For me, the compensation package would have to be "an offer I couldn't refuse." When I was younger, if someone offered me a few thousand more a year, I would pack up the family and move cross country, and I did. Now that I am older, it would take a whole lot of money to make me consider that.

This is a decision only you can make. What is in it for you? How much better off will you be in two years if you do it? What about the housing situation, both here and there? Japan is an extremely expensive country to live in. Housing is almost impossible to afford, and even meals out are not cheap. If you own your home here, are you going to sell it? If so, will you be able to afford to buy a comparable home when you return? (From what I've seen, California is not a cheap place to buy a home, and in two years it could be worse)

The vette is the least of the issues, although us car guys don't see it that way. You can block it up and even put it in one of those plastic baggie things, two years is not horrible on a stored car if done right.

This move has to be something you REALLY want to do for you, and it has to make total economic sense, beyond the difference in yearly income. What is the company willing to do to compensate you for additional living costs, etc?

Also, what about family? I don't know your status there, but a single guy has it a lot easier than one in a relationship when it comes to doing something like this.

Lots of things to consider.

Don