Career Advisor

Relocate or stay local?

By Career Advisor

Question: I need some advice. I’ve been unemployed for about 3 months and finally got a couple of offers out of state. The offers have minimal relocation assistance, which is a plus. But the problem is that I really don’t want to pack up my family and move. With the housing market the way it is, I’m afraid my house will not sell. I live in Houston and have done extensive job searches here. But after not receiving any offers other than a job with a 50% pay cut, I was forced to do a national search.

So, should I take the best job out of state and move, or stick it out in Houston and take a survival job until a better one comes along?

Answer: There is no easy answer to this question. Many people are facing this issue and I have in the past.

You have to weigh the pros and cons. Make a list. Here is what my list would look like:

Should I relocate?

Before me and my family relocated we had a family meeting to decide. I have three kids. Everyone got a say, but ultimately it was me and my wife’s final decision. I think it helped the kids that we consulted them. I outlined what life would be like if we moved and what life would be like if we stayed where we were. It wasn’t easy.  In the end, we decided there was more potential by relocating.

Best of luck to you and your family in making this decision. The bright side is that you have job offers. There are many people that don’t even have the choice that you have.