A young professional recently took to Reddit seeking advice about a career-defining opportunity that could literally double his salary but arrives with a catch. “I’m in a weird spot and need some advice. I just got a job offer at a really cool company that would literally double my salary. It’s a huge career move, but the job is 12 hours away or a 1.5 hr flight from my fiancé,” he wrote.
His fiancée, who still has three years of medical school remaining, is reportedly supportive of the decision. “She’s actually telling me to take it,” he further said.
The Logistics of the Offer
The professional outlined the information of the possible move:
“• The perks: I have housing paid for in the new city.
• The plan: I’d keep paying the rent/bills so she’s taken care of.
• The schedule: It’s 75% in office. I’m thinking I can fly back to see her every two weeks.”
“I really want this for my career, but 3 years of long distance feels like a lot,” he described. “Has anyone done this? Is doubling your income worth the strain on a relationship, or am I overestimating how easy it’ll be to fly back and forth constantly?” He also cited that both are originally from the city he would be relocating to, so isolation wouldn’t be a challenge.
Reddit Users Weigh In
Responses to the post emphasized the challenges and potential advantages of long-distance relationships in demanding career phases:
- One commenter emphasized about the unique advantages in a medical school context. “Most relationships end in med school/residency because the non-medical partner feels neglected and can’t handle not being a priority for several years. This might actually mitigate that; she wouldn’t have time for him anyway, and won’t feel neglected herself cause she knows that. They can have meaningful time together every two weeks and on holidays.” The commenter added that if they stick it out, “they can retire early after two badass careers.”
- Another user remarked, “That’s a great point. This arrangement may work out for the best in the long run assuming they’ve got a solid core relationship. OP needs to splurge on some great vacations over the next 3 years tho! ‘The days are long, but the years are short.’”
- Some provided practical suggestions based on experience. “Yeah med school seems crazy. I did 2 years of long distance with 1 hr flight in between. It was annoying but there’s definitely a silver lining—we were 100% present during the time we did spend together. Seems like it’ll work well with a few years of med school.”
- Others highlighted the fiancée’s support as a sign of commitment. “She’s telling you to take it because she’s committed for the long-haul anyway. As long as you both are comfortable with it you should take it.”
- A different perspective indicated that the move would disclose the relationship’s potential early on: “She is telling you that she either believes it can last or knows your relationship won’t so you should go. Either way you will know within the first 6 months.”
- One commenter mirrored on dating someone in medical school: “I dated a woman in medical school and it’s a hard relationship being in the same town. This may actually make the relationship easier so she can put all her time and effort into school and not have guilt.”