Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)

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"I'd relocate for a great, perfect, or possibly even an OK job (if it was something that I was excited about and would pay well)--but I'd only move if boyfriend could come with me. We're currently three hours apart, and in four months I'll be moving to his city to continue my education."

Some people are just happy to be where they are — and no amount of money (or the perfect job) could move them. Others are more flexible, willing to follow their dreams to the ends of the earth for a chance at something more. Many of us are somewhere in the middle: open to the right opportunity, but not eager to pack it all up and move across country for just any 'ol job.

Where do you stand on this issue? Have you relocated for the "perfect" job? How about just an "OK" job? Or have you put down roots right where you're at.. forever?

We want to hear your thoughts on the issue, as well as tips and suggestions for others pondering this question. (We encourage you to link to your own blog posts if you've covered a similar topic on your own site.) Let us know your stories here in our comment thread or on Twitter, and you'll be entered to win one of two $20 Amazon giveaways. (Yes, that's right! We've doubled our prize money!) Dozens of readers have already won. You could be next!

Win a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate

We're doing two giveaways — one for random comments, and another one for a random tweets.

How to Enter:

  1. Post your answer in the comments below, or

  2. Tweet your answer. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it.

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

At the end of the drawing, we'll update this post to include (and link to) all of your helpful responses.

Giveaway Rules:

  • Contest ends Friday, January 15th at 11:59 am CST. Winners will be announced after January 15th on the original post and via Twitter. Winners will also be contacted via email and Twitter Direct Message.

  • You can enter both drawings — once by leaving a comment and once by tweeting.

  • Only tweets that contain both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" will be entered. (Otherwise, we won't see it.)

Good luck!

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Guest's picture
Michael

I would relocate for a Good or Perfect job, and possibly for an OK job. I can always move back, right?

A caveats : Couldn't be somewhere that would excessively endanger my family (eg. not Mexico City, the middle of gang battle areas, etc.)

Guest's picture
Adam

If I knew what I perfect job was, maybe, but probably not far away.

Guest's picture
javier

I moved twice because of job opportunities.
The first time went perfect, I learnt a lot, I enjoy it and I was happier :)

The second time wasn't easy. It was a tough time for me, but looking back I see the value on it.

I would do it a third time.
www.growingrich.net

Guest's picture
Jess

I definitely would relocate. I'm just about to graduate from college this year, so there's nothing stopping me from moving to wherever.

Guest's picture
Holly

There are so many other factors to consider. My mother is my best friend and my daycare provider, I live in a wonderful community (though the climate could be better), and I love my life here. I do not have my dream job, but my life is about so much more than work.

Guest's picture
Maria

It really depends on what the other factors surrounding the relocation. For me, if I were to get an offer in an ABC city, I would assess the following:
1. Does the city safe enough to raise a family and have a good population diversity?
2. What other changes will entail if I move there for my husband? (e.g. can he find a job there? Will he be able to find friends and do what he is passionate about there?)
3. What kind of impact will relocation and job change do to our finance?
4. Lastly, and most importantly, I will ask my heart to check if I am committed enough to handle all seen and unseen challenges cause by this change to make this move work and worthwhile?

M

Guest's picture
Leigh

I think the location would have to be a part of the definition of the perfect job. I would definitely move for the perfect ob though. Perfect, being so subjective, it would have to be right for my family for it to be considered perfect

Guest's picture
Fern

I'm itching to relocate so I'd do it even for an almost perfect job if I liked the place enough. I have no ties and it's just the time of life where I'm free to go wherever. So I would go wherever for the perfect job.

Guest's picture

Living in Los Angeles working in the entertainment industry, one could say I already made such a move (having grown up in the east coast) when I went here for college. Now that I have something resembling a career here as well as new friends and loved ones I would say I would only move if it was a temporary (less than a year) gig, like shooting a movie on location somewhere, and it would have to substantially support my being able to hold onto my current place as well as living expenses in the new location, plus probably enough extra to allow me to return and have some free time to myself, to catch up with lost time at home, as it were.

Guest's picture
Guest

I've been happily retired for 20 years so it's not likely that I'd change my present position or my home... but, given the right challenge, I might consider it.

I'd like to be in a position to change the direction our country is headed.

I'd like to be advisor to the president. I don't care much for Washington, but living there would be a worthwhile concession for the satisfaction of being able to give back to the country some good, in exchange for the benefits I've had over the past two decades.

I would like to be the voice of the average citizen, to stand above the lobbies and special interests and to bring common sense and peace to a nation sliding into mediocrity and third world status.

The condition would be to that I would have the last word after all other advisors had spoken. Not the final decision, but the opportunity to speak the truth to power.

So yeah... if the opportunity came along :)

Guest's picture
Kris

I would move to an amazing city for an ok job, (think Paris, New York, or maybe even a small town close to my family!)

but even the most perfect job in the world wouldn't get me to move somewhere I didn't want to live.

So I guess where I live is more important then what I do there!

Guest's picture
Nicholas

If I was absolutely sure that the job was my perfect job then I would relocate for it.

Guest's picture
Kelli

I would relocate for the perfect job. (It would have to meet my definition of "perfect": something I really loved doing and would have to pay decently). Of course, my spouse would have to be in agreement first. And it also depends on where we would be relocating to. Some places are more desirable than others.

Guest's picture
Emily

Right now, I'd be up for moving anywhere for the perfect job because I'm single and have no ties to any particular place (my family is scattered in various countries). However, if I was married, had kids in school, etc., there would be a lot more factors to consider other than my own personal job satisfaction. Also, while I believe that it is important to find fulfillment in one's work, the job shouldn't be a person's whole life. Sometimes it might be better to settle for a good job and amazing social/family life than have the perfect job without any outside enjoyment.

Guest's picture
Jobi

Heck yes! I actually moved from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA for a job. Although looking back this job was more of a headache with the commute, expenses and disappointing work experience. I am getting laid off by end of March. So if I don't find another gig around here I may be forced to relocate to another city or even another state.

Guest's picture
Olivia

I do not think I could relocate for the "perfect job" unless it was within an hour of my hometown. Family and friends are more important (and make me happier) than money.

Guest's picture
Kasey

I would be happy to relocate. I'd be less picky about the job if I loved the location, and vice versa. I won't actively seek it, as I'm happy here now, but sure, I am open to it.

Guest's picture
Sarah G

Why not? If it's the perfect job, you have to at least give it a shot. As someone pointed out above, you can always move back. Heck, I've considered relocating for far less than perfect jobs.

Guest's picture
majlufkin

As I am currently unemployed, I'm pretty much relocate for any almost decent job.

Guest's picture
ryan

absolutely I would. I have simple needs, so the perfect job would provide me with the means and time off to visit home whenever I pleased.

Guest's picture

My husband did relocate for a better job, though it's not perfect. We moved 3,000 miles, but it helped that my family is in the area the better job is. :) We've been here 2 years and are so much happier!

Guest's picture
Emily

I moved to China for four years... though that was much more about location than job. Right now, with no kids or house, I would be open to moving but having some sort of social or family connection in the new area would be very important to me.

Guest's picture
Sushi

I'd relocate even for an okay job. I graduated from college in May, am still unemployed, and currently have $70 to my name at the moment. There's nothing in particular tying me to where I am, so let's move.

Guest's picture
Ellen

The perfect job for me is one where I can work only a few hours a day if I want or as many hours a day as I can (if I really get into it) and would be in a location where I would get to enjoy my time outside of work to it's fullest . . . maybe Hawaii. :) I would definitely relocate to a dream job that fits the above descirption without a second thought. (It would get me out of the cold and dreary winter of Boston.)

Guest's picture
Derek

I live in a pretty cool city, so the "perfect" job would have to take me someplace equally as cool.

Then again, I guess that an aspect of the perfection of the "perfect" job would be location.

So... yes?

Guest's picture
rmyr

My husband and I have moved twice for jobs. We moved to Pennsylvania for his second job (first one was in Mississippi). It offered better pay, better benefits, and was a wonderful adventure for us. He was laid off in 2008, and we were willing to move anywhere in the world. In fact, he interviewed with companies in New Zealand and was trying to set up interviews in England when he was offered a great job in Tennessee. We packed our furniture and our cats and moved back to the south.

I'm surprised how many people are reluctant to move. One guy we know was an engineer and became a postal worker so he wouldn't have to leave his hometown. Talk about a pay cut. We enjoy the challenge and adventure that a new town/city/country offers.

We would definitely move again if the opportunity presented itself (though we would like to sit still for a few years since we *just* moved).

Guest's picture
Damon Hall

I have several family members that have found enormous success through the willingness to uproot their lives for a job.

I must say that IF it was even a great opportunity @ best, I would have to justify the move.

It's too damn hard to find success. Limiting yourself to a small 20-50 square mile area, is going to substantially hurt your odds.

Guest's picture
Guest

I joke that as long as I have a bed, internet access, and a decent selection of books, I can live anywhere.

I love to explore new places and even locales that don't sound super exciting can be made fun.

Guest's picture
CH

I wouldn't relocate. There are plenty of good jobs where I currently am and I like it here. That being said, if the job involved lying on a beach somewhere in paradise, I'd consider taking it if my family agreed.

Guest's picture
Guest

heck ya! i got nothing tying me down!

Guest's picture
Jennifer

I did relocate for the perfect job, for the chance to stay at home with my daughter and soon to be 2nd daughter. We could never afford that in Los Angeles, so we moved to Connecticut to follow his perfect job so I could have mine too. We've only been here 2 months but it's been worth it so far.

Guest's picture
Lisa

I would relocate for a good or perfect job! Only to somewhere that I would like to live, though. Right now, it would be nice if it was somewhere warm all the time!

Guest's picture
Heather

I'm in the fortunate position of still being a student, with no real ties to any particular location (other than Canada, but that's a different story). At the moment I'm still studying, so I'd be reluctant to move if I was offered THE job tomorrow unless I could continue that, but ultimately if it meant I could do what I loved I'd jump on it in a heart beat.

After university I'm planning on leaving this country anyway, so if I can do it for work I enjoy, so much the better :D

Guest's picture
Debra

We bought this house without plans to move, and we'd lose a lot of money on it if we did have to move and sell it. So we'd rather stay here if possible. But if we BOTH got good jobs that would offset the costs of relocating and help make up for the loss we'd take on the house, we'd do it. So, basically, we'd do a lot of number crunching... and we'd pray about it.

Guest's picture
Kacie

Almost 3 years ago, we moved away from family to start our first jobs after college. It's just too far. We're love our city, but it isn't home.

We're going to start looking for a good job back closer to family as the year unwinds and hopefully as the economy recovers a little.

Guest's picture
Jessica

I certainly would, and I have. At least, I thought I did. In 2008 I moved out of state & away from my husband to take what I thought was the perfect job. 6 months later, they started laying people off, and I decided to take another job - back home! :-D

Guest's picture
Daniela

I am in a similar situation right now. I just moved away from my partner for my dream job but I am starting to realize after this first week that a good career isnt everything. I am unhappy being here with out him; its not worth it. Would you have stayed longer if the job would have worked out ? away from your husband?

Guest's picture
Heather

Since I'm currently working a crap job and dying to get anywhere else, of course. Plus, while scary and complicated, moving can be a thrill!

Guest's picture
Guest

I am about to enter graduate school to get a master's in teaching. I know that with the job market the way it is for new teachers I will probably need to move to find my first post-school job. I love the city I live in (Portland, OR) but I'm okay with moving. Honestly, I've been giving a lot of thought to moving to a more rural area, just for a few years. This would be a huge change for me, as I have never in my life not lived in a city, even as a child!

Guest's picture
Therese

Only for the perfect job in a nice location. The pay would have to be enough to travel and visit.

Fitch Hurst's picture

It completely depends on your world, what you do, what kind of roots you have where you are.
Me? I'd move for an almost-perfect job, I have no family where I live now and have only been here 3 years. But what if I had a family, who would my leaving affect, etc.

If you do what you love, the rest will follow, I'm sure of that.

Guest's picture
Eric

For the "perfect" job, of course I would relocate, as long as it is somewhere nice.

Guest's picture

Everyone talks about life being an adventure but few of us actually live life as if it really were. Instead, we settle for contentment and familiarity. I would definitely move across the world for an exciting opporutnity. Even if the work turns out to be disappointing - with the right attitude and determination to learn something and have a kick-as time doing so - you win.

Guest's picture
Jane

I am thinking about joining the JAG Corps, and in that sense, there is always a chance of deployment and moving bases every couple of years. I am excited for the opportunity to work in parts of the world that are unimaginable to the static masses, and to broaden my global perspective.

Guest's picture
Annie G

We've relocated many times. It doesn't have to be a perfect job, just A job! We'd do it again if we found jobs somewhere else (well, anywhere we could reasonably afford to live, that it).

Guest's picture
Clayton

I am young, married, with no kids so yes I would move for a better job than the one I have now or if it was in an exotic (to me) location. later on with kids, i wouldn't move unless i was desperate

Guest's picture
Carole

I sure would in a heart beat...

Guest's picture
Kaylea

Since you asked....my current job is already pretty much perfect as far as I'm concerned -- fulfilling projects, great boss, colleagues to teach me new things, flexible environment, amazing staff, and fun opportunities, plus zero commute and a comfortable home...for this, they pay *me*! I'm an optimist, but I'm not sure I could get this lucky again, honestly. A job worth relocating for would need to be somehow even better in a way I could guarantee (or the job I've loved for 10+ years would need to turn sour for a substantial amount of time with no hope of returning to its current awesome status), plus be in a location that would offer substantial improvements for my family...which in the current employment climate seems pretty unlikely for a while!

Guest's picture
Kristy

Would I be willing to move for a dream job? Yes! But I'd have to figure out the pros and cons first. Some things are worth more than a 'dream job'. But getting a 'dream job' and succeeding at it could be priceless.

Guest's picture
Melissa S

Anytime, anywhere... I would move at the drop of a hat. I love moving, I love starting over, but I'd have to make sure it was financially sound. Luckily, my husband and I aren't tied down by a house or anything, so we can chase opportunities. I've got a steady job now, but I'm always looking - around the country, around the globe! :)

Guest's picture
Guest

After many years and different positions I have found the grass is not greener just a different shade of brown.
Fortunately I am an optomist and know that this can change!

Guest's picture
Laura

I would definitely moved for the perfect job. My husband and I have moved from state to state to state for the past few years. Home is where you make it.

Guest's picture
Guest

I just did! After living in one area my whole life I finished grad school and moved for a new job. I think this job is perfect for me right now so I don't think I would relocate again soon.

Guest's picture
Captain Planet

I have moved a few times now for a job, and each time it was a big step up for my career. My last move was not an easy one, as we had lived for close to 5 years in that city and developed a lot of good friends and were close to family. But being where I am now was great for my career and potentially for my family, and I don't regret it.

Guest's picture
Michael

For the perfect job I would definitely be willing to relocate (with exception of places that would actually endanger me). However, I haven't been in my current post-college job very long, so I haven't developed the long term relationships that might affect that decision later on.

Guest's picture
Lorinda Lamb

There are many factors that go into a decision such as relocating for your perfect job if you have a husband and children. But doing something I love for a living is extremely important to me and something I've not been able to accomplish yet. My family though would have to agree that the relocation was beneficial for ALL of us otherwise it's a deal breaker. Because if my family isn't happy then I can never be happy even if it were the perfect job!

Guest's picture
Min

In this job market, I would relocate for even a good job. I love Boston, but prospects around here are slim, and cost of living is high.

Guest's picture
Danh Truong

I am still in college so no perfect dream job for me here. I don't even know what an okay job is. I think if I were to relocate, I'd want my best friend to come along time. I never go anywhere without her. But, I probably will not relocate. I just don't like to go places. I am comfortable where I am right now.

Guest's picture
Christine

As a single person, I would follow my dreams and relocate for the "perfect" job, considering that the "perfect" job is in a safe location. There is nothing tying me down and I believe that facing the challenges of moving would be a great learning experience. Of course, I would miss my family and friends at home but a change like this can only benefit me. Not only would I have the "perfect" job, I also have the opportunity to become a well-rounded person.

However, if the opportunity for the "perfect" job arises when I'm married with kids, then there are a handful of factors to consider. Would the move benefit my family? Will my husband find a job? Would we be able to handle this financially? Will this harm my family in any way? In a situation like this, I cannot be selfish and chase after my dream when there are other lives involved.

Guest's picture
Jessica

I have never understood people that stay in one place. I have moved so often - I moved my stuff halfway across the country, only to move it back 3 months later. I just moved again this week - and as much as I avoided this move - it was back to my hometown so my children could be closer to extended family. Moves are expensive and they get old really quickly, but if they are done for the right reasons, I believe there is a lot to be gained from the experience of life! I've learned a lot with all of my moves - maybe I should start a blog about moving. ;)

Guest's picture
Jara

I would probably relocate for a new job, depending on where I would be relocated too, and if it's a less than desirable location how good the job is. I've never relocated for a job, though I have relocated when unemployed to a better job market in other states.

Guest's picture
Laura

I agree that it's probably more important to be happy with where you are (or whom you're with) than happy with your job.

Guest's picture
marilyn

Yep! I did it in 2008 and am ready to do it again.

I moved from South Carolina to California for the near-perfect job. Because it was a nonprofit foundation, the economy hit it hard and my job was among the first three jobs eliminated.

By the end of 2010, I will have decided where I'll land next!

Financial Samurai's picture

I would definitely relocate to Hawaii for the perfect job. It might be a little tough on the lifestyle, but I think I will manage. Got to sacrifice sometimes right?

Keigu,

Financial Samurai
"Slicing Through Money's Mysteries"

Guest's picture
Jenny

Yep. I'm unemployed and am looking for jobs all over the state. My law license is the only thing preventing me from looking in other states. I refuse to take a bar exam EVER AGAIN. :)

Guest's picture
Jenny

Oh - and I live in one of the big states. Not Delaware or something.

Guest's picture
Merlin

I've OFTEN moved to get the "perfect job".

The Greek Islands for a job on a cruise ship, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, heck even the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia - all great jobs!

If something pops up this year in Hong Kong, or maybe Chiang Mai, or possibly Hokkaido I could well be moving again this year.

Or possibly somewhere I haven't been yet - Rio, maybe?

Guest's picture
poetree522

I live in California and can not find a job and the cost of living is outrageous. Therefore I definitely would relocate. Even if the job isn't perfect, but I made enough to cover all my expenses I would do it. Here in California you spend your whole paycheck on rent.

Guest's picture
Joan

We moved three years ago for the perfect job, and it turned out to be not quite what we hoped, but a positive experience. We are now packing for another move for that perfect job. Based on our learning experience from the first move, I am very optimistic about this one.

Guest's picture

We wouldn't want to live in a big city, but we would locate to a rural or suburban area.

Guest's picture
lostAnnfound

#59 Jessica - "I just moved again this week - and as much as I avoided this move - it was back to my hometown so my children could be closer to extended family." That is probably the #1 reason most people do not move. It was the reason we did not move some time ago. My husband & I had the opportunity many years ago to move re: a very good job relocation in a much more temperate climiate. But, my entire family was living in this area, as well as his parents, so we decided to stay close by. Our kids now have grown up with grandparents, aunts & uncles, and cousins all part of their (mostly) daily lives.

That being said, once the kids are out on their own, we're out of here. Too many opportunities out there and with the technology we have today (cell phones, email, Webcam, etc.) it is now easier than ever to stay in contact with family.

Guest's picture

10 years ago (last day at old job was 10 years ago today, as a matter of fact), I packed up my family and moved from CA to TX for a job. As much as I LOVED my former office, we knew they were going to be closed in the near future. Even with the promise of a healthy severance package didn't distract from the thought of looking for a new job and continuing to live in a high cost-of-living area, when I stumbled across the opportunity to transfer to a brand-new office opening in a place I'd never heard of halfway across the country. I never thought my husband would go for it, I never thought I'd get the job, but both turned out to surprise me. I don't regret the move, although I did regret the job. It wasn't near the atmosphere of the old office, and I left fairly disgruntled after 3 years, in the midst of of a corporate takeover. I got the last laugh in a roundabout sort of way, when the new corporate higher-ups closed the "brand-new" office 2 years later. But I love my new home *and* the far lower cost-of-living here. Would I do it again now? Probably not.

Guest's picture

The location would definitely matter though, but I'd totally be willing to move for the perfect job! Shoot, someone hire me now! :)

Guest's picture
Jennifer S

Yes I would relocate, but I prefer certain locations.

Guest's picture

Since 2001 I've relocated for 3 great jobs. The fist relocation was from Atlanta, GA to southern CA; the second back to Atlanta a few years later; the third from Atlanta to Boston, MA.

The first time I was nervous, moving so far away for a position that I wasn't 100% sure I was qualified for. Turns out that it was just nerves and I had a great time working and exploring in California.

The second time was easy. A great job and move back to Atlanta. Being further on in my career I was able to afford to live in a much nicer part of Atlanta than I had previously lived. It was fantastic.

This last move, about 18 months ago to Boston, was for the best job ever at a startup company. I decided to jump industries and change my career and life entirely at the same time.

I would suggest jumping at the chance to take a position in another region of the country!

Guest's picture
Eric Starker

I would consider relocating at some point, but the timing would have to be right. I just moved about six months ago, for a relationship, and he has a good job and owns his house, so it'd have to be pretty amazing (worth him giving up those things) if it was anytime soon...

Guest's picture
GT0163C

I've done some job related relocating with mixed results.
Right out of college I moved to a new state (and timezone) for what I thought was a good job. Turned out I was right and, while it was difficult moving away from family and friends, it's been great in the long run.

I did a short term (5 months) relocation to yet another different state (and timezone) for what sounded like an amazing job. It turned out the job was very good but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought I would. And I also disliked the area, being so far away from family and friends and such.

I recently passed up the opportuntiy to relocate to another new state (back to the first timezone though). With the short term assignment experience, I learned more about what I really enjoy doing for work and this new job was not it. I also learned that while it's important for me to enjoy the work, it's also important for me to have a strong local network of friends and family (and friends who are family). I decided that I didn't want to "start over" in terms of establishing that local network of friends.

Now, I would consider relocating to an area where I have friends and family (back to near where I went to school) if the job was great. But it would be a very difficult decision for me.

Guest's picture

For the "perfect job" I'd relocate as long as the location was somewhere warm. My perfect job would allow me to travel so I wouldn't be too concerned with the location.

Guest's picture
Christie

I would love to relocate to another country, preferably in Europe! But relocating in the United States would not be as enticing. I love where we live, and there is family nearby so that our children actually know their grandparents and cousins very well and are able to spend quite a bit of time with them. That is worth a lot to me, and to them as well. On the other hand, the opportunity to live in Europe with my children being able to see a different culture and language every day would be amazing. Tough choice!

Guest's picture
Lisa B

I would relocate but only if it were to a place where I would enjoy the climate, the area and the people.

Guest's picture
Wand

I currently live a thousand miles from all of my family because of a job move. Not the perfect one but the job God called my family to.

My husband is a minister. My children have attended 6 different schools. That means, they have been the new kids that many times (and that isn't easy!). They are very well rounded and confident kids.....so I think it worked out well.

I would definitely move for a job. That's really part of ministry life. God can move us in a moments notice. It is exciting knowing that He has something new and wonderful for us to experience.

Some tips to making it great:
1) Wherever you go....make it home immediately! Hang up your pictures, put the house together, and make bedrooms personal and fun.
2) Speak positively about the move. Get your family excited about what is in store with a fresh start.
3) Make friends quick. For us, we get a certain amount of instant friends through church. Join something to meet people.
4) Get to know your area. Find fun stuff that your family enjoys doing and go do it. Making it your new turf is important.
5) Thank God for the move (openly). Let your family know that you are thankful for your new surroundings and circumstance.
6) This would be a good time to incorporate a pet (if you don't have one). If moving was a stressful or heartbreaking thing...this gives the family something new and fun to tackle together.

Guest's picture

I would move for the perfect job - but that would also presume that the perfect job were in the perfect place - a place that I would like to live where I have access to what I need.

Guest's picture
CiCi

Does it count if I tell you that I have moved to other states for better jobs? I was ready to move and start a new adventure, willing to make a change because actually variety was what I was used to. I never regretted a move and I enjoyed seeing as much as possible in each area. Today I am not working. I am retired. But would I move if something very interesting were offered to me? If all my requirements could be met I would move.

Guest's picture
Guest

I can do what I do anywhere, so relocating isn't something I think about for myself. My husband, however, has a dream job he is pursuing and we are considering taking a pay cut and relocating almost anywhere in the states so he can finally do his thing.

Guest's picture
Mary

I'm a voice actor with my own studio. My commute is painless unless I trip over the dog on my way to the studio. My voice goes all over the world without me. Granted, I'd like to go along sometimes... Someday, when my kids have left the nest, I'd like to spend part of the year in France, Germany and/or Spain. I could continue to work while improving fluency in other languages. That would be perfect!

Guest's picture
George Litz

I've done telecommute work for the past 12 years.

Now, there are very few telecommute jobs so I'm looking at in-office jobs within 300 miles of home and I'm looking through the CraigsList 'room for rent' listings in those areas.

It's a simple math problem. I'm a programmer, so most jobs in my field of expertise pay $70K-$125K+. I can share a roach-infested apartment with six stoners for $250/mo ($3K/yr) and drive home on weekends. It's a positive cash-flow and, hopefully, I can tolerate the arrangement long enough to convince the employer that WAH is more efficient.

Anyway, that's what I'm looking for now.

We're "luckier" than many: we're debt free, we're adapted to frugal luxury AND we own a farm. Truth be told, we only want the money to build a new house with net-zero energy footprint (or as close as I can get it) and we refuse to go into debt to build it.

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Unfortunately, with a wife and young son, relocating for me is virtually out of the question.

In the past, thouigh I have moved all over the Southeast in search of the perfect job.

Still looking!

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Melmack

I follow this blog all the time and love it... I am actually relocating to another country, away from family and the comfort of your homeland... for the perfect job, where I plan to train hard, grow big, and be happy. This relocation will be hard, especially for my husband, who will have to uproot his longtime projects and see if they take to transplantation, but I am forever grateful for his support.

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Guest

I would absolutely relocate for a perfect job right now, but that's primarily because I'm not crazy about my current job or location. However, I would also be considering the job my spouse would get, so it would have to be a pretty good deal for both of us to do it.

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Sue

You betcha! Husband is about to retire....so we can go ANYWHERE!

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Wendy

Problem is, finding the job - then knowing for sure it's perfect.

That being said, I'm starting to really dislike the city I live in, so if I or my husband found a halfway decent job, especially one that would pay moving costs, It would be an easy decision.

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Kathryn

I would be very likely to consider moving for my perfect job. I'd even be likely to consider moving for just a good job. But it would depend on the job and the location.

For me, a big part of location is the people I love. Fortunately or unfortunately for me, those people are spread out all over the place right now, so there's a good chance if I moved I wouldn't be far from at least one enclave.

As for tips for thinking about such a question, it's important to remember that a big part of liking where you live is who else is there with you.

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p

Many moons ago, after I first graduated from college, I would have answered "Yes!" to the question of relocating for a job. But now there are too many things to consider- family, friends, quality of life in new job location. My entire family is located on the east coast so automatically I would never consider moving out west as I prefer to stay close to family. The only reason to pick up stakes for the "perfect" job would be if you insist on working for Company XYZ and it only had one location in the whole world.

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judyyy

No I would not relocate for the perfect job. My extended family all live close to em and no job is worth me not being close to family.

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I think age has a big part to play, as a young man with allot of opportunity ahead of me I would not think twice about moving for the right opportunity. However I would not just do it for the 'fun chapter in my life" part it would have to make financial sense also.

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rjwilcox

I moved my family three years ago but having a family makes moving a lot more difficult. My family and I lived in Pittsburgh where I worked for at horrible place and job market has not been good for years. My family and I would travel south to the beach every summer and we always had a great time. After years of not being able to find a new job in Pittsburgh I started applying for jobs close to the beach where we liked to vacation. I was able to obtain a great job and we live 10 minutes from the beach.
I think that making the move was a good decision but it does have issues. The cost of living is much higher here than in Pittsburgh and with work, church, kids school and activities we do not get to the beach as much as we would like.
The bottom line is that if where you live now is not where you want to be and/or if your current job is not satisfying then move. Life is so much better if you do not hate going to work every day!

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Krista

I would relocate for the perfect job or even an OK job. Especially if it is a location that I would want to live!

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Airy

If it was my perfect job, I wouldn't need to relocate anywhere! The job would allow location freedom so I wouldn't be tied to one place in particular while still allowing millions of dollars of dough to roll in. But I would relocate just because I want to experience new places.

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babelfish81

I'm trying really hard right now to think of a place I to where I wouldn't relocate, and I really can't think of one. I work in healthcare, and I've long wanted to work in some of the worst parts of the world because they are some of the neediest. I haven't found a way to do that and still get my bills paid, so if I could find a way to do it that would be the best thing ever.

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Jennifer

Yes I would -- and did -- relocate for the perfect job. Or even a near perfect job. I put my household goods in storage and moved to the Middle East. And I am still here three years later.

But I was in a good position to drop and go. I was nearing retirement and my parents are deceased so I don't have anyone 'back home' that needed my support or that would stress with me gone.

Also I think that 'perfect' has different meanings to different people. Salary and location were things to consider, but more important to me was what I would be doing. No matter how ugly my day is, if at the end of it I know I am proud of my contribution and that tomorrow -- altho with the potential to be just as ugly or uglier -- I am willing and able to do it all over again, then I'm still where I need to be.