I am considering a new job in my field, better benefits and offering more experience (not sure it it will be offered to me yet), but in a town with my parents.My mother is socially isolated, in poor health, drinks, and is not emotionally available which breaks my heart. My father cares for her (lives in separate home) but is stressed himself and critical at times which stresses me out. The job would be a good career and salary move, but I wonder about my mental health and emotional stamina. I'm comfortable and Ok with where I live, and feel relatively secure, though lonely and I also worry about not moving on myself. I'm middle-aged and tired of trying to think of my parents first or worrying about them, as my personal life has passed me by. All I talk to are supportive of my move, but knowing myself and the issues I have with my parents, I'm afraid I'll be unhappy, burn out at my job, and/or spend all my time and money trying to avoid depression with therapy, and might not want to settle in this new town anyway in the long term. I do have trouble with personal boundaries, so geographic boundaries help me emotionally stay sane but it makes me feel I'm avoiding issues. I want to spend more meaningful time with my parents because avoiding them won't solve the problem but I have no significant other to ease/share/counter the stress. Is it worth the move? Any advice or thoughts on the matter would be appreciated.
Moving might give you a chance to resolve some long-standing issues. At the very least it may give you that satisfaction of knowing that you tried. Be realistic in your expectations and you are less likely to suffer severe disappointment.