Many years ago the Alaska was having trouble filling railroad vacancies. I had an opportunity to contract out to them as an Engineer. At the time, the signing bonus was significant. I can't remember if it was a 1 or 2 year contract. Wife and I discussed the deal, and I seriously considered it. However, the deal breaker for me was having to move up there for two years (or one?), and the wife staying behind. (Our daughter had just married.) Yes, she could have come up for an extended visit (a week or two using PTO) once/twice a year (her job was too lucrative to quit), but that would be a sucky way of living.
So... I continued to railroad regionally!
Sometimes I wonder "what if" on the Alaska deal... but I have no regrets. The right decision was made.
Had we been younger/newly married w/no children: No brainer. Alaska here we come.
