I've been tossing the idea around about moving away from this state for some time now.<br />I've lived here since I has 3 or 4, so it's safe to say this town and state is all I know.<br /><br />My kids are growing up, which makes things tough to deal with in itself. My kids are my life and I don't know what I'd do without them.<br /><br />It's no secret that Oregon and it's economy is in the toilet, and I can't foresee it getting better anytime soon. Would you subject your kids to that? Wouldn't you want to give them opportunity if you could somewhere else?<br /><br />None of my family has ever moved from here. We've all stuck around, worked our lives, and died here. The feeling of being a 'prisoner' of sorts is really getting to me.<br /><br />I have a good job here... One of the better ones if you ask me. However, I have reached the end. I can't (or doubt) I will go any higher at my job other than a pay raise here or there.<br />I've been there 15 years, and I'm only 35.<br />I don't like the thought of retiring there.<br /><br />What really got to me the past few days is that my only and best friend I've known and grew up with is moving from here for good. I'm really upset over that and I don't know how to handle it.<br /><br />I thought strongly of relocating where him and his family went in Washington (Seattle area)<br />Jobs are abundant up there, and I'm sure I can get hired very quickly with my skills.<br /><br />Then there's my parents. They are now in their golden years. Dad is retired, and Mom shortly behind. They've often wanted to move to the coast, but I don't think they will move. I think they stay here because of the kids.<br />I know they would have a longer life if they were to move to a coastal area. The quality of life is just plain better. <br />The place we live now gets 90+ degrees in the summer, and even I can't hardly handle that anymore. My dad can't get 5 feet away from an air conditioner due to his health.<br /><br />So what do you do?<br />Should I take the big step and move my family ?<br />Yes, it will be painful... I'm already thinking of the overwhelming task, and I've spent the last few days depressed thinking about it.<br />Perhaps if I move, my parents will follow?<br />For all our health alone, it would be a wise move.<br /><br />I know my house will sell fast. Most homes in my area sell within 2 months. <br />Speaking of which...is another painful memory. I bought my home from my parents. Something I wish I had never done. Mom still thinks it's 'hers' and as a result, a fight typically erupts between my wife and Mom. A fight I'm done with.<br />I don't want to hear it anymore.<br /><br />On one hand... I feel like I'm running away from my problems. Am I?<br /><br />Sorry for the long post. I had to get things off my chest.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />H.
