DP working abroad

[ChillyAvocado]

I have been with my DP for 8 years and for the first 5 years we were long distance. We were young when we met (early 20s) so this was fine as we both realised we needed to put our careers/education first.

We moved in together just under 2 years ago (really when lockdown was happening) and have both felt so settled and happy since.

I knew there was always the chance that we would be asked to work abroad at some point…normally it’s just been in Europe, but now it’s the US for between 6-12 months.

We got the news last week and it is a fabulous opportunity for him to further his career, but I can’t help feel a bit blind-sighted. One min we are in our little bubble finally after being apart for so long, and now he’s off again!

luckily we are in the position to keep out flat in London so I can stay here. We aren’t married so not really able to go with him…nor do I want to give everything up in London just yet!

not sure what I want out this post really. I think I’m happy for him but feeling sorry for myself!

anyone else had to do something similar?

Kind of, except we got married and I went too. We'd been together a few years and had recently moved in together when the opportunity came. I always knew that DH wanted to work abroad for a while, so I was happy to go for what was supposed to be a few years but turned out to be much longer. Would I do it again? really not sure. I've had some amazing experiences but I've sacrificed a lot. Personally I would find 6/12 months apart after 2 yrs living together a challenge. 6 months probably doable with frequent visits. I think you are right to stay put. Keep your career and only move if you are able to work. These opportunities are all very well but if career is always going to come first for him, you need to decide if that's what you want. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Good luck.