Move to another country and give up career (M29) for GF (28F)?
My girlfriend is Norwegian and lives here with me in the UK. She moved here to study and we met. When she was due to go back she decided to stay and move in with me. I then bought a flat for us to live in together. She’s always had a desire to return to Norway, and is now saying we need to make the move. We’ve been together for 7 years.
I would have moved years ago, but now I’ve built up my career to a decent point where I’ve got expertise and can make some good money. I enjoy the work, I won’t be able to get a similar job in Norway, and prospects seem pretty bleak for me there. I’ll probably have to work as a shop assistant, waiter, barista etc for a couple of years as I don’t speak the language. This would be a huge step back for me professionally and at an age where I don’t want that to be happening.
Important to note she also hasn’t got a job offer in Norway, but her job prospects here haven’t been the best either. She works for the probation service full time, but it’s minimum wage. She can’t get an interview elsewhere.
Another thing - my father passed away a few years ago, which has left my Mum living by herself. None of my siblings live close. I’d feel immense guilt if I moved to another country. My girlfriend’s father is an expat working in Dubai, and her mother lives with him, so we wouldn’t even have family support in Norway.
I’m not sure how to navigate this as whenever we discuss it she gets upset, thinks I’ve already made my mind up etc. I feel as if I’m throwing away financial stability, a career and abandoning my widowed mum.
Other than the above, I appreciate the quality of life in Norway well exceeds the UK and if we want to start a family it’d be far easier there. I wouldn’t be leaving a massive friend group behind etc.
Need advice.
Posted May 7, 2025, 2:44 PM UTC