Career change - would you do it?

[PrincessPerky]

Well life is nothing if not full of worrysome choices

I knew my husband was the one, because he was moving to NC from PA (7 hour drive minimum) and I didn't hesitate to go with him.

Life has never been perfect here, or there, but the important part was us..(now all 5 of us)

I hold a different view, I would gladdly deal with the hassle of a new place as long as I had my husband (and now kids) with me. But all people are different, if you still feel a 6 month seperation is right go for it. But that has well and left the relm of financial opinion! Sorry.

[Ima saver]

Gosh I could not be separated from my husband for 6 days!!

[Saving in So Cal]

I have been a government lawyer (in the US) my entire legal career. The pay does not compare to private (about a 1/3) or corporate (about 1/2), but I do like the work, the working conditions, and the retirement benefits. (The other benefits are not as good as corporate, but better than private). I am not sure how it compares in Canada, but in the US promotions and salary raises for public attorneys are slow to come. Government employees typically have long tenure, especially when they are higher up the ladder. Consequently, there is not much movement to create opportunities for lower level employees. In addition, because of budgetary and political constraints, it is hard to create new positions or justify big salary increases. Forget about bonuses. If you take the job thinking your financial situation will improve in a short period of time, you'll probably be disappointed. You should be reasonably certain you can live on your starting salary for awhile before you decide to take the dream job. Otherwise, you'll end up having to leave prematurely.