Job. Gah. Reality check/ advice needed

boxerrrmama85 · August 2014

Sorry to be an AW and take up an entire thread, but I would really like some input.
My company is restructuring and my position is going away. My boss has ensured me it is not a demotion-- but some may see it that way, in that I am losing my title.
Here are my options that are weighing heavily on me:
1. Stay in the current clinic that I work in. Neither H or I love the town (small and lacks culture). No potential for career growth or personal growth. But definitely has stability for now.
2. Take a role of splitting my time between current location and Austin. I would need to split my time and commute (about 1-1.5 hours each way). I would be helping set up the new clinic-- but there is NO definite date of when Austin clinic would be permanent and I would need to commute until I could be full time in Austin. My OB said that at 36wks she does not want me traveling even by car for trips to Austin. Also, once the baby comes I am not traveling! Wasting 2+ hours driving is not worth missing out on my baby. However, if all pans out and we can be in Austin- there is great potential for personal and some career growth. (Also the whole moving to Austin part of this option has me confused? Move before/after baby is born? If we move before I could be commuting for a while!)
3. Move back to Kansas City, to my old position that I had before moving to TX. We have a great support system in KC and it seems like the only option with some stability. Personal growth potential but not too much career growth.

All options would afford me the same title but compensation has not been discussed. Another component is that I am in a non-compete which makes things challenging. I want to do what is best now for my family and for my unborn baby. I feel very frustrated and think the timing of all this is shitty!
What do you all think?

jmcgra06 · August 2014

Does your husband have any opportunities in Austin? We talk about moving sometimes, and I think all we are waiting for is one of us to have a reason to move, or for neither of us to have a reason to stay. Commuting is the worst. DH and I did it for 2 years combined, with one of us having an hour to 90 minute commute each way, every day. When I was the one commuting, the house was a mess, dinner was never ready and we were fighting all the time. For whatever reason, those jobs usually fall to me which I don't mind, except when I'm already spending three hours a day driving.

I would try to get all the information about the job options - including compensation - and go from there. But if you want to move to Austin, move to Austin

Non-competes - while usually non-enforceable - are a total pain.

I think moving before or after is totally fine, as well. We just had friends move with a 3 week old and that was a bit of a pain, but if you have any flexibility, it's no more annoying to do (in my experience) with a baby or without. Moving is a pain either way!

FlowerPower16 · August 2014

I agree with Sug. From the three options you listed it seems that KC may be the best option. Long commutes suck and really weigh on you after a while, and like you said you do not want to be wasting all that time in the car once the baby comes. Stability and a good support system would be very important to me, especially with having kids. It seems like things are really up in the air with the first two options, and that would make me nervous. I may be a little biased because I'm from the Midwest, but I love KC.

How does your husband feel about moving to KC? Does he have a job opportunity there?

jennypolkadots · August 2014

Well, what about your husband's job? All three options sound fine to me, but there are more factors that are important.

Which of these cities would you prefer to raise your child in? How expensive is living/childcare/homes in great school districts?

Where is the most growth potential for both of your careers?

Where does your family live? If that is even a factor for you.

How do you feel about the individual work environments?

Based just on your post, Kansas City seems like a good option if you can get a good salary and like the city. Austin is nice but all that traveling during pregnancy and not knowing for sure when you will be permanent is a lot floating in the air during such a big time in your life. I could also see staying put in your current job through the pregnancy and maternity leave, and upon starting work again see about a transfer to Austin. Your circumstance is pretty different in that you are pregnant and your doctor doesn't want you driving all that way.

mandamoochie · August 2014

I feel like by just the way you presented the options you are leaning toward KC. Its just the tone in which you used..

I personally would pick where you have the most support. This, coming from a mom of a 13 month old with very little support system.

GL and keep us updated

mahalo3 · August 2014

I would go with Kansas City. Depending on all factors, I would wait until after the baby is born to move to kansas City.

modernfairytale8709 · August 2014

Based on the information you provided, another vote for KC here.

I can't imagine starting over in a new city, at a new career, with a newborn.

I know it's a huge decision for you. I'll keep your family in my thoughts.

MissEm15 · August 2014

To me.. a lot would depend on your H's job situation also. Can he transfer to KC or Austin? I don't really see a difference in number 1 or number 3 w/ regards to your career potential. So to me, I'm thinking why make a big move or do anything now. Wait until you know what's probably going to happen bc it sounds like KC is always a backup. Unless you feel like this is the perfect opportunity to make the move back to KC now w/ regards to timing. In the end... I'd say follow your gut.

Edit to say.. I'm sorry I don't think I'm much help lol.

Jay_Cee · August 2014

I also vote for KC. There are times in life when a support system trumps career (in my opinion). I'm sure it's a tough decision, no matter what you decide. Hugs.

MaddScientist · August 2014

Is it possible to stay in the current position until the austin clinic is stable - then move there?

That would give you the stability and lack of commute while pregnant, but also provide the potential for career growth in the future.

Also, if you do move back to KC is your old job guaranteed?

How does your H feel about moving - to either place - can he easily re-locate his job as well?

boxerrrmama85 · August 2014

You all have been so supportive! Thank you so much.

So much to decide upon in the next few weeks.
To answer some questions:
- my H would have more job opportunities by staying in TX. Either current location or Austin.
- moving to KC would be a move back to H's hometown. Still great support system-- but we have become use to our independence in TX and no longer guilted into faunal events! Ha-- but being close to family would be great with a new baby.

Well, off to have a long convo with the husband-- he worked lady night and we briefly chatted at 3:30AM

I will keep you all posted! Again thank you is much.

mishka29 · August 2014

Family support with a little one can be so great!

Megane8907 · August 2014

I'm also biased and I vote Austin!! I'm in Austin and I love this city! This city is booming and you should get in on the action :-) I'll be sending good vibes your way for your big decision (and secretly hoping you move here!!)

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Job. Gah. Reality check/ advice needed

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