DEAR HARRIETTE: I was recently offered a job in New York City, where I live. It is a position at a very cool startup with young people like me. My partner, who lives and works in Austin, Texas, has just asked me to move in with him. I am having trouble deciding which path I should choose. On one hand, I would enjoy working for the startup, but I would hate being apart from my partner. On the other hand, if I moved to Austin, I would be happy living with him, but might not find a great job right away. Should love trump a career, or vice versa? -- Fork in the Road, New York City
DEAR FORK IN THE ROAD: Have you and your partner talked about long-term plans? You should consider moving to Austin based on what the two of you want for your life together. While you may not be ready to say you are ready for marriage, you should have some sense of shared goals before you make such a move. Further, many committed couples agree to long-distance relationships as they each build their careers. Is that easy? No, but it affords each of you time to pursue your work.
Shy of the long-distance route, you may want to apply to a few companies in Austin and see if you can find a job that will satisfy you. Don’t turn down the New York City job until you have fully thought the whole situation through and discussed it with your partner.