Making financial decisions, especially those intertwined with family dynamics, can often lead to significant changes, and for some, it means moving across the country or changing jobs. This is precisely what Kim Guillois, an occupational therapist and mother of two, experienced when she and her husband, Max, decided to relocate from Texas to Massachusetts. The couple made this move not only to improve their living situation but to be nearer to family, which, as many parents know, can be invaluable for childcare and support.
Kim and Max initially settled down in Houston, where life seemed perfectly fine. They enjoyed the sunny weather and the vibrant community, making long-lasting friendships during their six years there. For Kim, who pursued her graduate degree in occupational therapy, Texas was financially manageable. The salaries for graduate degree holders were favorable, and she received the added bonus of in-state tuition. But all of this changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, compelling them to rethink their situation.
After welcoming their son Theo during the pandemic, Kim felt the weight of isolation. Friends moved away, and without family nearby, the couple struggled with childcare. Like many parents, they found themselves juggling work and home life under stressful conditions. “Theo was enrolled in day care, but it cost us $1,300 each month and kept closing due to health scares,” expressed Kim. Traveling to see family involved hours of flying and using their scant vacation days, something they were not willing to continue.
With Max's job allowing for remote work, they began contemplating where to live next. Initially, they considered places on the northeast coast but realized the importance of being closer to their families. They eventually decided on Massachusetts, which, they assumed, would provide them with the family support they desperately needed. Still, the move came with substantial financial trade-offs, which included living costs and career shifts.
Relocates often face hard financial calculations. Massachusetts has higher property costs compared to Texas, where the couple’s house was half the price of what they found near Boston. Kim noted, “We loved our small starter home, but for the same price we could have had much more space, like a pool, courts, and other amenities back in Texas.” But as they weighed the benefits of home, they took the plunge. The couple bought their new home sight-unseen by offering $50,000 over the asking price, relying on family to check it out, and waived inspections amid low interest rates.
Financial stress took another turn when Kim faced the harsh reality of her salary. Despite working the same role, her pay dropped by 20% after the move, which did not sit well with her. The healthcare sector’s pay rates are lower overall in Massachusetts due to high competition, and she transitioned from pediatric care to early intervention services. Meanwhile, the day care for Theo rose dramatically to $2,200 monthly, only compounding their financial adjustments.
While initially displeased about her job change, Kim started to discover the silver lining. “The quality of education here is superb,” she remarked. “Plus, being so close to my family means my parents and siblings help out with childcare.” This help proved invaluable when Max traveled for work or family visits to France, allowing Kim to retain some semblance of balance amid the chaos.
Now, instead of worrying about babysitters costing $30 per hour, Kim's parents actively help, picking up Theo for activities almost every week. This shift has significantly decreased childcare costs and alleviated pressure off Kim and Max, allowing them to enjoy date nights or grab some well-deserved time for themselves.
While Kim’s career was temporarily sidelined due to the move, she recognizes its lasting benefits for their family dynamics. Despite feeling financially vulnerable at times from the pay cut, she appreciates how close her children are to their grandparents and how they won’t need reintroductions at family gatherings. This levels the playing field on making memories, strengthening familial bonds, and having trusted hands around when emergencies arise.
Families making those hard financial choices must balance the cost of living, job satisfaction, and family supports. For Kim and Max, the sacrifices they've made have proven more than worthwhile. Their story is emblematic of countless families weighing their options as they strive for support systems and financial health.
Similar themes echo across different households. The pandemic disrupted work, childcare availability, and much more across the globe, forcing many families to rethink their work-life balance and living situations. Some prioritized moving closer to family to pick up the slack when childcare issues arose, allowing parents to focus on their careers without missing out on family bonding. How families navigate these dynamics may largely dictate their overall well-being and success, proving once again the adage, "It takes a village".
Financial decisions are often tangled with emotional and familial perspectives, and these narratives stop being just about numbers on paychecks and become more about family stories, chronicles, and memories being made. Kim and Max's experience reminds us of the importance of community, family, and the choices parents will make – sometimes at the cost of their own career advancements – to enrich their children's lives.
Despite the challenges they’ve faced, both Kim and Max strike the right chord balancing work, home, and family life. They haven't just moved to another state; they've structured their lives around supportive family relationships, showing us all how the most challenging adjustments can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
