Whenever a job opportunity opens at a distant location, a factor that may be taken into consideration is the climate. Not just the organizational climate on the job, but the climate outside. Maybe it isn't so much of a concern for the potential employee, but it sure can be for the family -- like when the opportunity is in Minnesota or Alaska but the spouse hails from Louisiana or Arizona, there could be misery at home! But liking or disliking the prevailing weather is just part of the story. What about prevalence of bad weather events or other natural disaster? How much of the job is outside and how much is inside? And just because one works in an office setting doesn't mean the environment is not a factor.

My experience in organizations where members are forced to move routinely, is that climate factors can weigh very heavily and locations can be separated into 'preferred' and, well, 'not preferred.' To what extent does this knowledge weigh on the minds of those at preferred or non-preferred locations? Or in making moves with career implications?