Looking for some advice about what's a good next step for me. I'm currently in a field I love, in a job I like but which offers very little room for advancement. I've managed to wrangle two raises in four years, but the COLAs don't match inflation, and with new financial management coming in, I suspect the opportunities to negotiate raises will be limited in the future (we are already down 1.5 positions and have had two position reclassifications denied).
I interviewed for a job in this same field, and just heard that my references were contacted, which I think is a good sign. This job would not be a significant pay increase, but the opportunities for promotions and future pay increases are much better, as is the overall benefits package. The major downside is my commute would go from 45 minutes/day to almost 2 hours/day.
Additionally, we love our current neighborhood, which is very walkable, is near friends, social activities, and services like car shops, a hardware store with DIY classes, and health stuff. For reference, our city overall has a "walkability" score of 66 but our neighborhood an 83; the area of the new job would be at most a 28, and would only have a slightly lowered cost-of-living.
I'm seeing three options, but am open to other suggestions as well as feedback:
First, stay in my current job with my current commute. Keeps expenses minimized but might limit future earnings (at least in short- to medium- term).
Second, accept new job and extend my commute, with all the associated costs, financial and other. Improved future earnings and probable greater happiness overall.
Third, accept new job and relocate closer to that position. This would keep my commute from being extensive, but would increase my partner's commute and reduce the quality of our non-work lives. It's possible he could transfer to an office close to my new job in 12-18 months, which would neutralize the commute, but still leaves the neighborhood issues.
The basic/immediate issue is, should I trade a good neighborhood/commute for a better work situation? Thoughts? Questions?