Help me make a life-changing decision

[Pig Pen]

Here's the story. Both DH and I are fed up with the cold and dreary northern winters. We just sold our house at a hefty profit and are renting a condo until we get up the nerve to pull up roots and move back to Florida. We are 40 something & empty-nesters. We both have good jobs, not a lot of money, but good benefits and very secure. I am a secretary by trade (current position title is legal assistant but I have little legal training). DH works for the Buildings and Maint dept for state gov't.

Some people think we are crazy to consider giving up our "retirements" and benefits to move to Fl where we would probably have to settle for lower paying jobs, but we could pay cash for a home and maybe be happier.

I would go tomorrow except both of our kids live nearby and we would miss them terribly. I tell my daughter that Jet Blue is only $79 one way!

Both of our parents are retired in Florida so we would have family nearby. We have lived in Florida before so we know what we are getting into. In fact we went to school there so probably would be able to connect with alot of old friends.

And then there's DISNEY.

Anyway, any opinions or suggestions on what I should do with my life?

 

[Pooh67_68]

I would go, that being said follow your heart.

 

[Laura]

Sounds like you listed a lot more pros than cons, so I would go. It also sounds like it's what you really want. I'm sure you'll think on it. Like you said--you're not exactly entering into the unknown.

 

[faithinkarma]

" FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY "

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sounds like you are going to do it, just a question of when. I might just start "looking" into it as far as jobs, places to live etc. That might help you on the when.

 

[browneyes]

I say go for it. I wish I had the opportunity to pick up roots and move.

 

[Pop Daddy]

dont give up your benifits and retirement for hot weather, stay and enjoy the romantic winters up north

 

[Tiggeroo]

Since you're empty nesters could you take the money and buy two small condos. One here one there? I would not want to live far away from my kids and grandkids/future. Take lots of vacations. Spend more and more time down south. Get to the point where you will get most of your pension money. If you are able, make sure at least one of you can get a comparable job down south.

 

[nyfinfan]

Are Grandkids on the Horizon? That might be a consideration.

 

[GeorgeG]

It sounds like you'd be happier in Florida.

I'll be retiring and moving there in a couple of years and I'm confident we'll see the kids as more than we do now, especially in the winter.

I'm not sure about Vermont, but the Florida lifestyle will surely be slower-paced than here in New York and the quality of life should be better. Being able to pay cash for a house or condo further simplifies things.

It's not going to be an easy decision for you, but as others have mentioned, it seems you're already leaning towards the move.

I wish you the best with whatever you decide.

 

[wdisneelvr]

We are doing just that and are moving at the end of this month, yippeeeee!!!!

All my family live in Michigan, including my DD (23) and my Mom.

Two years ago DH had a chance to move to NC and we wanted to get out of the cold. I have lived in Mi all my life and it was time to move. Although we have enjoyed living on the coast here in NC, my hubby was offered a better position in Orlando. We couldn't turn it down so off we go!

I tell my family to hop a plane if they want to visit. Now that my kids are raised it's my turn to have fun.

I just wanted you to know it's ok to go forward with your life, and make future plans for both you and your DH.

Happy trails!

 

[Ellester]

Having lived in Florida, I'm sure you know there is no state income tax. That will help your income level some (I still remember the shock of the first paycheck I got once I moved out of Florida for college. What is this HUGE chunk they are taking out of my check! I had never heard of state/local income tax!). Also, I think you may want to talk to a financial planner before paying cash for a home. There are many advantages to NOT tying up all your cash in your home (no interest deductions, reduced liquidity etc.). That said, it sounds like you have your heart set on it. I live in NC and my Dad still lives in FL, I see him about twice a year. Good luck with your decision!

~Ellen

 

[amid chaos]

Ohhh Vermont...we lived in Woodstock, I taught school in Pomfret before they lost their one room schoolhouses...I KNOW vermont winters. it's a tough call, especial with your children still there! Could you buy a vacation home first, so you could get a taste of being away from the kids befor eyou make your final decision?

 

[Lewski709]

Tough! Follow your heart. How far from retirement are you? Are your kids in a position they would have $$$ to visit/vice versa? I like the idea of buying a condo there and one where you are and splitting your stays, but realistically......will your type of jobs allow that?

 

[peg2001]

If it were me, and I was used to seeing my adult kids on a regular basis, and I had a good job with good benefits, I wouldn't even THINK about moving.

But you aren't me, and you should do what is best for you.

Peggy

 

[pattyT]

if you really want too!
You only live once - you aren't coming back to try it again -
if that is what you want to try - you have no reason not to give it a shot! worst case you come back!

You may take lesser paying jobs but they say that the cost of living is lower and hubby and I are going to buy a condo down their in a few years - as an investment - so we are watching the market and I am AMAZED at how much more you can get for your money ---our how much LESS money you can pay for what you 'need' But definately DON'T pay cash for it - invest the money to accrue interest - if it is a heavy profit then you will make good interest! Then pay a mortgage and take deductions on your taxes!

of course this is all just my opinion

heck I think the kids would love to have somewhere warm to vacation in the winter!

 

[msdznyduck]

I say go for it..........how many things have we put on hold til "a better time" or "we can afford it". Sometimes that never seems to happen, and we reget it later. I know I have. I am in my early 50's and regret not moving to FL when I had the opportunity many years ago. My life has changed alot since then, and now it is not possible. My oldest DS and his wife went to FL on their honeymoon, came back, and pulled up and moved there, they liked it so much. As much as I miss them, I know they have their own life, and we visit when we can (and gives an excuse to go to Disney, of course). Follow your heart, make your pro and con list and do what you feel is right for you and DH. The rest will fall into place.

 

[Kimberle]

I would stay, try it.

Put most of your stuff in storage where you are. Rent an apt or small condo in FL for a year. Take with you only what you really need.

After a year, if you're happy, then stay. Buy something, bring all your stuff down. If you're not, then it won't be to hard to move back.

Who knows, maybe your kids will join you in FL.

 

[moinab]

I would suggest taking a good, hard look at your finances and decide how little income you can get by on. Also, consider the loss of insurance benefits.

Leaving good jobs without having anything lined up is a risky proposition in this so-called economic recovery. DH was laid off recently and the job market here in the Jacksonville area is bleak. We're looking at Orlando, but it doesn't look that much better, at least for us. There may be more demand for your line of work.

My parents and most of my family are in Western MA. It is very hard for us to be so far away. My children see their grandparents only twice a year, at most. My step-father is chronically ill and can't travel. It is difficult and expensive for us to travel with two small children.

I don't mean to be a wet blanket. We moved here on a whim from MN two years ago, with no jobs or place to live lined up, and very little money. It was very difficult at first, but we've built a life for ourselves here, and we love living on the beach.

Have a good plan in writing, and know your bottom line. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Mom-to-3]

I think the biggest question revolves around grandchildren. Do you think you'll have any? Do you get along with the "mom"?

My mother and I have an antagonistic relationship so distance is good.

I have friends, however, who get along well with their mothers. There are so many times in a young mother's life when an extra pair of hands (that you can trust) is invaluable.

For instance, taking the new baby for a check-up while the 3-year-old is trying to talk to the doctor. Yes, a babysitter might be found but how much easier would it be (and more fun for the 3 y.o.) if Grandma and Grandpa kept the older one for 1/2 day while mom got herself and the baby ready, went to the doctor, dealt with shots and fussy baby, etc. And then if Grandma brought over a simple dinner? It would be heaven!

I think 2 small condos is a good idea. You will not enjoy 3 straight months of Florida summer!