I'm just curious to get the GWJ vote on where I should head next. I'm in one of those periods where I reflect on my current situation and the next step that I should take.

Her visa runs out in February, and she would like to move closer to home, so that's a big factor in having us move over the pond. But that creates its own problems (visas, employment, etc.).

I like DC, but not really enough to stay here for much longer. February will be just shy of two years, and that seems long enough for me. The only thing that might change that is getting a job within the government. I feel like I should do that for the first-hand experience that I can carry with me for the rest of my career. But she's not thrilled to stay, really, based on her boss (rabid) and the distance from home (5000+ miles).

I'd like to go back to the UK for a doctorate in History, but overseas fees are ridiculously high, so it might be better for me to move there for three years, get 'Home' student status, and take the £6,000/year cut in fees.

So, any thoughts?

Wow. We could almost be brothers. 8/

Nothing will serve you as well, IMHO, as living abroad. The perspective that gives you will be a boon for the rest of your life, even if you don't stay abroad.
Marrying isn't a decision best reached by concensus. I realize you made the question in jest, but that's a decision that can only be made by you. Not you and her, just you. When you're ready, you'll know it, and you won't need a vote. Then you just have to check in with her to see if she's ready (or past-ready, or so-ready-but-waiting-on-your-commitmentphobic-ass, or...).
The UK's job market is pretty different than US (I'm assuming you're American, for some reason), so if your in a specialized field you should obviously check that out pretty carefully. Income has a tendency to be lower, and cost of living higher (but remember that living abroad advice above!)
Ireland's economy isn't as strong as the UK's, making it a tougher job market. Unless you're a tour guide or a jockey, in which case you should be in good shape. And you can always jump on a ferry from Cornwall and visit Ireland for the weekend.

I can't agree more. Spent a year at Cambridge during my undergrad and did my Master's in European Politics at the LSE in London. I'd like to go back, but on one hand, I've already lived there and loved it. Maybe its time for somewhere new. But then again, I have the credentials that will count for something in the UK, and I can travel extensively from there.

Ireland's very active in the EU, though, so I would figure there would be some work there for someone like me. I'm working in Asian affairs at the moment, and want to shift back to European work before I'm too far into the mire and become an old, jaded China hand.

I think I could fairly easily translate my work experience into a government affairs consultancy or for an NGO in either the UK or Ireland. Earning money in pounds or euros would help in general, as most of my college debts are in dollars, as well. That would be using the exchange rate in my favor.

Thank you for your help, oh Magical Talking Frog. Your wisdom is only surpassed by the beauty of your lovely dance.

Man, it's been TOO long since I've seen a TTIWWP reference. Good one, Edwin. Seconded.

Dude, do you really want a bunch of strangers to make the biggest decision in your life for you? I can see it now.

Haakon: Baby, I think it's over.
Lady: But Haakon, you said you loved me.
Haakon: I know baby, but 43% of the voters on Gamers With Jobs advised me to break it off.
Lady: Come again!?
Haakon: Its the democratic way. You understand don't you?

As if I'm going to actually take the advice?

Like Jakob pointed out, its mostly in jest. Just another sounding board to get a third opinion. She and I have talked about the career side of it, but haven't really mentioned marriage.

Well, part of this indecision has come about from me not knowing where I stand at my current job. We were supposed to have our annual reviews in January/February, until it was decided by our Pres that we needed to wait until a big funding project (Taiwan FTA-related) came through. That's not through yet, but the boss told me today that he and I will sit down next week and have a review regardless.

So if he offers any help with placement after this, it might narrow my options. If I get no help at all, it may affect the timeline or the course of it.

Regardless, it means that I really need to finish my own evaluation and know where I stand when I go into the meeting next week. So far, I only know that I have no desire to spend the next few years tied up here. The lady and I will have to have further discussions in the upcoming week.

The lady and I both liked the Ireland idea. Close enough for her to go home for the weekend if she wanted, but its still a new place for both of us. Don't know how well she would be received though... being English and all.

So I got a promotion today. Not a big jump, and it was assumed that I would be taking the job, so it wasn't exactly a surprise. But its a good step forward. One less thing to worry about, and an 11% raise. (Though 11% of very little is not much more.)

So, my opinion is that now's the time for me start putting out feelers for the next step. I'm going to toss an email out to a UK consultancy that has both a Sport and a Rural affairs specialization. Both are sectors that I'd love to work in, so maybe that will lead on to something else. Regardless, it would be good to get some advice about how consultancies in the UK work, and what the environment is like.
I figure I send a few more letters out and start scouring for possible openings, and maybe the road will lead on from there.

So, I'm engaged now.

Short version: I stole her away from work early on Friday, and we headed here: http://www.laubergeprovencale.com
A bit of southern France in the Shenandoah River valley. If any of you are out that way, I highly recommend it. The hosts and setting were perfect, the rooms were spectacular, and the food was very, very good.

Proposed before dinner, and spent the evening trying to bring my heart rate down. I was only slightly less nervous when calling her Dad earlier in the week. I may post a picture or two of the ring, if anyone cares.

We've not decided on a date or venue yet. That's all still in the works. The rough plan is to have the wedding in the UK as her grandparents & great aunt would have difficulties with the travel required, but, like I said, we haven't decided on anything as of yet.

So part of the poll above is useless, but the issue remains the same. Now we just have to figure out what our collective 'next step' is going to be.

(Just so you know, I couldn't justify polluting the forums with another 'So I'm engaged now' thread when I have this perfectly serviceable one right here waiting! No matter how much I want to be like Legion & Fed...)

Congrats, Haakon, that's awesome.

In commenting on a thread such as this, I always feel like I'm projecting what I'd want to do in the situation, which is not the same as what's best for you. Having said that, I'd moved over there in a heartbeat. Do it while you can, while you don't have kids or a job you love tying you down.

....

Sorry, I'm in a funny* mood.

*Depending one your interpretation, this could be 'amusing', 'odd' or 'fantastically rude'. Or any combination thereof.

Congratulations!

Now change that thread title, so the Goodjer community can flood you with well-meant advice and congratulations. Garuanteed ego boost!

Get your ass to Mars!
Get your ass to Mars!
Get your ass to Mars!