Agonizing over Oregon

And agonizing is really the perfect way to describe this decision. Brandon was offered a job in Oregon over a week ago. We still haven't decided if we are going to move or not. We have put the physician off in just about every way possible. We've been hoping that a job in Poky which Brandon interviewed for 2 weeks ago would make an offer too, but no such luck. We decided today that we must have a decision made by tomorrow (okay, I know that isn't a real decision, but it's all we could decide today).

Pros:

• Great learning opportunity with a good physician
• Not completely horrible salary (we talked the physician up from the original offer) with malpractice insurance paid for, CME budget after the 1st year, 2 weeks paid vacation for the 1st year - 3 weeks after the 1st year, and possible salary increase after 6 month review.
• Will most likely qualify for federal student loan repayment (still checking on a couple things with this) which means that we could have our student loans completely paid off if we stay for 5 years.

Cons:

• Location, location, location. Basically, we would be living in the groin of Oregon. Yes, the groin.
• No mountains, just a few trees, longs winters, shorter growing season, no irrigation water in the area (which means it isn't green). Yes, just the big 'ol high desert of Oregon.
• Extremely small town. Nearest decent shoppinig for even basic supplies is over 2 hours away.
• Being so far away from family. Missing out on birthdays, holidays, weekly get togethers, you name it, we'll miss it. Being alone with just our little family.

When I think about the pros, to me it is a no brainer, we should go. When I think about the cons, all I want to do is stay in Poky. Been talking to a lot of people about it, most of them make me feel like we just need to suck it up and be grateful Brandon has been offered a good job with some good opportunities.

But we are still agonizing, just the same.