Is a $15,000 raise worth moving 3 hours further from your family?

Question

I was recently offered a job in Waterloo, IA from a former co-worker. The position is in managment, with is a step-up for me and will raise my income from $40K to $55K. This move will put my wife and I about 6 hours from our families. She will now have to look for a new position as well in the Waterloo area. We now have to sell our house and find a new one. We are also expecting our first baby in November. With all the things that need to be done, is taking this position worth it?

I should mention that right now we are 3 hours away from our families and would be moving another 3 hours from where we are now. So we are going to be a total of 6 hours away instead of 3 hours like we are now.

Answer 1

Depends on how often you see them

Answer 2

How often do you visit your family right now? Will you miss these visits because realistically you will visit far less if you move.

Although your income would raise, will it push you into a different tax bracket? In which case, a sizable percentage of that raise just may be taken by the government at tax time.

If you both want a change, check into things like the unemployment rate, services, school systems, housing demands, home taxes, etcetera. Is it a sellers or a buyers market right now in terms of real estate. Is Waterloo a more affordable place to live than where you are presently? Because if house prices are better and taxes are lower it may prove to be a good location if there are plenty of jobs available.

Answer 3

How does your wife feel about this? Keep in mind that your expenses will go up after your baby is born and that some moms struggle going back to work right afterwards. You could be facing some larger financial obligations and the raise may help out a lot. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you to advance in your career.

Since it sounds like your family was already three hours away, it isn't like they were right next door and you're moving so far away. You're used to the distance and this is just a little more. You could very easily make weekend trips back home once in awhile.

Good luck and congratulations on the offer and new baby!

Answer 4

I would take it even though it means moving further away from your family. You need to think about your child. Make a better life for yourselfs. A 15 grand raise doesnt come along all the time so jump at it. But your wife and child first, the extra money will help you in the long run becuase take it from me a mother of 2 boys who are 15 months apart to the day it is not easy and they are expensive. With the extra income if you can afford it your wife could be a stay at home mom for a while... Think of the pros and the cons and ultimitly in the end you need to do what is right for you.

Answer 5

A new position, in management.......are they going to ask you to work alot of overtime? or weird hours? I ask because you have a new family on the way, and it will take alot of extra work, less sleep, more money. It is nice to have family members near by to help babysit. If not family, then when your wife is working, and you are working, who will watch the baby......
If you are content with your job, happy, secure, and finanically stable (and so is your wife) I would stay put. Selling a house, moving, getting a new job, and having a baby all at about the same time can be alot to deal with.

Answer 6

Only you can figure this one out - And I think you already have, to be honest; but here are some points to ponder - with your wife's imput of course...

How much do you like your present job?

How close are you to your families?

How dependent is your wife on your families?

How much does this new job really mean to you - in terms of advancement, etc.?

How much does your wife like her present job and how much does she earn - and is she employable in the new town?

Is your present company willing to match - or come close - this new opportunity or would they be happy to show you to the door?

And what kind of opportunities does the new company have - connections etc. that your wife can take advantage of in terms of employment?

What kind of relocation assistance will the new firm offer you?

What can you expect in terms of housing, schools, shopping, cost of living etc.? For example, if housing costs are 25% less in Waterloo - you're actually getting MORE by moving.. things like that. What are the schools like? What is the crime rate where you live now - and Waterloo?

Good luck - but talk this over with your wife. NOW.

Answer 7

Absolutely! While it's true that you'll be farther away from your families, your time with them will be cherished and definitely mean a great deal to both you and them. As for the birth of your child, grandparents can come for a visit when the baby is due. Six hours isn't the end of the world, and with a baby on the way, you will definitely need the extra money. If the job is one that you want, then go for it. Best of luck to both of you!

Answer 8

My first instinct was yes, especially with a growing family. But if you're close to your extended family, and if they plan to help you out with the baby, as far as childcare and things go, then it may equal out to be the same. If you move that far away there'd be added expenses with the move, a new house and travel to the doctor (I assume the baby's doctor is where you are now). Not to mention childcare costs you'd have to pay (assuming that your family would help out).

As far as the baby goes, if your job will put you in a position where he or she can't see the extended family you're close to very often, it may be better to stay where you are. If you're living comfortably and happily, then there may be no reason to move.

More money looks good, but if it causes you and your family to be unhappy it's not worth nearly as much.

Answer 9

After taxes your real increase will be about $10-11,000 per year. For all of your preparations that you have to go through, selling your home, finding another, moving further from family, if it were me, and maybe a cost of living increase, I would not do it. It is a lot to go through for that small increase. An idea....the next salary increase that you have, speak with your manager about the offer that you had, if you feel comfortable doing it, but not if you feel it will jeapardize your current position.

Answer 10

asserting see you later and the 1st month or so is the toughest. What facilitates is that with a huge circulate you will have lots settling in and adjusting taking place to distract you. i assume that the two facilitates and makes it worse in a manner considering the fact which you will have some rigidity and omit the convenience of familiarity at cases. I additionally got here upon it soaking up and interesting to benefit a sparkling place and locate new activities and niches. as we communicate we are so fortunate with technologies. i'm on line with my sisters each and every of the time and use Skype to talk to them a lot. we've exciting making plans visits and the flaws to do and notice whilst i'm there and that they arrive right here. considered one of my sisters is having a baby however and that i do desire i could desire to be extra there for her so there is often a down factor besides. you will locate techniques however to stay in touch if the relationships are there and significant to you and you will strengthen new pals i comprehend considering the fact which you're a vivacious, acceptable, and outgoing individual from what I even have seen of you right here. solid success!

Answer 11

depends on what you need most : your families or the money. with the new baby on the way i could see where the family could be a big asset to you. your wife would probably have a difficult time finding a new position while pregnant too, so id plan on her not working til the 1st of next year. tough call. good luck!