Heres how to think of this decision as an opportunity, not a chore.

Ive spent my entire (12-year) career at one employer.

Its the same company that my father and grandfather spent their whole careers at.

Unfortunately, the company is closing the plant where I work.

Theyve made promises to my group that our jobs will stay in the region.

The actual closure is now coming in a matter of months.

Id be switching from a manufacturing company to more of a tech company.

My commute would change from 30 minutes in a car to about an hour on a train.

Im really passionate about the product we make at my current employer.

But I cant shake the feeling that we are being strung along, and its going to end badly.

Should I stay or should I go?

This, of course, is one of the most familiar recurring dilemmas of work life.

And in a way, its one of thebestdilemmas of work life.

That said, I get it: These decisions are seldom easy.

Shift your time horizon

You have already done much of the basic comparison legwork.

You really dig your company/product; the new gig would include a more difficult commute.

Maybe you should stay put!

Maybe smarter to go!

Now attempt to reframe the decision with a longer time horizon.

Think about what you want ten, twenty years from now.

If staying in the area is a top priority, that may put certain limits on your career options.

(Thats the potential sacrifice.)

I know this sounds like a bummer, but its just a thought exercise.

I encourage you to lean into it: Think reallyexpansivelyabout what you might regret.

The decisions you made, the decisions you didnt make, all of it.

What if the move was just for a few years?

How strongly does she really feel about that?

How strongly doyoureally feel about it?

None of this is fun.

(Note that I didnt say eliminate.

Spoiler alert: We are all going to have some regrets.)

To me, it seems most logical to take the new gig.

Accept the longer commute, pick some new skills, and keep open to whatever might come next.

Obviously youll have to weigh that against your own long term goals, and potential future regrets.

Just keep reminding yourself that coming to a career crossroads isnt such a bad thing.

It may be a real opportunity.