decisions decisions:

So, after being used and abused by two companies over the past 8 months, I am now sans-work due to some pretty skeevy and underhanded crap that my recent boss decided to pull. I'm not too worried about the job market as there are tons of positions for someone with my credentials in the DC area, but I'm not so sure that the wife and I want to stay here much longer, and my job search is quite possibly the impetus that we need to commit to moving somewhere less "busy" and stress-inducing. That said, the two areas we're looking at right now are Charlottesville, VA and Lewisburg, WV. There are some corporate jobs that require a lot less hands-on work and hours in C-Ville, as well as a couple of sous-chef positions which I could take temporarily to get the move done and keep the cash flowing. In Lewisburg, you've got the Greenbrier Resort, which is pretty much world-renowned and uber luxurious and would probably pay me a similar salary to what I'm making right now in an area where $100k will get you a damned fine house with 5 acres of land. The schools in both areas are great, both are near the great outdoors and whitewater kayaking, both are a hell of a lot less stressful than the DC metro area. Lewisburg, is only 2 hours from my parents who I've been more than 6 hours away from since moving to Baltimore back in '03 but about the same distance from the wife's folks as we are right now. Furthermore, it'd be harder for my wife to find a job there as it's a much smaller town than C-Ville. The upshot is the low cost of living, I know people there, close proximity to my folks, 1 hour from 3 major ski resorts, 5 minutes from some fantastic whitewater, and we could own a home like right-freaking-now.

C-Ville is closer to her folks, and about 2 hours closer to my folks than we are now. We have friends there, the cost of living is still lower than it is here in DC, but not nearly as much which would mean a longer wait to own. The opportunities aren't as prestigious as The Greenbrier, and probably won't pay as much, but the close proximity to UVA means an easier time for my wife when it comes to finding a job. It too is very close to great kayaking, but the skiing isn't as great.

So, which would you go for?

North Carolina.

I would go to Lewisburg if I were you. It sounds like there are more benefits moving there than the other place. But make sure you talk it over with your wife and be sure thats what she would want too.

Shack in the woods.

OS, while I'm sure the business opportunities for me are fantastic out in NE, as well as the rest of the flyover states, American Whitewater gives good reason to choose West Virginia or Virginia over Nebraska

oldsoldier wrote: There are people here that think real italian food comes from 'Olive Garden'....LoL

That makes my blood boil.

I live in a town with an italian restaurant every stones throw and people got all excited about Olive Garden coming into town. I don't understand people's love affair with chain dining.

I hope one day I can have even half the opportunity you have to move and get a decent job. Maybe Sodexo will get me there.

Also, I'd say C-ville just for jobs for the wife. Lewisburg sounds nice but is the cost of living that much lower?

jmac3 wrote: I hope one day I can have even half the opportunity you have to move and get a decent job. Maybe Sodexo will get me there. Also, I'd say C-ville just for jobs for the wife. Lewisburg sounds nice but is the cost of living that much lower?

Eh, it's not horribly different as far as rent goes, but looking to buy something, Lewisburg is definitely cheaper by a long shot.

P.S. how do you like Sodexo?

Speaking of Olive Garden, I met the spokesman for the commercials. /random

Country road, something something, something something, I BELOOONG.