[MRM]

From the way you phrase the question I suspect your friend will never feel right about it if he passed up the oportunity. Financially I see lots of inflation in the near future. The inflation rate for the past 12 months is just over 7%. Historically that's astronomical and in recent history it's mind bogling. Last time it was that high was 1982. And we're just starting. I think this is a good time to get into an affordable house and lock in on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage. The SC market might fall more, but I don't think it's in a free fall for nice houses in a nice neighborhood with good schools. I have no idea what houses like that are going for, so I can't say whether he'll be able to afford it.

In straight dollars for the short term he'll probably come up short considering the cost of living, even if he gets a salary bump. But longer term he has to consider promotional oportunities and access to stock options, bonuses, etc.

If he balances potential career success against the cost on his personal life to succeed in that environment, I think it's a fool's bargain, but I understand why people chase that particular dream.