Dilema . . . . .I think

[ladyandrearose]

I have worked at my job for 12.5 years. I have been in the same position for the entire time. There is a guy who has been my both my solid line boss (direct report) and a dotted line boss (has great influence over me, but not my direct report). He has been with our company for 14.5 years. He is striking out on his own and buying his own business . . . . . . . . in western North Dakota. He has intimated that he would like me to come and work for him. I have stayed at my job because of him. I have tremendous respect for him.

Here's the dilemma. . .my hubby really does want to move out of MN (like for 10 years he has been pressuring me to move) North Dakota hasn't really been on our list of "approved" sites to move to. I would love to leave my job and follow him. I'm just not so sure of the North Dakota part. I am more of a small town girl than a city girl. I would enjoy the smaller town pace a lot more than city pace. I just wonder if I am depriving my little girl of the tremendous opportunities that a large cultural city like MPLS/St. Paul has to offer. She takes karate, in the new town there are only two options for karate class. I would be moving even further from my dad who is a very lonely guy. (12 hours away instead of six.)

I have had some strong issues with the owners of my company and my dotted line boss has been the mediator and healer of situations. I trust him completely. It would be new challenge that I would love. I would be respected and appreciated AND probably compensated appropriately. (No contract has yet been presented to me, because things wouldn't get started until October.) We both are forward thinkers and not stuck in "today" mode as our current owners usually are.

We have so many questions. What if the house doesn't sell before we need to leave? If we rent to someone, how do we get reliable, safe renters? How hard would it be on DD to probably have to change schools in the middle of the year? How much does it cost to move that far away? What if DH can't find a job there? What if my current owner offer me more? (ok, I know the answer to that, I really don't want to stay.) What if I don't like North Dakota? What if the winters totally suck? What if I just quit my job and look elsewhere, like Iowa where I've been rumored to have been selected for various jobs in company I really respect, but they are afraid of pissing off my current owners? Halloween is the earliest I can quit, so is moving in late fall early winter, the right move, should we wait until spring?

I hate having more questions than answers. When I was approached with this opportunity, I almost cried because I felt I could be free and that this opportunity was a gift from God.

Thanks for letting me vent and order my thoughts? Anyone have any experiences with Western North Dakota or moving to a new state? What things should be researching beyond schools, housing and stuff? I'd be interested in anyone's advice and opinions.

[dara1012]

I say go with your instinct. If you feel this opportunity is a gift from God, go with that and the other things will fall into place. You and DH have to do what feels right for you and your family.

From what you have posted on here in the past your current job takes advantage of you and it sounds like you feel you would be happier with this new venture.

Good luck in your decision.

[angel22]

Go with your gut. Seriously, the only possible issue I really see for you is the selling of your house (list right, however, and it'll be gone before you know it!) The housing market is in an upturn and more people want to buy then there are houses being sold so you could get SUPER lucky with it. Don't buy right when you move, rent until you feel secure enough in staying long term. You can always move again! Kids are resilient, they can switch schools and be totally fine, it's all in how you spin it. I'm excited for you, good luck!

[ladyandrearose]

Thanks ladies! I think I ran into a good sign today. At DD's karate class, one of her classmates dad's is a Relator. He's going to do some preliminary work to see what we can get for the house. He is very confident that we can sell it!

[sharon]

It sounds like an amazing opportunity! Change is always scary, but you give so many good reasons to go for it!

[ReneeW]

I too think it sounds like a good opportunity! Change is always scary, but from what you're saying the pros outweigh the cons. Best of luck on making your decision!