Need to purge - feel free to comment if so inclined...

[82CardsGrad]

So, as most of you know, my wife and I are from the NY/Tri-state area... We moved here to AZ in 2001 as I was relocated by my employer at the time, with whom I am no longer with as I left them in 2004. This firm is a huge, multi-national company with more than 100k employees, incredible benefits, pension, 401K and all of the politics and grief that come with it all...
So in '04 I got tired of it all and left... After an exhaustive search and review process, I finally made the decision to stay here in AZ and join a significantly smaller company. The opportunity to lead a small, 20 person shop seemed exciting to me. No large company political b.s. to contend with. We can be who we wanted to be...
Now, having gone thru the Great Recession, it's been the scariest, most arduous ride of my life. The lack of depth and resources is simply scary at times like this. Just making payroll is a twice a month sweat-fest. We'll survive, but only on the back of herculean effort.
I was recently approached by a much larger competitor to move back east and take a job that seems pretty cool, but would pay a bit less than I am making today. However, the company is rock solid and is poised for a great deal of success over the next 3-5 years.
My wife wouldn't mind moving back as her mom was recently diagnosed with cancer is just starting her treatments. Of course, I can't deny that being back in NY is more than slightly attractive to me. My family... my lifelong friends... The lure of Manhattan...
That said, I have grown to LOVE Arizona and the way of life it offers... The rat race is still raging back in NY, and I just don't know if, at age 45 I want to go back to that whirlwind...
My kids would be mixed. Since we've been here 8 years now, they have of course planted some firm roots. Still, they love the NY area as they go back every summer to spend time with family. 'Course, they have never really dealt with the long, cold and gray season (October thru April). Man... I am so torn. I don't have to make a rush decision. The company back east is being VERY patient... But I really don't know what to do. Uggghhh...

 

[Gaddabout]

What ever your decision, make up your mind there will be no regrets. You make your decision on the best information you can acquire. At the end of the day you'll make the one that no hindsight could pass judgment.

I find when I get in that frame of mind, I stop worrying about "what ifs" and get down to the real analysis of what decision is the right one. It's even OK if they're both right because then you just get to go with your heart.

 

[jefftheshark]

This might sound stupid, but I flip a coin; and as soon as I see the outcome, I look to see if I'm happy or not with the results. It's funny but my initial reaction to the news, either positive or negative usually points me in the right direction.

In reality, however, there is no such thing as a "safe" choice in today's economic reality. Entire industries are being wiped out by events that were once thought to be unthinkable. At the end of the day, you have to go with what your gut tells you, and hope for the best.

JTS

 

[CaptTurbo]

I'd go East based on the info you gave.

 

[Russ Smith]

Any other time I'd say where are you more happy, sounds like Arizona. But in THIS economy job security is HUGE so I'd actually be inclined to take the job in New York if I were you.

 

[RonF]

Happiness is a big issue in our lives. If your present company would fail in AZ it appears that going back East wouldn't be that hard for you to do. The choice is yours, stay and face the daily challenges you current job offers, or go back East and re-learn how to "do more with less, climb the corporate ladder, sensitivity classes, learning to work together, etc.

 

[Linderbee]

I'd make an actual pro & con list for each, then rate (either in your head or on the paper) how important the pros & cons are.

My opinion is that maybe you should go. If for nothing else so your wife can spend time with her mom. If things don't go well, that time spent will be invaluable, and there won't be resentment later for not going.

 

[Mulli]

82, if you do move to NYC, The Mulli and Mrs. Mulli will be visiting. Keep that in mind. :head2head:

 

[conraddobler]

What JTS said.

The coin flip isn't to decide, but it does work in telling your real reaction to the situation, if you have the urge to flip again means your feelings are tilted.

Whatever happens best of luck 82.