Moving to graduate school with significant other

[CageFree]

Just a few thoughts:

 

Although several people have mentioned the job situation (your SO will have to find some type of work, which may be easier in or near a large city than a small, isolated college town), another factor to consider is social life. My partner and I moved six hours away (cross-state) from family and friends, which meant having to set up new social networks. As a grad student, you can build friendships with people in your program and others you meet through classes and extracurricular activities, but for your S/O this may mean that a) their social life will revolve around yours, or b ) they will have to make friends outside your circle, which largely depends on their ability to find work and the nature of the job itself.

 

My program is in a relatively isolated city, and the first year that we were here my partner was finishing a teaching certificate in a nearby small town. My entire social life revolves around grad school -- which means my poor STEM-trained partner has learned (through osmosis) more history in the past year than he did in 18 years of formal education.  Now that he has a job about half an hour away, he socializes more with people at his job site, but I don't really participate because they go do things after work, and I have to be here.

 

The good thing is that because he already has a graduate degree he understands the pressure I'm under. We don't argue over things like why I have so much grading to do or why I stay up late to read and write. Some partners (with or without a graduate education) will be very supportive, while others may not understand the grad school mentality and rhythm, and that may cause some strain as well... especially if your partner made sacrifices to move and acclimate to a new place.

Edited March 22, 2014 by CageFree

[NothingButTheRain]

Just to make a minor point - the whole "job" thing goes beyond employment.  It's more about finding something, anything to do.  Employment is usually a good option, especially for a household where one person is going through grad school.  But (especially with the job market they way it's been for the past while) it may be a good idea to seek out other areas to get involved in around the community.  Fire/EMS departments, school systems, community programs are great ways to occupy time, build connections, and get to know the area better (and may eventually lead to a job).