Taking a position I don't love in a city I want to move to

[Anonymous]

As a fed, does it make sense to take a position in a city I want to move to and the agency I wish to be in but not in the position I prefer to be in? This agency rarely has openings in the city I want to move to and it seems it would make sense to at least take this position which I think I will find reasonably enjoyable in the hopes of applying to and maybe having a better chance of moving into a position I really want in the same office when one opens up.

[Anonymous]

Yes, that sounds great. I don't see any reason not to do it. "Reasonably enjoyable" doesn't sound terrible and if everything else is in place, then I say go for it. But, are you sure there is movement within the agency? You mentioned that they rarely have positions. Does this mean that you will be stuck in this position for a while? I'd consider those angles.

[Anonymous]

If you're going to be happier in that city, and the job isn't as important to you, then do it.

We moved to DC to take fabulous jobs and open ourselves to the amazing career opportunities here, without realizing just how much our surroundings matter to us. We're planning to leave our amazing jobs and head back home this year to less exciting careers. I think we'll be a lot happier.

But everyone is different, and it's worth thinking hard about what really makes YOU tick before making a tradeoff like that.

[Anonymous]

it's worth thinking hard about what really makes YOU tick before making a tradeoff like that.

this is critical. What makes you tick, in order of descending importance?

for example, at this point, I personally would wash cars (or dogs) 8-5 if it meant I could move back to the Pacific Northwest. I realize a lot of people would find that abhorrent. What's your main driver???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

it's worth thinking hard about what really makes YOU tick before making a tradeoff like that.

this is critical. What makes you tick, in order of descending importance?

for example, at this point, I personally would wash cars (or dogs) 8-5 if it meant I could move back to the Pacific Northwest. I realize a lot of people would find that abhorrent. What's your main driver???

My career matters in that I want to make a difference, but I also want to have a good quality of life outside of work, preferably in a city less career obsessed than DC. So I want to move to a city where focus is less on advancement and more on non-work life.

[Anonymous]

How has this turned out for you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

it's worth thinking hard about what really makes YOU tick before making a tradeoff like that.

this is critical. What makes you tick, in order of descending importance?

for example, at this point, I personally would wash cars (or dogs) 8-5 if it meant I could move back to the Pacific Northwest. I realize a lot of people would find that abhorrent. What's your main driver???

You realize Seattle is the nation's #1 job market, right? What are you waiting for?

[Anonymous]

Also consider why you are moving to the preferred city. If it is for someone else's benefit (spouse, S.O.), then yes, go ahead and take it. If it is for more personal reasons I'd consider also the reasons why there is so limited upward mobility into the job you want. Are you setting yourself up for a very long wait, or another job change down the road to another employer in the preferred city. Just pts to consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you're going to be happier in that city, and the job isn't as important to you, then do it.

We moved to DC to take fabulous jobs and open ourselves to the amazing career opportunities here, without realizing just how much our surroundings matter to us. We're planning to leave our amazing jobs and head back home this year to less exciting careers. I think we'll be a lot happier.

But everyone is different, and it's worth thinking hard about what really makes YOU tick before making a tradeoff like that.

Curious. What is it you dislike about DC?

[Anonymous]

Just realized this was posted years ago. Hope you found your way OP.