the kids were in high school though. It didn't come up, so I don't know what we would have done, but I tend to think we would have passed up opportunities in that time period.

 

I totally agree. Except the dog always counts.

A few years ago, I decided to up and leave (of course, big difference - didn't have an internship or job of any sort) the place of my birth. Took too many years to happen, as far as I was concerned, as I was in my late 40's. But no matter, I was ready for a new experience.

So I took the boyfriend, a couple of the kids (all a bit older by then), and of course, the dogs (two at the time.) Had to drive cross country (because of the dogs). Took forever, and was the most unpleasant drive of my life.. until..

we headed back, 2 1/2 yrs later... poorer (lost money in the 'house to house then to apt transaction... the ride back was worse, the boyfriend was very sick, (although the dogs - three now - had the time of their lives).

But this was MY experience, an experience that taught me well (#1, I hate the heat, & esp. hate the desert, #2, I love the ocean & the area where I was born & brought up, and #3, stay away from pet stores that have Adoption days with lots of cute dogs).

Moral - if it's just you, and there isn't much to lose (like a house...) then follow your heart. But if there are others (human, canine or other), take that into consideration. The distance is important - my kids were a couple thousand miles away. While on a bad day that may sound good in reality it was awful.

 

Do what will make you the happiest (consider not just the job but the non-work activities).
Working for high pay at a boring job is the pits.

 

Agree.
Do what you like, what interests you, and the rewards will follow. It may not be monetary, but the other rewards are well worth it.