I need some input on possibly moving from Austin to Houston, please. My husband and I a long-time Austinites and we dearly love our city. But through a strange twist of fate, both of our jobs will be ending in the next year. And believe it or not, we do not work for the same company. We just got this news in recent days and we feel devastated.

We are seriously contemplating a move to Houston. I am told the Houston job market is hot for people in the oil & gas industry. That's what I do, and no such jobs exist in Austin. I am very sad and sick at the thought of leaving our beloved Austin, but the cost of living in Austin is high and I am not prepared to take a pay cut by going into another field. That is, if I can find another decent job in Austin.

Sorry to digress. If you ever moved from Austin to Houston, please tell me how you felt about it. I apologize to anyone who believes this is not travel related. Thanks.

P_M: I just wanted to wish you luck. My husband is also in the oil industry but on the financial side and he spends many weeks a year in Houston. While I can't help you with your dilemma, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you. Can you put out feelers before making a commitment to move?

Is your husband in the same business as you? A double-whammie - so sorry.

We live in Austin too and might be moving to Houston as well. I have found the housing prices to much more in Houston. Both in the city and the suburbs. So I think the cost of living is much higher there. My family lives in Houston (has been there for 30 + years) and they have always paid more for everything than I do here.

That being said, if my husband gets this job we will have to move there.

Anyway, not so much on the advice but I wanted to wish you luck as I think we are in the same boat!

Thank you both, I appreciate your kind thoughts. My husband is not in oil and gas, it's just a freaky coincidence that this is happening to both of us at once. It makes me think it's a sign from God that it's time to go somewhere else and make a fresh start.

MIM04, I hope your situation works for the best. My father also lives in Houston, so I am a frequent visitor to the city on both business and pleasure. Of course, there's a big difference between visiting and living there.

If anyone would like to speak with me off the board, please e-mail me at [email protected] and I can offer more details.

P_M, do you still have the option of moving with your existing company? I know you said it's a location you hate, but maybe you can get some feedback on the area, just in case.

Yes, that's still a possibility and my company really wants me to go there. I have given it more thought, but it would still mean leaving Austin and I'm not sure that city has job opportunites for my husband. I might post a question about that city on another thread. I just don't want to offend anyone who lives there by saying I dislike that city. So if I do re-post, I will leave out that part.

If you'd like to e-mail me, I'll give you the full scoop on what I do, where that other city is, and why I don't like it.

P_M, just wanted to let you know I've sent you a message.

Hi, P_M! So sorry about your job situation (and your husband's too). The timing of those 2 events is unbelievable -- but I guess it gives you both a fresh start.

As you know, I live in Houston, and we would always welcome another friendly face here. Yes, the two cities are very different, but each has its upside. You'll miss things about Austin, but you'll have more museums, theater, and sporting event opportunities in Houston. Not to mention DIRECT FLIGHTS to your travel destinations!

Best wishes and loads of luck directed your way in making your decision. Keep us informed about what you decide. I'm sure whatever you do and wherever you end up you'll be happy and successful.

Susan

Thanks, Susan. I have thought of the fact that Houston has better flight service than Austin, and that is indeed a selling point. There's a lot to think about, and my brain is overwhelmed. I'm trying to have faith that this is happening for a reason and maybe the universe is giving us a kick in the butt to tell us to do something different with our lives. I want to believe this is one of those things that seems devastating now, but someday I'll look back on it and say, "Thank God that happened." But that's a hard to think that way at this moment in time.

Well, P_M, the Universe kicked me in the butt 18 months ago and EVERYTHING in my life changed. Other than personal health issues, I faced every major life stressor/ transition on the list...and all were instigated in less than 2 weeks. I am just feeling like things are sorting back out, but this I know to be true -

I would have stayed in all the previous circumstances if I were making the decisions, sure that I could work things out.

My mentor told me sometimes God taps you on the shoulder to get your attention. If that doesn't work, then you get a nudge. Evidently, I needed to be hit by a MACK truck before he got my attention!

I do know that wonderful things have happened that I could not have foreseen or designed. It was hard just going along for the ride, but the ride has brought me to a better place for me.

I hope the same is true for you and hubby. I do like Austin better than Houston, but evidently something good is waiting for you in Houston.

TTT for P_M

Hi P_M,
I'm moving to Houston next month though not from Austin. I'm coming from South Louisiana.
It will be a BIG adjustment for me too. No more of Mom's rice and gravy...
I also work in the oil & gas industry. Mind if I ask exactly what type of field you are in? I mainly interact with the government on environmental issues. Maybe I can help? I know of a few companies looking for help...

Hi, memejw. Could you please e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll give you the full scoop. Thanks.

Hey P_M,
There's an email coming your way...

Hi PM, I did it the other way around. I started in Spring (close to the Woodlands) and moved to the Austin area after living there for 3 1/2 years. I enjoyed the Houston area when I was there (late 90's). I think you know already the big cons- humidity and traffic. I will say I met some wonderful people when I lived there. So many people in Houston are transplants- from other cities, states, and countries so it seems that people are welcoming because they have been in the same boat as you. Shopping is great, they have world class theatre and yes the airline service is really good- lots of non stop flights out of Bush. The feel is more big city as compared to Austin. The nice thing is Austin is still a weekend trip. I know that it is a little far, but still doable to see friends, listen to that great band, go to Zilker or whatever else. I hope that you guys are able to stay in this area but if not, I think Houston might be a good option.