I’ve been talking to a former client lately. He discovered that I am now into blogging and in doing social media marketing for my blog. Apparently, he has several clients right now who need article writers and social media managers and would like to consider me to do those tasks on a work-at-home arrangement. I was ecstatic. I’ve been looking for opportunities like this because I’d really like to be a WAHM with a regular source of income. Well, we’re still working on that deal but it was also mentioned to me that eventually the company would like me to consider relocating to another city, far from here, to accept a full-time position with them. In my mind, I said “What?!!!”.
Most people would jump at the chance to relocate for a good job. However, being a wife and a mom of three, it’s harder to make that decision because, for me, it’s not possible for me to relocate without bringing my family with me. Also, the thing is, I have already decided two years ago that I want to be a WAHM for good because I feel that it’s the best set-up for me and my family. However, there are times when full-time job offers/possibilities are presented to me and I can’t help but think about them. I think about them because I don’t consider myself as a successful WAHM yet. I’m still in the journey of finding regular clients that will give me enough regular income to support my hubby’s salary. So, I guess, until then, I will continue to think about opportunities, such as this invitation to relocate.
To make the decision process more organized and to help me think clearly, I came up with decision points. These are the things I think are the most important areas to consider before making the move to relocate. I’d like to share with you my top 5 considerations.
1. Compensation Package
Assuming that the job being offered is something you’re good at and one that you would love to do for a company that you like, the next most important thing to consider is the compensation package. Don’t just look at the basic salary. Take into consideration other benefits such as overtime pay, medical and travel benefits, meals and transportation allowances. For us, this is crucial because this will decide if we can even afford and sustain the move.
Leaving our place would mean that my hubby would need to leave his job as well. In case he doesn’t find a new one immediately at our new location, my new salary would have to compensate for all our living expenses. Also, he’d have to forego the really good medical benefits in his present company, which he and our son both benefit from now.
Other than that, in order for us to want to relocate, we’d have to earn so much more than we’re earning now because we plan to visit our friends and relatives back home at least every other weekend. While the drive may only take approximately 2 hours without bad traffic, the travel expenses will be huge. Not visiting is not an option for us because my daughters also have to see their dad. Yeah, that’s one of the most important considerations for us as well since we are a blended family. We have to think about the “extended” family too.
2. Living Conditions
Presently, we are already enjoying living in a house owned by my hubby’s parents. This means we get to live here rent-free. Relocating would mean we would have to start paying rent, which could be really expensive depending on where we decide to live. That additional expense has to fit our budget as well.
Apart from the expense, also consider comfort, safety and proximity to your place of work. Of course, we’d have to find a place that can comfortably fit all of us. We’d like it to be in a safe location so that we could have peace of mind leaving the kids at home when we go to work. Ideally, it should be near the office so that we can easily be accessible for emergencies. No use having to travel far to go to work when my alternative here right now is to work from home.
3. Availability of Good Schools
Relocating would mean my daughters would have to switch schools again (they switched schools already for this school year). In order for that to make sense to me and to them, the new school they should go to must at least be at par with their present school in terms of providing quality education. It should also be near enough to both our new home and my new office. I don’t know if you think that’s asking too much. However, bear in mind that we’d be moving to a new, unfamiliar city. Having them near my place of work would do a lot for my peace of mind.
4. Availability of Household Helpers and Yayas (Nannies)
Right now, we have a housekeeper who does all the household chores. However, I am responsible for taking care of my toddler, with some help from my hubby whenever he’s home. If I choose the new job and hubby gets a new one as well, someone has take over my mommy duties at home. As much as I don’t want to hire a yaya, we’d really have no choice in this case. Also, I’d have to find a new housekeeper as well since the one we have now will not be willing to relocate that far. Hiring responsible, trustworthy and loyal housekeepers and yayas nowadays is hard enough as it is. Hiring new ones in a city where you don’t know anyone who can give a good recommendation will be even harder.
5. Long-Term Effects
In relocating, we often think only about what we need to change now or how things would affect our lives now. However, I think that in choosing to relocate, you also need to look at the bigger picture and try to see if relocating will benefit you and your family in the long run. Is the job something you see yourself doing happily for the next several years? Does the company offer room for growth? Do you love the new city enough that you’d decide to stay even if you suddenly lose the job? After all, you don’t want to keep moving every time you change jobs. How would moving affect the kids psychologically? Would moving help achieve your goals as a family? Do you have your spouse’s and kids’ support?
As for me, I’m still mulling over how moving would affect our lives in the long run. It will take me weeks to think this over. After all, it’s a big decision. Whatever we decide to do, it will change our lives, for sure.
These are just some areas for consideration. For some families, there may be less or more things to think about before making the big leap to relocate. I guess, the key to making the right choice is to weigh the pros and cons properly and decide according to what will be best for you and your family.
Now, let’s just hope that, if and when we’re confronted with this dilemma, we’ll end up making not just a decision we can live with but also one that will make us happy.
