Last year I moved to another city for a significant salary increase. On paper, it was an obvious decision. Better company, better role, more money and stronger future opportunities. Professionally, it has worked exactly as expected.
Personally, I feel like my life became smaller. My parents are far away, my closest friends are elsewhere and weekends mostly involve recovering from work. I can afford more things now but have fewer people to do anything with. Going back would probably mean taking a career hit, so I feel stuck between two versions of a good life.
Has anyone ever taken a lower salary to move closer to family or friends? Did you regret it later?