Job Dilemma
 

I have a very unique work situation. I live in one country, but I work in another. For 20 days a month I stay in my country of residence and work remotely, but I have to spend 10 days a month in my country of employment. I've been doing this for 18 months so far, and it's really taken its toll on me and my family (I am married with a 3 year old girl). Recently my office underwent some 'restructuring' (change of management, layoffs, downsizing, etc) and during this 'restructuring' I was told that I would have to move to my country of employment so that I could be there 100% of the time. I don't want to do that.

So I've been talking to HQ and they've offered me something in a couple of other countries, but nothing in the country I currently live in. I've also spoken to some other companies in my country of residence and they've also expressed some interest.

I don't know what to do. I have job opportunities in a variety of companies in a variety of countries and the choices are making my head spin. The only thing I know is that I don't want to be in my current job. So here are my options:

1) Stay in the same country I currently live in (that I love) but change companies. The money would be significantly better, but the company is not well established and I would be responsible for changing that - excellent opportunity, but tenuous and not exactly what I've been doing so far;

2) Stay with the same company but move countries. It's a country I wouldn't mind living in, but obviously where I am is still first choice. There would be a smaller pay increase which is necessary as the country is more expensive than the one I currently live in - my wife may actually have to get a job as well, although we should be okay if she doesn't. But I know the company, I know the job, I know the people and I'd be in company HQ.

3) Change both companies and countries - is an option but we'll call that 'Plan C' for now.

Does anyone have any thoughts about any of this, maybe you know of an angle that I haven't considered yet? I know that when people normally ask this kind of question they already know what they want to do and are just seeking confirmation, but I genuinely don't know. All advice gratefully received, thanks.

Sounds like you simply need to make a decision. Lay out your criteria and then measure your options against that. Create a scoring system with points for needs and wants.

And good luck!

Consider your daughter: How is the school system in the countries you consider moving to? Do they speak another language there? Your daughter has an opportunity to become bilingual, children under six have a unique ability to learn languages...
How long do you plan to stay abroad, that is, do you see yourself moving back to the home country at some point in the future? The longer you plan to stay, the more important the state of the country is. How is the healthcare/schools/job market/crime rate/weather?

That, right there, more than anything else, should tell you what you want to do. In the long run, your personal mental health and well being is a HELLUVA lot more important to your family than the hassle of moving. I mean, if you stay in your current job you're going to end up hating it soon, if you don't already, and that will come out in your mood at home. I think option #1 sounds really good- doing something different, more money, don't have to move, get to do something to establish a new company (which will look good on a resume later on). Accept the greater challenge!

To reinterate much of what's been said: figure out what's most important to you in your life. Staying in your country of residence? The work you've been doing? The "right" company? Being together with your family 30 days a month? In a country that's good for them?

Figure out your personal priorities, and your career priorities will become clearer.