OT: What to do? Kinda long!

I got a txt message this am from DH telling me that he has been offered a new position/transfer with his company.  This could be a very good thing for us money wise, especially in today's economy.  We are talking $40K more a year, on top of his already 6 figure income!  So, that's the part I'm sold on!  Plus a company truck!  This seems like a dream being that his company has already laid off 30,000 people this year alone! So, for them to offer him this is so exciting.  He's already in a high up posistion but, this is even better.

The draw back is that it would require us to move to a new district that he would over.  He would be over 3 states.  So we would have to live in either Utah, Colorado or Wyoming!!!!  We live in Texas now!  I've lived in Texas since I was 10 years old.  I'm from Oklahoma.  DH is Texas born and raised. 

The town we live in now, my DH has lived in since birth.  EVERYONE knows us, knows him, our kids, his family...etc.  He has friends here that he's been friends with since kindergarten!  Could we pick up and move away from everything that seems so normal to us?

How would I do it with 3 kids and not knowing a soul in a new town?  Is it worth it?  DH would be required to travel some each week meaning I'd be home alone :(  I'm so confused!  DH is ready to pack up and move outta state today!  He said he could care less about our small town politics and nosy people watching our every move.  I will say it's like living in a fish bowl here.

IDK  I guess I need opinions......I don't want to raise my kids somewhere crazy, strange or in a climate that sucks year round.  Maybe I'm just to stubborn about "change"

Any advice from anyone who has just up and moved across country and started over?

TIA
Ash :)

I did, not with kids though.

And I would so kill to have the option to move to UT/CO/WY.  SO JEALOUS!

Best of luck in your decision.

I'm going to tell you something my Grandpa(who was head of Allsion Transmission back in the glory days) told all of us...." You don't pass up a promotion. It is career suicide. And if your husband is offered a promotion, you encourage him to take it. If you don't and the "big wigs"  hear about it, another promotion will never be offered again. On top of that, he may well be on the next lay off list." I know you'd have to move the kids, but they'd be with their Mom and Dad. When I hear people say that two things come to mind. One- The millions of military kids who have to move every three years. Two-The wives of all the westward pioneers who followed alongside their men, with just faith, hope, love and duty....not promises of 5 more digits. Don't get me wrong--- I'd be doing the naked crazy lady dance if Dave got that huge of a raise. I'm severely old fashioned in the fact that I believe wives should follow and support their husbands dreams and anything that makes them the best versions of themselves. Of course, I think husbands should bow down and kiss his wife's beautiful feet for doing this.

Besides, this could be the GREATEST adventure of your life and your kids' lives. When an opportunity comes knocking while doors everywhere are being slammed in other's faces, RIDE THE WAVE BABY!!!! Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Sorry if that sounded preachy....I just woke up a nap and Dave says that makes me awnry.

Hugs,
Angie

Once you decided what state, town do a search either through Yahoo or other message boards for that community.  There are lots of email groups that are community specific and they can help answer questions etc.  My friend joined an area Flylady group and that is how we met.  I brought dinner to her for the first day in her new house, filled her in on churches, schools etc.  It was a great way to help somone and share my knowledge.  In todays economy you do have to go where the jobs/money are. 

Good luck and keep us posted.

I agree with the previous posters. In today's economy - it is very detrimental to anyones position to turn down a promotion. No one says it'll be easy. Moving to a new place is difficult even when you do know someone. But be thankful that your kids are young - we're having the hardest time with our other youngest (who is 10) about switching schools because she doesn't want to have to make new friends all over again.

And the pay raise is nice as well - it will provide an even better future for those beautiful babies. If it doesn't work out for one reason or another - in the words of my mother "you can always come back home." And if hubby is down with it - go with it. He's the one leaving everything he knows behind and willing to do so.

Oh another piece of advice.  When we were researching places to live when my dh retires from the state in 4 years, he went to www.citydata.com.  There you can find out all kinds of info about climate, schools, crime etc.  Personally I would not go to Wyoming...I lived in Montana and the snow/cold sucked.  Do you research starting now while it is still an offer on the table rather than have to make a location decision in a push.

At first I thought my dh was crazy for doing this research 4 years ago when he still had 8 years til retirment but the info he gain was critical in determining where we would buy land.  His research saved us a lot of headache and money.

I would go for it...I know I am extremely close to my crazy family and would not want to leave but if it meant a better future for our children and my husband was down with it I would definitely support him taking the promotion! We moved around alot when I was growing up so I know I hate moving but in the end if it meant not having to move again and being much more stable in his job I would go for it!!!

Good Luck with your decision!!
~Flora

I say go for it!  If he passes up this opportunity then he may never get it again, ever.  Oh, and my vote is for Colorado.  I was there for work last year and know a lot of people out there.  Everyone I talk to LOVES the Denver area.

I'm with the other ladies - go for it. Your kids aren't in school yet or are in very early grades. Everyone will make new friends and family is just an airplane ride away. You aren't going cross country which is a plus.

Also - I agree that passing over that kind of a positition is career suicide.  Heaven forbid he looses his job, a possibility could be you having to work and leave the kids. Just food for thought.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

PS - my cousin lives near Rifle CO and LOVES it

I picked up and moved 5 years ago to CT to marry my hubby. I think it would have been better if we both moved someplace new together since I left my family and he still had all of his. That area of the country is beautiful. I wouldn't pass this up if I were you guys. Good luck with it.