DH has two job offers and we have to make a decision within the next week. I have NO idea how we will finally make a decision and wondering what you would do if you were in this situation? I am 6 weeks pregnant -- I thought this would make the choice clear, but in fact it makes it more difficult!
Option 1 - Move Across the Country
Pros
-DH has a job opportunity that really entices him - great possibilities to move up
-The town is lovely - right on the ocean & mountains, small town but city amenities are nearby
-Lots of young people - a really vibrant community.
Cons
-It's clear across the country so difficult and expensive for family to visit. We'd see them maybe once or twice a year. This is what I'm struggling with most - I'm incredibly close to my family and can't imagine my LO not knowing their grandparents like I grew up knowing mine.
-I wouldn't have a job - not a huge deal ATM as I will be on maternity leave next year but we would ultimately lose my salary once benefits stop when LO is 1.
-It's a long commute (90 mins) to DH's job site (no way to get around this)
-DH would have to move before me, so he would miss about 2 months of my pregnancy. I would move in the summer after I finish my job and settle in before our baby is due in September
Option 2 - Stay in our current community
Pros:
-Another great job opportunity for DH, but perhaps a bit less stable and enticing than Option 1
-Short commute
-I have a job that I love with great benefits
-My family lives in the same community and DH's family is only 4 hours away. Lots of support when LO arrives.
-My mother would be willing to take on at least part of the childcare responsibilities once my maternity leave is over
-Lots of friends here already
-the community is great, on the ocean, low cost of living, and we really do like living in the area
Cons
-The community is aging so there aren't a ton of young people around. I worry about who my LO will be friends with as they grow up.
-DH works in an unstable/ever changing industry so there's still a chance we might need to move in a few years.... if we pass up on Option 1 do we regret it if we get stuck somewhere awful down the road?
I am so stressed out by this decision and can't even think straight. My parents are applying subtle pressure for us to stay, especially now that I'm pregnant. I think at this point DH is leaning slightly towards Option 1 and I'm leaning slightly towards Option 2 but neither of us is set in stone.
Any thoughts, advice, similar experience?? How important is having family close by once LO is born??
If you've read this far...thank you!! Just getting this all of my chest and writing is down has helped tremendously. I can't wait until we have decided once and for all and the weight is lifted off my shoulders.