Last week I wrote a post about a great opportunity that had been presented to Graham. A big, fat, juicy carrot was dangled in front of us and we just sat there, our mouths gaping open, ready to eat that sucker.
Except it turned out that the carrot wasn’t so much fat and juicy and brimming with beta carotene. It ended up being deformed, sad and pathetic and maybe looking a little bit twisted and yellow with dirt all over it.
How’s that for a metaphor?
After doing the real math, we figured out that after taxes and other associated expenses, we’d only be up about $200 bucks a week. And that wonderful husband of mine came through again by proclaiming that yes, Internet, I am a wife who is worth more than $200 bucks a week. Yay me.
We celebrated our decision to step back from the brink by touring about a dozen model homes in the area that we can’t afford. At least, can’t afford yet. Visiting those awesome new houses was a fun distraction, though, and it gave us a goal to work toward.
We’re going back to work at the restaurant next week, and plan to throw every extra penny we earn onto our existing debt so that maybe in a year or so we can afford a new house with room to grow, a place to settle into.
I’m really very relieved that I won’t be spending the next eight or nine months alone here in the house. I’m grateful that Graham will be here in the house with me where we can high-five our combined efforts every day instead of sending each other text messages about them. Sometimes it’s okay to pass up an opportunity…especially when you’re not 100% sure it’s the right thing to do.
(Thanks so much, everyone who requested the password to my protected post. Your words of advice and support mean a lot to me.)
So lame.
Math, that is.
Backpacking Dad’s last blog post..It was an honour just to be nominated
Hey, I was just going to write a comment about the old post. I’m kinda behind the times here…
Good for you for looking at this with a rational eye (and math!). It is so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of, “more money!!!” Sometimes it’s hard to sit down calmly and figure out if it’s actually worth it.
Also, good for you for considering it at all. I’ve been faced several times in the last two years with the same sort of possibility – except I’d only be three hours away, so I’d see my husband about once every week or two. And it’d be a significant increase in income, even after extra expenses. But I’ve turned it down every time because I don’t want to be away from him. Maybe now that we’re married and I feel more secure about our relationship, if it’s offered again it might be easier to consider it… but so far, my answer would be, “no thanks”
(I should also point out, however, that the job would involve not just an office environment that I don’t like, but also “Bruce County” + “winter driving”, a combination that gives me nightmares!)
Keep on truckin’. You guys are going to be just fine!
Melamalie’s last blog post..Drifting
A decision that big has to be looked at openly, with all pros and cons (and math) weighed in. Sounds like, in the end, you made the right decision.’
I’m glad you’re past that and can now focus on the future!
mamatulip’s last blog post..How a blueberry bagel sent me over the edge
Whew!
I give you a lot of credit for working it through.
I hate it when the initial promise of something seems so good and then turns out to be weak…but I’ve realized that, in many cases, when something like that doesn’t work out it can be because we are meant to do something else.
I like the new plan too.
blackbird’s last blog post..flock
Sounds like you guys made the right decision!
Kyla’s last blog post..For your next self-pitying engagement, might I suggest the World’s Tiniest Violins?
Oh dear – apparently I should have read this post first. Sorry about the “opportunity” but hoping something better comes along for you both!
b*babbler’s last blog post..First day…
Most of the joys of life don’t require lots of money. I’m glad that you two will be together. There’s nothing more important for your relationship. I’m realizing it’s the little things that money can’t buy that are really important.
Hugs!!
Traceytreasure’s last blog post..Trip To The Zoo
I’m glad that you are solid and happy with your decision (for my own selfish reasons – heh). Based on your reasons, I think you made the right decision.
motherbumper’s last blog post..KEGGER!
A wise decsion. The Mister was recently offered a contract that would make him more money (which wouldn’t be hard considering how little he makes) but they also wanted him to go up to the artic for long periods of time. This is something his Dad used to do. He said that he would rather not leave his wife and have his child not know who he is when he returns home (which is what his Dad did). Yay me! Money, schmoney!
melanie’s last blog post..21 weeks old
That is nice that you two will be together. Other opportunities will come a knockin’!
Kolleen Brunton’s last blog post..Juggling
Yeah, some carrots just AREN’T worth the “dirt,” if you follow my meaning.
Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)’s last blog post..Show Me? Project Day 1