Severance or relocate 2

[RunSomewhere]

Happy holidays everyone. I have a situation I’m hoping you all can offer some advice on. The situation seems similar to a recent post or two, but I felt it was different enough to make a new post. I work for an international company in the Midwest area. Details aside, my location is closing. Between severance and other retention bonuses, I should walk away with a year’s salary.

If I want to stay in the industry, I’d have to move. There are similar industries in my current area, however, which I may try to get into. My spouse has a great job and makes almost what I do. Most of our family, on both sides, is currently in town. I have two kids, neither in school yet.

My company has a site on the west coast (bay area) that needs help, and they are encouraging me to relocate. If I did, I would forego the severance and bonuses, but they do offer a nice relocation package. It would be a huge culture and lifestyle change. The increased cost of living and loss of spouse’s income would be tough, but probably doable. I’ve been with the company say 10 years and have a good reputation. It’s a great company and they treat their employees well, even when closing a site. Going to a new company would mean starting over in terms of relationships and reputation.

Money-wise, I feel I should take the severance. Career-wise, I feel it might me smart to relocate. That’s my dilemma. Can you offer any advice?

 

[marshell]

Flip a coint, and when the coin is in the air, think about if you are hoping for heads or tails. Whichever you hope for at that moment will answer the question. And ignore how the coin lands.