Letters to the Editor
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Life, Or Something Like It
This is what I'd like to say to the LW:
My dear, young man: You are only 27. While your feelings toward this woman are undoubtedly sincere, you have so much time to establish yourself and take opportunities when and where the doors open.
I think you'd be foolish not to take the job in Toronto. Listen to what you said (I paraphrase): "It would be a perfect fit, if only I didn't have a girlfriend." Thing is, you don't really know for how long she'd be your girlfriend (I'm not doubting her sincerity either--it's all about youth and the nature of relationships).
You are not married. That would, frankly, put a different spin on things. But, since you're not, she should understand that this is a rare opportunity, and you ought not to deprive yourself of finding out if it can boost your lifelong career.
You have no wife, no children. Again, you're only 27. This is not the time to make sacrifices that can affect your whole life. You have the freedom and opporunity to pursue your talents, interests, and skills. You can establish yourself that way first, make yourself more marketable, and then see about job opportunities where she's geographically located (if you two are still interested in each other).
By following through on your career goals, you can actually become a more responsible, reliable person. One who will make a good life partner, maybe husband, if that's what you'd like. A man who thinks things through without being impulsive, who is preparing himself for the long run (which, as stated, can include partner, spouse, children, whatever you'd like).
Stick to your career goals for now, and the rest will follow. You have so much time and golden opportunity--don't set yourself up for regrets and potentially blaming someone else for what might have been.
There are some who might think I'm a real fuddy-duddy for this "think with your head, not your heart" schpiel, but not many people get such an education, degrees, careers. It's clear that you're deterimined to follow a certain career path.
Think clearly. You have only one body, one head, one heart, one future. Use them wisely. Time is on your side.