[onewhippedpuppy]

At an interesting crossroads here, and as always appreciate the advice and feedback from the braintrust. A little history, my wife and I moved to Wichita with our then infant son in 2005 for me to finish college in Aerospace Engineering, with the intent of staying put based on the strong local aerospace industry. In the meantime I finished school, we had two more kids, and the local aerospace industry tanked in 2008 and never really recovered.

Professionally I haven't been on a great path since I was laid off from an aircraft OEM in 2008 when they were acquired by a competitor. I'm sure some of you recall that saga, I received some great support and feedback from this forum during that difficult time. Since then I've built some great diverse experience but haven't really been in a role that has inspired any passion or played to my strengths. Current role is a again a good position from the standpoint of diversifying my resume, work/life balance, and very fair compensation, but with very little upward mobility and fairly mundane work. It has given me the ability to finish my MBA, which will be done in the spring. Long story short, personally speaking I would relocate in a heartbeat for a position that is more aligned with my strengths/interests and that would present the opportunity to advance.

Personally has always been the obstacle, at least until now. Quick set up, kids are 8, 11, and 14, all doing well in school, sports, and socially. Oldest is starting high school this year. I like to say that Wichita is a small big town, many people were born here, grew up here, and now live in the same neighborhoods and send their kids to the same schools that they attended. In short, it's a hard place to move into and build close friendships, as many people are still running with the same crowd they grew up with. We have many casual friends, but few that are really close. My wife and I have another couple that we are very close friends with, and have been for 10 years. We just found out last night that they have chosen to send their son to another high school for a number of academic, social, and athletic reasons that could constitute another thread. They are concerns that my wife and I 100% share and have been discussing for months, and that my son has shared on his own accord as we have tried very hard to not jade him. The situation overall has been a real shock to all of us, and led my wife and I to have some "what are we doing" type conversations. The oldest is athletic, smart, good looking, popular, but reserved, he was our biggest concern with regards to relocation. But if he starts thinking in that direction, I'm going to be hard pressed to simply move schools in Wichita.

This is just me talking at this point, I'd like perspective from those who have been there, done that. My 11 year old is super social and outgoing, she would make friends in about 2 seconds. Same goes for my 8 year old, probably even more so. Oldest son plays football, daughter is a gymnast, youngest plays baseball/football/basketball, so all would have great venues to quickly make friends. I can write an abundance of pros/cons to both sides, and am partially having a hard time distinguishing what is real and what is false. Sorry for the long winded post, this is really weighing on us right now.