Offered job overseas-Need help with decision.Your thoughts? Thanks!?

I'm a 47 yr old single woman in a serious relationship with a great guy.I've 2 grandkids (another on the way), 2 daughters & all my other family living w/in 10 miles.I've been offered a "dream job" overseas for 3 yrs that would include lots of travel,guaranteed my current job back when I return,all housing expenses pd for,extra $ for cost of living, &be in a beautiful area of the world to work & live in.The problem is leaving my partner & my family.I've felt something was missing that I needed to do for a long time & even though I've more than most in my life,I feel real antsy and seem to keep constantly looking for something.If I went, it would be my first time alone.By going I'm not sure I would lose more than I would gain or if it would make me stronger & be something good.My boyfriend can't go now & he has asked me to stay & build a life here but alsoencourages me to go if I feel its right.You can't get back time away from loves ones,yet I'm not sure if this is what I need for me.

Public Comments

1. Wow, the job sounds incredible! But have you lived away from everyone before? It's important to know if you'd be emotionally prepared to do this, as great as the job is. If you feel you'd thrive in this job and away from home, then I'd give it some serious consideration. Personal fulfillment is as important as family. But maybe there is a middle ground -- Perhaps you can work an agreement with your manager about leave to come home every other month or so to see your family and boyfriend? Or leave when your new grandchild is born? Family is important, and most employers will try to work something out for you. I worked in Japan for 6 months while my husband was getting his masters' in the US, and it was emotionally difficult. But I'm glad I had the experience, and we enjoyed our time together all the more when we rejoined each other. Good luck, tough decision!
2. Just from your first sentence I can tell that you do not want to go. If you are too scared to make the leap away from your family then just keep going to the same old job doing the same old thing. Otherwise it is going to take a lot of courage for you to make the leap to the new job. You are going to have to think about what makes you happy!
3. For me, my priorities are quite clear. Family life first, then work. This might be doable if you could at least bring your S/O with you.
4. My wife and I are living in Europe right now for 2-3 yrs total. To be honest, it's a lot harder than we thought. Everyday life is much more difficult than we anticipated - language & cultural barrier, banking/insurance/healthcare/immigration etc is unbelievably difficult. The quality of living is better in many ways and worse in many others. We also have all expenses paid for and generous compensation. Make sure you get every single detail in writing, including all the repatriation details. There are dozens of things you haven't even though of - private mail forwarding service, home care if you're keeping a house in the U.S., etc. We've missed not only our friends and family, but just that sense of fitting in and community. That being said, it's an unreal experience - and we'd probably do it again! We see the world through different eyes now. Ironically, this also causes some unanticipated problems - we've changed and grown, and the people we know at home have stayed the same, and they can't relate to lots of our experiences. You have to be strong, independent, positive and open-minded. Life is short and there are no do-overs!