Hi everyone!

I’m in my fourth year of an applied economics PhD (based in a business school), and I anticipate going on the market next year (F24/S25). Based in a top-tier R1 in the upper Midwest, USA.

Differing location preferences from a spouse is a problem for a relationship thread, probably, so my question is: how do you recommend navigating strong location preferences for a return to the East coast (DC, Philly, etc.)? Personally, I am open to jobs anywhere in a large city, but the optimal decision for the familial unit is the East coast.

My advisors have a sense of my love for DC, for example, but it’s not clear that I should be too straightforward with them until I see a few favorite jobs posted in the Fall. So I have mostly spent most of my time preparing the things I can (JMPs, other pubs) but would love to hear from others, especially econs.

Thanks!