Woman Wrestles With Guilt Over Moving Away From Close-Knit Family

After landing a dream job in Seattle, the author debated leaving her family in Los Angeles.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The author, who grew up in a close-knit immigrant family in Los Angeles, felt guilty about accepting a dream job in Seattle after college, as it meant moving far away from her parents and younger sister. While her parents encouraged her to pursue the opportunity, the author struggled with the decision, as she was leaving behind the small family unit she had always known. Eventually, the author decided to take the job in Seattle, but continued to grapple with feelings of guilt over leaving her family behind.

Why it matters

The story highlights the common dilemma many young adults face when deciding whether to pursue career opportunities that require moving away from their close-knit families. It explores the complex emotions involved, including guilt, and how individuals navigate balancing their personal and professional aspirations.

The details

After landing a dream job in Seattle following college, the author, who grew up in Los Angeles as the eldest daughter of an immigrant family, felt torn about accepting the position. While her parents encouraged her to take the opportunity, the author struggled with leaving behind the small, tight-knit family unit she had always known. Unlike many of her friends, the author felt a deep sense of guilt about potentially never living near her parents and younger sister again.

  • The author received her acceptance letter to a university in Los Angeles, allowing her to remain close to home during college.
  • By the end of the author's degree, she landed a dream job in Seattle.

The players

The Author

The protagonist, who grew up in the suburbs of southern California as the eldest daughter of an immigrant family.

The Author's Parents

The author's immigrant parents, who encouraged her to pursue the job opportunity in Seattle, even though it meant she would be living far away from the family.

The Author's Younger Sister

The author's younger sibling, with whom she was very close, spending time together in their childhood home in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“The flight is not too far," my mom said, "but we will miss you.”

— The Author's Mother (dnyuz.com)

“She needed to make her own decisions on what she thought was best for her life, but I did secretly cry about it. I made sure your mother never saw because I did not want it to influence her decision.”

— The Author's Grandmother (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

The author continued to grapple with feelings of guilt over leaving her family behind, but ultimately decided to move to Seattle for the dream job opportunity. She focused on maintaining close connections with her family through regular phone calls and planned trips back home.

The takeaway

The story highlights the complex emotions and difficult decisions young adults often face when pursuing career opportunities that require moving away from their close-knit families. While the author initially felt deep guilt, she ultimately realized that support can transcend location, and that she needed to make the decision she felt was best for her own life and future.