Staying in Vancouver or moving back to UK
I’m completely incapable of this decision. I’ve been in Vancouver 10+ years. For years I’ve wanted to move back to the UK. I’ve always had a reason to stay and been happy with that at times, but I’ve repeatedly circled back to that idea. ive been unemployed 9 months now and have been slowly preparing myself for the move emotionally, mentally, and practically. Recently i got offered a job there and started making plans.
And then out of nowhere, I got a job offer where in Vancouver that pays significantly more money and would seriously improve my financial situation, one of the reasons I’ve struggled here.
Now I feel completely stuck.
The UK job:
- Lower salary
- better work-life balance (35 hour weeks, generous holidays)
- Supportive company culture
- The actual move I’ve been thinking about for years
- Feels like a change
The Canada job:
- Much higher pay (roughly ~$25k CAD more take-home per year)
- No relocation stress
- Stability and financial breathing room
- potentially higher pressure day-to-day
- Keeps me where I’ve struggled a bit emotionally for years
Now it feels like I’ve been pulled back into uncertainty at the last second. I also feel a lot of guilt and anxiety around the practical side, like moving my cat internationally, starting over socially, and potentially living with family for a while. But at the same time, I’m scared I’ll stay where I am forever and always wonder what would’ve happened if I had just gone.
On paper the higher paying job looks like the “responsible” choice. But emotionally, the UK move feels like something I’ve wanted for so long that I’m scared of losing it. And I am just stuck with this, so people who have no skin in the game, what should I do?