1- As for family and history being the big tie to the town.....That is huge. Definitely a good reason to stay put. I live over 1000 miles from my closest relative and I would probably change that if I could. I would say that is a pro for staying.
2- You have to work on detaching your security to money. First, you will be seen by others as you are. Do you think that being attached to money would actually provide your wife with a few of you that includes security? Probably not. In her eyes she would probably see you as attached more to money than her or the family. I know, hard concept to grasp but money isn't the root of your security in her eyes....You are the route to her security.
3- You don't want to travel for work....Pro for staying.
4- Oh the magic eight ball of "If I take this job, it may eventually lead somewhere"....We don't predict the future, we live the present. Pro for staying....just cause-I moved for a lower paying job on precept that once I was licensed I would get a 20% raise....I got my license...No raise. Conclusion-The future is unpredictable...Don't gamble on it.
5- I think she stays because her family and friends provide a security net for her...a BIG pro for staying as the should provide the same to you IF you opened yourself up to it.
6- Pro for staying....Where you are now keeps you at home with the kids. HUGE IN MY BOOK. But you need to find some balance.
7- Toss up here....You need more money without breaking the integrity of your family structure.
8- We will get back to this
9- Hmmm....specialized position. I know this issue well. Is there any way you can turn this into a business in your town? I know there is a lot of specialties within material testing spectrum.....But it sounds like you are doing compaction testing.
First, I love hospitality work for DB....It makes you socialize. The pay [censored], but the balance and socializing is worth the wage differential. I will challenge you B.....Your wife is home, so go out and apply (face to face) to 5 places that don't currently list job openings for a 8-16 hour position. Whatever it is...Line cook, bartender, waiter....No excuses.
