im gonna have to agree with alot of people. fashion is a little over competitive for what it is. plus you said you will be losing a second paycheck but getting a 13% bump for you. research the cost of living in the bay area in relation to where your at now. can you live off of your paycheck you have now while in seattle so she can go to school at least? Personally thinking about the bigger picture i would stay there. you have the ability to get a masters from a great school inturn bumping your pay up substansialy over that 13%

good luck with your decision

 

You said it yourself - "my wife would like to go to fashion school in SF should we move." That's not "We are moving so my wife can go to fashion school." I'm not sure why people are making that any part of the issue. She's obviously got to find something to do if you make her quit her job and leave her family and friends, and it sounds like she has found a way to make the possible move an opportunity rather than a negative. Yeah, what a bitch lol

It doesn't seem that hard a choice. As you point out, any raise is in effect a pay cut. There are multiple reasons to stay, and not really any reasons to move. It's not you vs. your wife, it's about making your wife restart her life so you can take a pay cut. I don't know why you'd push for a move like that this early in your marriage. Or ever.

 

I think you should stay in Seattle and advance in your employment. If your wifes desire to work in fashion is not to reach the Gucci or Prada level and simply design coats, get her a sewing machine some books and money for materials. I imagine that Seattle much like where I live has many independent shops that put up work from individuals, maybe she can talk to them and have them sell her stuff for a percentage. Maybe even open up a shop of her own if she is really that into working in fashion for the amount of that college education. I went to school for video production and came to a conclusion that ultimately you need connections to get into the industry. The diploma itself was going to start you off being a "gopher" before you could do anything relevent with a video camera. I had friends that graduated and had to go find something else to study while acquiring another student loan. Best of luck in your decision.

 

You're going to move because your wife likes coats?

Oh boy. Good luck with that. I agree with louisville's comments very much.

 

you hit it spot on... i got a job opportunity that'll increase my pay (but not necessarily my future job growth, altho the potential still remains) in an area that costs more to live. she would go to fashion school (assuming she got in). if we don't move, i would take course at stanford online... and she would continue working or do something else (which has yet to be discussed).

i'm not pushing one way or the other... i'm just trying to get perspectives and point of views that i might have missed. everyones insight that has been provided has been read and digested, and i am grateful for everyones time they spent to read, think, and respond.

 

my gf graduated from a fashion school (otis) and is a designer for st john knits.

it's hard work, long hours, stressful like none other, but she enjoys what she does. for example, she goes in at around 7am and leaves around 7pm on a fairly regular basis. it's longer when there's a new line due.

this might sound like i'm talking her up a bit, but she's very, very good and must have some sort of talent because she won a lot of awards and competitions when in school and even at st john.

there are a lot of coworkers that have been there for longer, have more experience, have seniority, have just as much drive, but just don't get recognized or moved up as much.. imo fashion has a lot to do with your natural ability and not only motivation.

if you're going to open your own line...... that is so hard i don't even know where to start.

i think i came off as being a little harsh, but my gf is really happy doing what she does, and she definitely says it was(is) worth it all.

i hope things work out with whatever decision you make

 

There are no fashion schools in Seattle?

I know you are married but think logically here bro. You have the opportunity to get a degree from Stanford all the while saving more money and living more luxuriously, and you are even considering throwing all that away so your wife can persue a career in FASHION? What is she gonna do with that? Work her ass off for nothing while dragging you down with her.

It's cool she wants to follow her dreams and all, but I think moving to SF would be a horrible idea.

Stay in Seattle.