Relocating

[Louise0923]

I’ve found a job I really enjoy, and I’ve been in the role part time for 2 years now. It was a mix of hybrid but now they want people to come on site more (although there will still be opportunities to remote work). I’ve been offered a full time position but I was already struggling with the commute when working part time and 50/50 home and onsite.

My job is niche and I’ve trained many years for this role, and although I may be able to find something similar close to home, it’s competitive and could take some time.

I also love where I live, I’ve lived in many places and it has everything I could possibly want.

The places nearer to my work are just not ticking any boxes for either my partner or me. It also takes us further away from family and friends.

I know I can’t do the commute any longer, and my question is: location or job? If I had a job which was widely available in all areas I’d go for location easily, but my struggle is the fact I love the position I have and I doubt I’ll get similar nearer home (although who knows what opportunities may crop up).

I can’t stay part time as they want a full time employee, therefor I have to make a decision as to whether to accept and relocate, or turn down and begin the job hunt. I’m not willing to do the travel full time, whilst looking for another role, and I also wouldn’t like to commit to them knowing I was actively seeking elsewhere. We have enough income from my partner, so that I could take time off work, and supplement with some casual hours.

Could you stay in a room locally a couple of nights? Gives you more of a sense of the area as you make a plan. Staying Tuesday to Thursday could be manageable. That gives you time to job hunt. Then you could think about the long term

How old are you and what are your career ambitions?

I chose job over location 11 years ago and that was the right thing then: I did a load of interesting things. Eventually moved back, and now I have left a job with travel issues (various reasons) and will be looking for something more local even if not so good career-wise.

I’m early 30s and career oriented! We have no children although plan to, but we hoped to have them in the area we are in! It would be helpful to my career to move but also weighing the pros and cons of lifestyle!

Take the full time job and either stay overnight or suffer the commute for now. As you say it could be a long time before something comes up closer to where you. People can leave at any time, don't feel guilty accepting and looking for something else. You don't want to leave yourself with absolutely no job waiting for one to come up closer to home.

Thanks for the advice but I’m really after advice around whether to take the job and relocate, or don’t take the job and stay where I am! The commute isn’t feasible for me, so it’s not in the equation!

I have looked at this but the expense just isn’t worth it. We pay a lot where we are at the moment and it would cost far too much to stay overnight near work. Then add in costs for breakfast & dinner! I know I don’t like the area having worked there for 2 years and I don’t want to spend more time in it if that makes sense!

@Louise0923 I was trying to offer middle ground! You said you couldn't take the job and look elsewhere, as you'd feel guilty.
If you are part time how much would the increase be? Could you not negotiate the current days you are doing onsite and rest at home? How far is the commute?
My advice was the accept and try and look elsewhere. Basically so you don't make a rash decision.
I'm surprised the number of people who could just give up a job without another one to go to....

I know and I do thank you for that but it’s something I’ve already considered, so I wanted advice on the two options I’m willing to do. I have options to work casually so I will still have money coming in, it might just take me a while to get something permanent!

@Louise0923 I know you haven't asked this, but is a job share feasible?

As you are thinking of children and you are near to family and friends and you and your partner both love the location I would say location. There is a reason they called a very successful tv programme location, location, location as that is what matters.

It’s not like you haven’t explored opportunities to relocate and you know the area is not for you. You also have lived elsewhere so it’s not like you are scared to move, it’s just it’s not right for you.

Thank you! We were debating moving up near my job for a while but with how costly everything is, we could lose money buying if we wanted to move again and the renting options are quite abysmal there!

I did ask to stay part time and they refused because they want a full time person! Thank you for saying location, it’s a tricky one and we don’t want to be choosing comfort over a good job, but lifestyle is also important isn’t it!