I have worked for the same company for most of my adult life, and really like the organization. I have typically changed job functions internally every 2-4 years as I get bored sitting in the same chair doing the same thing.
Now I am thinking about moving. I live in a smaller metro area, but the largest in my state. As I look internally the most opportunities for advancement and challenge are westward, in one of the top 5 largest metro markets in the country, a big change. Opportunities in my career field outside of my present employer aren't readily available in my current market, and so any change would likely result in moving to another (probably larger) metro area.
I ask this question of the interweb: how much consideration should I give to Little One as I think about career planning? I have had some passing conversations about having to move for work, and she wasn't too excited. I know that legally I would have to run some traps with the EW and that could get sticky.
But setting aside the issue of ensuring Little One gets to see her mother on a regular basis (and I know this is the largest consideration in all of the discussion), what advice might you offer about disrupting her life in this corner of the Deep South? Should I sacrifice personal and professional opportunity for the next 6 years until she has completed her school years and is (hopefully) off to college or the Marine Corps?
I moved frequently growing up, and at times I was not pleased with being uprooted and I was certainly apprehensive each time I had to start anew at a school. I did understand that in order for my dad's career to be furthered and for him to be fulfilled professionally (and personally) that he needed to move.
So, returning to moving Little One away from her mother. I know this would be stressful for all parties, but not an insurmountable problem. It would be a challenge logistically, but one that Southwest, Delta or Continental could help solve.
Is thinking about my career path when I have a child in the house being selfish?
Tough one. It isn't selfish to think about it but it could be hard for your daughter. My mother moved me from Seattle to LA when I was 16 and it was very hard to be so far from my father. I understood her reasons and I went along out of loyalty but I wasn't a happy camper. Like all things, it was a mixed bag as I lived near my grandparents and other relatives for the next three years. Win some and lose some.
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment on my blog--do you know eastern Washington?
Sarala, thanks for the feedback. I am somewhat familiar with the 'Inland Empire' that is eastern Washington. For two summers during college, I worked for the US Forest Service on the Colville NF as a firefighter. I spent a lot of time in the NE corner of the state. Metalline Falls was one of my favorite places to visit, and Spokane is a lively city, too.
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