in decision

Peter has a job offer. After several months of poor communication/ no communication and endless delays, the town of Amherst has offered him the position of Town Lands Manager. Amherst, Massachusetts, that is. Where his father lives, in the valley where he grew up and where his mother still often resides. In the valley where we were engaged and whose hills adorn our wedding rings. In the Valley where we have always said, "we'll probably end up there some day." So the big question is: Is it Some Day yet?

We came to Concord for Peter's job, which was whisked from under his feet like a table cloth. We, like the wine glasses and china, are still standing, and doing quite well, actually. But if the sole reason for coming to this area no longer exists, is there any reason to stay?

Two practical reasons are that we own a HOUSE and I have a JOB. But this will always be the case. If we don't move now, does that mean that we will never move simply because of the immensity of our inertia? We aren't going to be more mobile as time moves on. Concord does have good qualities, we do have some friends, and we are plenty happy here. But it still, after all this time, doesn't quite feel right. We are continually projecting into the future when we will live Elsewhere.

There are many conditions that must be met in order for Peter to accept the job offer, salary and start time among them, so it is possible the job is an impossibility in any case. However, if they take the bait, then the question looms: Do we really want to move? Are we ready? Is it worth it?

S

o this evening we devised a little exercise to see which location is "better." First, we made a list of the most important criteria of a living location. Number of friends, proximity of family, affordability, access to cultural events, and quality of cafes, to name a few. There were 14 categories in all.

Then we each got 45 pennies (we had 50 to start, but then Josie stole ten). We had to distribute the pennies across the 14 categories according to importance to us. The more important factors got more pennies. You could put all of your pennies in one area if you wished, or none.

You following me?

Next, we took the combined pennies in each category (ex. if Peter gave "culture" three, and I gave it four, then "culture" got seven pennies total), and had to divide them between Amherst and Concord. In the culture category, Amherst got nearly all the pennies. Concord kept one because we do have an independent movie theater. Concord, swept all the pennies for "affordability." Partially because we are not tempted to spend our money on culture.

Finally, we added up all the pennies. Final score: Concord - 47, Amherst - 43. However, if you take out the "moving hassle" category, which is temporary and earned Concord 5 pts, Amherst comes out ahead. Barely.

The lesson? We are happy where we are. We could move... If they make it worth our while, or at least meet Peter half way. Tomorrow's conversation with the Town of Amherst will most likely decide our fate. In the mean time it's always good to take stock of what you have and where you are, and to accept that you are not "trapped," you chose this place, and it does, after all, in many ways, fit.