Would you relocate to a new state if you REALLY hated the area for a job that you truly liked?

28 Comments

1. Kristie WhiteNovember 1,2023 at 6:21PM UTC

   I think you already know the answer - you need to get back to work. And if that means you have to temporarily relocate to an are you dislike in order to get on your feet - and the pros outweigh the cons for any family members who are impacted - then it may be a necessary step. I would, of course, consider any safety concerns you have as reasons not to go. But barring that, there is a lot of opportunity in this new role that is hidden. You may make great friends. You may discover a side of this location that the locals know about and can introduce you to. You will be showing the ability to be flexible and committed to success to your future employers. You will gain value and experience. So I would take the leap and hope for the best. Set up house temporarily if you can so you can move again when the time is right, if needed. But many crusty looking opportunities hide diamonds.

2. AnonymousNovember 1,2023 at 6:25PM UTC

   After seeing some of the other stories where people were let go shortly after relocating for reasons beyond their control, I would be extremely hesitant to relocate to a place I don't even like. If there are a thousand job opportunities in the new location, lower cost of living, family (that you like/can count on as a backup plan) nearby, or other perks that exist separately from your dislike of the location, it might be worth considering. If you are literally investing time and money by moving to a place you hate with the ONLY benefit being this job, I would advise you to keep looking.

3. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 6:42PM UTC

   Bingo, you nailed several of the negatives that pushed me to cancel another interview round and especially a central one: "literally investing time and money by moving to a place you hate with the ONLY benefit being this job,"

   The cost of living is a bit lower however no fam, friends in the area.

4. Karen MullinNovember 1,2023 at 6:32PM UTC

   I think it would depend on WHY you dislike the location. If this is a region which is dangerous to you, then no, you should not relocate.

   If you don't like the weather, take the job and start to plan a nice vacation.

5. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 6:44PM UTC

   I appreciate your input...

   As for danger, I believe there are pervasive dangerous elements inherent to the area.

6. Karen MullinNovember 7,2023 at 9:13PM UTC

   Not worth it, then.

   There are currently quite a few states that I would not live in due to human rights issues.

   Maybe if their economies start taking a hit because of the political and social intolerance then something will change. Until then, avoid them!

7. Danielle GenslerNovember 1,2023 at 7:10PM UTC

   I would do it!!! You may change your perspective on what you don't like about the area. I can't imagine hating an entire state so hopefully there is an area where you can make a new life for yourself. Unless of course , the area near your job is unsafe, or due to health reasons you can't handle the temperature, any circumstances outside your control.. It's not forever.... I am from Texas and I live in MA. I can't say either place is my favorite place..... Good luck!!

8. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 6:49PM UTC

   The complex itself is in a thriving downtown and appears safe. Health is a concern but not a factor. Weather, I'm resilient.

   However, danger, a culture of intolerance is a major issue that caused me to reconsider this opportunity.

   Your statement, "It's not forever" caught my attention. Given my age, that is a possibility. Much appreciated your input & have a good one!

9. AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 8:46AM UTC

   If you are not sure about the job, but dont have other options currently, take it. You can defer relocating for a while. If the job is ok, and then you decide to move, then you know thats ok. You can minimize risk by asking yourself: What will I lose by going ahead? If the loss is not substantial like someone risking their life savings for instance, why worry? Just go ahead. You will never know what lies ahead until you get to that place. And when you get there, you will know.The biggest risk is not to take any chances. Sometimes, when we are not in the best physical or mental health, we might feel irritable about moving out of the comfort zone. A lot of people are this way after invisible and recurrent COVID infections which they wrote away as flu. And by chance, if is the wrong job, then you can look for the next. By then, you have 2-3 months of salary to move forward too.There is only one time though I would not take a risk. That is, when my gut instinct tells me not to do it or go to a certain place, we must heed that voice always to remain safe! Nothing is worth ignoring that voice.

10. AnonymousNovember 1,2023 at 9:06PM UTC

    I relocated for a job thatnI really enjoyed (at the time). I was only a year out of college and moved about an hour away from my family. I was iffy about the location but ended up making the most of it and explored some parts that I DID like. In the end I moved back to be closer to "home" again but it made me realize that no choice has to be permanent. I made the most of it, traveled outside of the area on the weekends if I needed a change of scenery, and when that job/area didn't serve me anymore, I left. With that said, it was just my boyfriend and I at the time so our decision to move there and then leave only impacted us. Do you have anyone who would be relocating with you?

11. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 6:35PM UTC

    This move would have been a solo relocation. Which would have been fine as I'm a loner. The only attraction was the job. And living to work isn't enough.

    I relocated earlier in my life, and it was great! Learned and grew a lot both professionally & personally. So I understand the attraction...Glad you're happier in your current space.

12. Angela MasonNovember 1,2023 at 9:20PM UTC

    Yes!I moved to NC in 2017 to be closer to my parents in SC. I was harassed and physically battered by my supervisor in NC and Iwas also in a very unhappy marriage. After my parents died, I moved to SC. In SC, I was bullied and harassed in the workplace, so I transferred to another location 100 miles from my home-with a 7a start time. Can you imagine a 200 mile daily commute?I was denied the chance to work from home 2 days/week, just one day. I applied for a remote position and accepted. I am back in NJ, enjoying the flexibility of remote work! Since then, three people have accepted other positions!!Should you take the chance? Of course!! Our blessings come in many disguises! The abuse and harassment were the disguises to motivate me to want more and not settle!
    Go for it!!

13. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 6:31PM UTC

    Hi Angela,

    I am so very happy you had the opportunity to be with your parents at the end of their lives. It is a very special gift to be with the ones you love before they depart from this life.

    So sorry about the abuse and unhappiness you endured! That commute was insane as was the cruelty of your former employer.

    First, welcome back to the Garden State!

    Congratulations on the remote role!

    Admittedly, that is the sweet spot I am searching. I am not a spring chicken and the 2hr-3hr commutes for 3Xs a week are not what I want to endure. The role I was considering was hybrid which got me to thinking. If I'm going to settle for a that work situation, I may as well not relocate. I can deal with that situation in NJ.

    Thank you for sharing, I appreciate the input.

14. Sarah BordersNovember 2,2023 at 12:37PM UTC

    That is a toughie. If you feel like this is a position you could take and really enjoy doing for a good long while, then the area you “really hate” may surprise you, BUT it depends entirely on the source of that hatred. When in doubt, make a list of pros and cons. Good luck!

15. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 6:21PM UTC

    Thank Sarah!

    Unfortunately, the cons came out ahead, 3:1

16. AnonymousNovember 2,2023 at 12:45PM UTC

    I have moved all over the country for a bigger job. It was the best decision. You can find “ your people” just about anywhere in USA. You might surprise yourself and love your new city. Good luck!

17. Terrie McWhorterNovember 2,2023 at 4:40PM UTC

    If you are able to go, GO. I always refer to the Dr. Seuss book, Oh the places you will go! I have often given it out to others that have moved to different places...Life is an adventure, LIVE it. I was able to move two states away from friends and family (even grandbabies) two years ahead of my husbands retirement date. I wish that I had taken a chance on myself earlier in my career because the move was awesome. Hubby retired and joined me, we do miss our family and friends but have found so many exciting and new things. Things are only as good as YOU make them, make the best in life. Best of luck.

18. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 6:20PM UTC

    Your attitude is exactly how I initially approached the idea....a new chapter in my life and adventure in a new place.

    One question, the new state you moved to, were excited or dreading the new location? Thank you for your feedback and sharing your story!

19. AnonymousNovember 2,2023 at 11:44PM UTC

    A lot of it depends on why I hate the location. Being involved with a transgender man makes any state where he cannot use a public restroom without being arrested a hard no. Any state that has the possibility of nullifying our marriage is also a hard no. If I don't like the weather, I might be able to get used to it. If it is too urban and I like the country, I might be able to get used to it. The bottom line is only you can determine where the line is that you cannot cross.

20. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

    You touched upon a central consideration of my reluctance, acceptance, decency and respect. All three facets are important factors to me. Just as your husband should be free to use the men's bathroom without ANY consequences.This state is infamous for their intolerance and being unsafe.Thank you for sharing your perspective. You made me feel better about cancelling today's interview. Have a good one!

21. AnonymousNovember 3,2023 at 10:41PM UTC

    You just dodged a bullet. I moved to a place where I knew I wasn't going to get along there about 20 years ago and spent two years in absolute hell. The toll on my mental health is something I'm still recovering from. If you know you won't be respected and the area isn't where you can thrive for whatever reason, don't do it. Been there. Done that. Got the scars. Refuse to go back.

22. AnonymousNovember 4,2023 at 12:40PM UTC

    I currently live in SW Virginia in a medium size city. I have to order so much online or travel to North Carolina about 4 times a year to buy quality clothing and go to Costco. I feel like a fish out of water due to the very casual environment when I have always lived in much larger cities with so much more to do for entertainment and a lively fashion scene. Why do I stay? I love my job. I don't have the stress that I had in past employment and I make a good income in banking. I have discovered a few new hobbies that I probably wouldn't have made the time or financial investment if I lived in a bigger city.

23. AnonymousNovember 4,2023 at 4:12PM UTC

    yes, but try to find temporary or shared housing for the first 90 days to be certain the move is the right one. If you are moving to where the HQ of the company is you could be doing the best thing for your career as those local to the main location tend to get promoted more easily because they are closer.

24. AnonymousNovember 6,2023 at 7:11PM UTC

    Makes sense, however, for this move, I'd have sold a home I owned and from the east coast to the midwest. There would be no going back.

25. AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 4:47PM UTC

    Can you temporarily rent it out? Perhaps furnished? Find a relocation company in your area that specializes in short term rentals for relocating executives. If so do that...and then 90 days in after the winter chill put it on the market if you decide to stay in the new area. Alternatively this could be a second source of income for you if you can make a few extra $ on the rental part. Good luck.

26. Kate DeyNovember 5,2023 at 6:22PM UTC

    No

    i have a fabulous life here, not giving that up for a job where they could lay me off in a fast minute.

27. AnonymousNovember 6,2023 at 7:08PM UTC

    Another great point!

    And this company laid off a substantial portion of their workforce over the past 12-15mos.

    I appreciate your input!

28. AnonymousNovember 10,2023 at 1:54AM UTC

    No. Your job should fit your life not the other way around. You could be laid off or fired any day for any reason and stuck in a lease in a place you hate.