I think it depends on what your priorities are.

Do you think you're going to have time between school and taking care of your son to have much of a social life? (When I was in grad school, I worked 20+ hours/week and was at the library every weekend from 11am/12pm until 11pm/midnight. Of course, maybe your program won't require that.) If not, then does it really matter if you don't live in a super fun place?

Do you think you could save a lot of money while there? If so, you could just suck it up, save money, finish the course (could you go in the summer to finish more quickly?), and move to wherever you want. Also, if you move and you absolutely 100% hate hate hate it, just finish the semester/year and move early.

(My first semester of grad school I had a tiny panic where I was asking myself what the fuck possessed me to think I could make it in grad school. I promised myself I would finish the semester and then decide what to do. And each semester got easier after that...)

Knowing you, this is already in the forefront of your mind, but what would be best for your son?

Look at that first, then weigh what’s best for you.

I can see your hesitation. I’m not sure I could up and move to a town that small. And if you had such a hard time, I can see not wanting to bring your son there…

Shorty said:

Not all small towns are created equal. I have certainly visited small towns I found to be quite liberal and charming.

I grew up in a fairly small suburb and even if I inherited the coolest house on the planet I’d never consider going back to live there. And it’s a big old DRAG to have to travel for any amount of time to get to where you really want to be.

TheVoid said:

Mate, I currently live in a tiny, clostrophobically colloquial village next to the sea, just like where Erin's surely destined to end up. Only she'll have the cunting weather. Sunny days make everything better. Unfortunately, we've only ever had four in Scotland. And none in my lifetime. Still, I'm a happy-go-lucky bastard of a cunt. That's what I'm trying to say. Your siurroundings are an illusion, or more correctly, a delusion. Self-projected too! You can feel the warmth off my posts I'm sure. Happy, happy, happy.

The path of least resistance.....often leads 2 a DEAD end.

Shorty said:

Not all small towns are created equal. I have certainly visited small towns I found to be quite liberal and charming.

I grew up in a fairly small suburb and even if I inherited the coolest house on the planet I’d never consider going back to live there. And it’s a big old DRAG to have to travel for any amount of time to get to where you really want to be.

I would go on chat roulette and see if you bump into any cute dudes from that area. Then base your decision on that.

:nexted:

Bottom line: will you be closer to or further away from me?

Graycap23 said:

I'm too stupid to know what you mean by this.

A free ride while you attend school?

One word: go.

Do it to get through school...you'll need the help. Then once you're all set you can move again.

Out of curiosity, what town is it?

JustErin said:

She who compromises their own principles.....live 2 REGRET it.

Genesia said:

I don't think she's logged on so I hope that means she's packing.

Erin, if you end up hating it, you really only have to give it the 2 years. And most of your time will probably be taken up with your son, family and studies anyway.

Erin, I sympathize to some degree. If circumstances were such that I'd face a move back to Cleveland, it'd throw my world into MAJOR personal crisis. Aside from a decent art museum, zoo and orchestra, that dying town bears little more than achy history to me. Still, we're talking just 2 years in a place with which you're already familiar, where your son will have built-in playmates, where you will study and live with minimal financial burden, where you'll be the new hot girl in town... and it's on the ocean, where I can come crash if I ever visit the Maritimes!!!

Go.

And if you don't like it, return to Ottawa when you're out of school. Simple as that.
[Edited 4/20/10 11:55am]

Ya, I have to keep telling myself that I am not the same person I was 15+ years ago.
[Edited 4/20/10 14:01pm]

Cons are:
-Past experiences, I do not look back at that city with any fond memories.

Knowing you, this is already in the forefront of your mind, but what would be best for your son?

Look at that first, then weigh what’s best for you.

I can see your hesitation. I’m not sure I could up and move to a town that small. And if you had such a hard time, I can see not wanting to bring your son there…

CarrieMpls said:

OMG THATS SMALL TO YOU!!! I grew up in a town of 4000 people and that was a decent sized town

JustErin said:

Bet they have forgiven you