job asking to relocate

lyes4string · #1 07-27-2011, 12:33 PM

so simply put, my job has asked me to move to kansas city from st.louis to fill a manager posistion. now i dont have to take it which i know with many people is not the case they're simply transfered and have to move or lose their job. the only thing besides family naturally keeping from doing it is my band. this is one of those i may never get the chance agian type thing, meaning im a 24yo hs drop out. is it worth leaving my life behind and making my fiance find a new job? is the money really worth leaving the band that i have achieved so much with? simply put would anyone just get up and do it? or how much of a pay increase would it take to make you move 4 hours away from family and your band?

**jmattbassplaya** · #2 07-27-2011, 12:41 PM

Only you can answer those questions. Personally, I'd be hesitant to relocate unless:
A. It was to a nice area of town with a good school system
B. There was an increase in pay and/or benefits
C. There were opportunities for my spouse to find employment
D. My job demanded it
E. My company did a lot to make the transition easy, smooth, and cheap

If you and your wife both have jobs in this economy then I'd be hesitant to move and instantly cut that income in half unless she can find a job before moving.

Kawai-chang · #3 07-27-2011, 12:52 PM

That's a tough one. First and foremost, discuss it with your fiancee. She may be all in for a move. As to the band, it sucks, but there's other bands. It's not like you're leaving U2, ya know?

macaroni tony · #4 07-27-2011, 12:54 PM

If it's not enough money to where your fiance can stop working (at least for a while), it's not worth it IMHO unless she can readily get a job, like, now.

As far as the band is concerned, there are countless bands. You can find a new one. But it may not be worth it to move to where you know no one, and basically be on an island if something goes south

Pilgrim · #5 07-27-2011, 01:00 PM

The band doesn't matter - you can join or form another.

What matters is your fiance' and her job prospects.

Relic · #6 07-27-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

The band doesn't matter - you can join or form another.

What matters is your fiance' and her job prospects.

Yeah, Pilgrim's nailed it. Your fiance is the key in this one.

fenderhutz · #7 07-27-2011, 01:10 PM

Life is too short to rot away at a 9-5.

I am not completely on the other fence as these guys but you are young.

If you like your band and where you are ask for alternatives with the company.

If that type of work is what you want to do as a career take the job and run with it. If you think it is just a "job", you are 24 years old. Have some fun.

Now you said fiance. You have made a commitment to someone. Her input is just as important. Sit down with her and ask her, do I have a couple years to make a band work or should I pursue my career? Being a HS drop out with an opportunity in this economy to be in management says a good bit, there are college graduates that can't even find a job flipping burgers.

If your band is highly successful locally (selling out local clubs 300 people every weekend you play) or has a possible deal in the works and just waiting on paperwork, or selling 100-200 copies of your album every week, then it might be a mistake.

Otherwise, it might be time to move on.

allexcosta · #8 07-27-2011, 01:16 PM

Tough to say if you don't disclose figures.

Jim Nazium · #9 07-27-2011, 01:49 PM

Congratulations on getting a promotion opportunity.

I would try to think about the long-term prospects in both locations. Which city has your company's headquarters? Which city has more companies in the same industry? Is your long-term goal to stay in that industry, or does it matter? Are you planning to have kids? Then you might want to stay closer to family.

Lots to think about...

**colcifer** · #10 07-27-2011, 01:54 PM

Your fiance is right.

MatticusMania · #11 07-27-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allexcosta

Tough to say if you don't disclose figures.

Those are personal matters, and not necessary at this stage in deciding to pursue this opportunity or not, as there are more important factors to consider first.

allexcosta · #12 07-27-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

Those are personal matters, and not necessary at this stage in deciding to pursue this opportunity or not, as there are more important factors to consider first.

I disagree...

I make 25K per year and my fiancée makes 150 bucks per week part time. I have a relocating job paying 70K. No brainer...

I make 25, my fiancée makes some, I have a band, new job position pays 28K. Well...

Longhair · #13 07-27-2011, 02:08 PM

Relocating to new unknown city = life experience.

Staying put and later wondering if you shoudl have gone = regret.

mrpackerguy · #14 07-27-2011, 02:26 PM

In the long run, a promotion and a position that may provide more job stability is more important than a band in today's business climate and economy. Not to mention, the ability to perhaps put away more for retirement. To me it's a no-brainer. You're young. Who knows when another opp like this will come along. You turn this one down, they'll pass you buy likely when the next one comes available. You got your whole life ahead to play in bands, but chances to advance your career don't come around as often, ESPECIALLY without a high school diploma. My 23 year old son's finding this out the hard way, having not been able to do better than $10-12/hr and struggling to pay rent, etc. He just this week is figuring out how important an education is for the vast majority of us relative to making even a marginal living. He has his HS diploma, but thought he could as well as the rest of us with college degrees, and like most people in his shoes, he couldn't.

MatticusMania · #15 07-27-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allexcosta

I disagree...

I make 25K per year and my fiancée makes 150 bucks per week part time. I have a relocating job paying 70K. No brainer...

I make 25, my fiancée makes some, I have a band, new job position pays 28K. Well...

Sure, if money is your only consideration to up and move both yourself and a fiancee out of state leaving your family, friends, and hobbies behind. Then will the figures matter. For me, Id consider a lot more before thinking about the money.

pedroims · #16 07-27-2011, 02:57 PM

Hey ,

I lived the same situation six years ago, there are many things you need to think about it and discuss with your fiance, I am assuming you guys are in love and planning getting married.

- Goals in life; Do you want to have a career , keep studying, etc. Become rock star, play in bars ....

- What about your fiance? Do you know if she is ok having kids and working or she wants to raise the kids?

- It's the place your moving good to achieve your goals? Job opportunities, college, raise a family.

- What about the money ? Is a good paid? Money is important specially when you have a wife and two kids

IME, you are going to make new friends, you are going to find a new band , you are going to discover new hobbies, and you are going to get so busy with your family agenda that you will considered yourself lucky if you can practice one hour at day, usually late night or early morning and with headphones

mbelue · #17 07-27-2011, 03:02 PM

I made a similar decision years back, moving out of state for "money" and leaving a band.
Took years to find a music project I cared about as much as the one I left. Not cool.
"Money" wasn't as expected due to higher cost of living. Not cool.

BUT, a crack at management when you are 24 is important resume wise. A few months or years as manager especially w/o higher education could land you a better job "back home." Nobody can tell you what is best, just don't depend on your fiance finding a job quick. If your company is in a pinch to move you maybe you could put some pressure on them for more benefits/money etc...
Consider all angles dude, we all know more musicians who DON'T make it than ones who do.
Good luck.