Jobs or family? Love or money?

    Sorry for the long delay, but, as promised, I will tell you all the deal. I got a new job! Now, that might seem like no big deal, but for me it's a huge deal and one that will change my life -- I just believe it will change it for the better.

    I'll be moving farther South and farther away from family, who are all in New York, New Jersey and Delaware. And my guy, who lives in Washington.
    I had a job offer in Washington and was going to take it until I interviewed for the job in Tennessee (yes, Tennessee). It sounded like it would be so much fun and exactly the kind of writing I wanted to do.
   So I had to choose: do I want the fun, challenging job in a far away place when I'm trying to get closer to my peeps? Do I want the job that will be challenging, but maybe not what I really want to do right now BUT it's in a city I really like and it's close to my family and friends AND my guy is there?
    You see my dilemma.
    Both of those issues, however, were totally matters of the heart. I couldn't go wrong, necessarily, with either one, but one was definitely a better choice. At first, I couldn't figure out which one.
    This is a personal finance blog, so guess what the tie-breaker was: yep, money.
    Both jobs offered the same salary -- much more than what I make now. But that same salary would go a lot farther in Tennessee than it would in D.C.
    But even that wasn't swaying me.
   
    I had to think longer term: Which job would set me up for my next and final move -- back home, close to family and finally settled down with my guy, doing a job I love for money that can help me reach my financial goals?
    Then it became clear -- I took the Tennessee job.
   
    I've got a lot of planning ahead of me that will affect my finances (and I'll walk yall through all them. I'll learn a lot when this is all done!). For the time being, it's likely my credit card debt will temporarily balloon because I don't have the money saved up to handle all my upcoming expesnes.
    I also have to create a new budget for myself once I understand what my expenses will be like. There's a key here that everyone should remember -- Making more money doesn't mean you do more spending! If I'm smart about this, I can pay off my debt by my 30th birthday (a strong desire for me), start investing and build a nest egg. I can also have more fun!
    There's a lot coming up and I promise not to go for too long without bringing everyone up to speed (sorry about that!).

    I will give this advice to anyone considering a move (job, children, business, marriage, whatever it is): think two steps down the road. Something might seem good now, but will it hinder you when the next big decision comes? Make sure every step you take leads somewhere and not to a dead end or a corner you won't be able to get out of.
    And finally, pray and follow your heart. I did research and asked for advice, but in the end I had to make the decision by myself, for me. Not my mom, not my friends, and not even my guy...

    I'm excited!

DH

Comments

[cassie]

Congratulations! I'm excited for you, the anticipation was killling me. :) I can't wait to hear about your adventures.

[leanne]

Hey there! Congratulations! I'm excited for you and your new adventure and am impressed that you took the time and energy to really think this all through! I see big success in your future! :) Best wishes for you! :)

[Stacey]

Congrats, DH! Your decision to factor in how this move would help you attain your goal of being debt free is inspiring. So happy for you!

[Les]

Congratulations! I'm looking forward to hearing all about the new job and city. Try not to go nuts getting it all organized... well... never mind. We're all in that boat...!

[mapgirl]

I am just catching up on you. I knew it was a new job offer! I'm sorry that it's taking you away from your family, but I'm going to guess it's either in Memphis (MSU) or Nashville (Vandy). Your dollars will definitely go a lot farther down there. Good for you getting a DC level salary down there! That takes smart negotiating!

Part of being a successful grown up is making the right decision when the decision is tough. I know your family will respect you for being a capable and responsible adult, and your relationship will work out if it was truly meant to be.

Good luck lady!