<prompt> Human: Hi Personal Finance,tl;dr: I work for a small startup in the Bay Area. My partner is starting a 2-year graduate program in a lower cost of living area in the fall, so we will be living primarily off my income. I could work remotely at my current salary... but Im also interviewing for considerably higher paying jobs here. Would it make sense to commute back and forth 1-2 times a month? Whats the best financial strategy?Full story:We are a married couple that lives in the Bay Area. We both made around 70k last year, for a total gross of 140k. My partner will be leaving their job this summer and will be starting graduate school in September, taking a 80 pay cut 15k assistantship, reducing our total household income to around 85k if I remain at my current job.I work for a small startup in a niche role in the tech industry. The big upside is that I could stay with this role and work remotely and take my 70k salary to the lower cost of living area. The downside is that I dont feel secure, as the company is having financial issues. This is a key sticking point in the decision process.Im currently interviewing for roles similar to my current position in the Bay Area that pay 120-130k. Its unlikely that I could go full remote in these roles, but they will have certain career advantages beyond salary. Its unlikely I could find similar work at a similar salary in the new place.If I were to take a new role in the Bay Area we would need two homes and we would probably fly back and forth a couple times a month 300-500 rt. Our rent in the Bay Area is exceptionally cheap 1500mo 2bd as weve been here quite a while. We would probably sublet our current housing if we both move out of the area, since we may return after the program. We had planned to buy a house in the other city, where the cost of entry into the market is much lower, and then renting it out or possibly selling, depending on the market in 2 years. Rent is expensive, as its a college town with high turnover, so buying an affordable home seems compelling even on a short timeline. A roommate on either side is also a possibility to reduce costs.Options: Hold onto current job and work remotely and hope the startup doesnt go belly up. Find work in new low cost of living city, though it might pay less and move me into a different industry. Find work in the Bay Area and fly back and forth.What say ye reddit? Is it stupid to have a long distance relationship and pay two rents for 50k-60k more a year? Is it stupid to keep working my unstable startup job? Any input appreciated!  <response>: Part of the equation should be where you think you want to live when your spouse is finished with school. Another thing to consider is what lifestyle you want. I know this goes against what youll read most of the time here, but money isnt everything. Realistically, how emotionally comfortable are you and your spouse with the idea of living apart for 2 years? If the thought of being apart is making you miserable, thats really worth taking into account. If youre emotionally fine with the idea, and this is just a financial discussion AND you think youll want to return to where you live now anyway, you might as well stay put.Bottom line, look at your 3-5 year plan, and do what makes the most sense for that. 2 years will go quickly enough. 