Miss the people but not the place, should I move?

[Led921900]

Ever since having children I’ve been missing my family (mainly my parents and sister). I don’t really miss my home town and sure I could make the most living there but it’s not as exciting or well resourced as where I live now in London (no nhs dentists no GP appts etc).

If I could agree a flexible arrangement with my job, should I move back? It’d probably limit my career opportunities though. Husband doesn’t mind and he’s a home based worker.

Facetime doesn’t help as it just makes me realise how much I miss them!
We coordinate holidays and visits when we can.

WWYD?

I think the main things to consider when thinking about leaving London are:

• properties to rent or buy. Are they available? Affordable? Desirable?
• leisure time - what do you like to do in your spare time and can you do it in the new place (arts, theatre, cycling etc)
• friends: will you have any? Is it easy to make any?
• jobs: are there any? Will you be able to move jobs if you need to? Will you be able to get promoted?
• will it make your kids and partner happier or unhappier in the short and long term?

Properties are okay, probably our most desired area a bit too pricey for the type of house we’d like so might be compromise somewhere.

with small children I don’t have much leisure time but when I do I like to spend it walking or spending time with other people so that’s fine.

I don’t have many friends in London, more transient Mum friends where conversations revolve around milestones and childcare. All my good friends are spread about the Uk. Hopefully I would make some friends!

Jobs will be harder to find, closest city is a Liverpool and then Chester/Manchester and not as many professional services jobs for the same salary. Hoping my London job is flexible but they may not be. Either way having less time in the office is probably going to negatively impact my progression.

Short term I think my oldest child might struggle she’s old enough to know what it means and has started school. But she absolutely loves visiting her Aunty and Cousins.

It’s sort of 50/50 but I’d hate to move and regret it.