[USER]

*Looking for life/career advice as someone in their mid-20’s* I have a great job with great managers. I still work at the same company I got post- grad. Salary is 80k with a 12% match that will be fully vested by the end of the year.

The difference between the vested & unvested portion of my 401k is about 17k. I currently live 5 minutes away from my hometown near family with a less than 30 min commute to the office.

I did go away to school out of state for some time, but ended up moving back.

I do have room for growth in my current position and get excellent reviews from upper management, but I am starting to feel stuck personally. I am itching to move.

My current job is hybrid but not sure if 100% remote could be an option.

The cities I am drawn to are HCOL and coastal, but I am very active and love the beach so I can’t help myself.

I feel a sense of guilt even considering moving and getting a new job next year because I feel that I have it good now.

Any advice from someone who’s been in this situation before?

Do I take the leap and try somewhere new even if it’s pricier?

[Tracy]

There have been several studies around happiness in the past few years. It’s been shown that when the options are either make a change or stay the course, people are happier long term when they make the change.

Also, you are young. Now is the time to take chances. (I mean, I’m old and I still take chances.

It’s just easier in your 20s, as typically you have fewer things tied to your life and choices.)

[Lind]

Put feelers out and see what you could earn in the pricier areas, and how that compares with the price of living increase.

I lived in San Diego in my mid-20’s and it was my favorite part of life.

If you can move somewhere you love without compromising your financial goals, meaning you can still save & not live paycheck to paycheck to afford it, absolutely do it!

[Katharina]

What will you regret more: not trying a change or moving and deciding it’s not for you?

It doesn’t get easier to live with roommates, move around and try new things as we age and have more attachments to things and people. So, ask yourself, if not now, then when?

[Laura]

I moved a ton in my 20s and early 30s and don’t regret it one bit. Once my son started school I’ve been in one place to provide him stability.

Go live your life and take risks and have fun.

It builds character.

[Lara]

Mid-20s definitely go!! Don’t feel obligated to stay cos bosses are nice.

Always remember that all companies are faceless organisations run by ppl who won’t bait an eyelid when restructuring occurs.

Good luck!

[Dave]

I’ve moved around a lot and don’t regret it at all. Your 20s is the time to make those moves. As you get older it gets harder.

Worst case is you don’t like it and move elsewhere or back to where you are at.

Id wait to vest and that gives you time to do your homework on where you want to live.

I’d also make sure to leave on the best terms possible for references and rehire if you want later down the road.

Do you live by the beach now? When I moved to Florida I figured I’d live at the beach and honestly hardly ever went after my first year.

[Jamie]

Are you an active traveler? That helped me a ton to figure out what qualities I wanted for a place to live. Maybe you already know and you are being vague for anonymity though.

Once you have a solid grasp at what you want, then do it!

I waited until my mid 30’s to do it and wish I’d done it a bit sooner.

[Amanda]

I wouldn’t move before being fully vested, but after that mid-20s is a good time to explore.

Definitely consider traveling to the areas you’re interested in and seeing how you might like living there before getting serious about a change.

What you have right now sounds pretty great.

[Stephani]

Do it while you are young. I’ve lived in DFW Texas suburbs most of my life and have wanted to get out to more peaceful surroundings.

Regret not doing it sooner.

My son has 2 years left of high school, only reason we haven’t taken the leap is that we are in an excellent district.

[Maarit]

As someone who has lived in multiple counties and is always looking for new adventures, I would say GO!

This is the easiest time to move around before having kids and a house etc.

We still do that despite all the “obstacles” though. Live your life!

[Author]

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