You have made a great deal of sense in your rationalisation to stay put. I don't believe that your moving without $ or the security of a job to go to is in your best interests. If your friend choses to relocate, you can express your concerns but ultimately that is her choice to make.

I was in a similar situation about 12 months ago. I am separated, getting divorced and my long term job which had been great for 6.5 years was becoming unbearable (overwork and daily abuse and workplace bullying). All I could think of was packing up and moving away to get away from everything.

I saw a Psychologist for the last 3-4 months that I was there, about once a fortnight, who really helped me to understand the need to find another workplace, for my sanity and to give me breathing space to make rational and well thought out decisions. It took a few applications and a couple of months but with her help, I found an alternative job, with better pay and conditions, without having to relocate. I have been there since January and it HAS given me breathing space. I didn't have to move and most importantly it has allowed me to recover somewhat from the abuse I suffered at the previous place for 18 months.

Whilst relocating is definitely still on the cards for me, I figure, like they say with pregnancy: 9 months to gain the weight, 9 months to lose it, so I figure I will give myself 18 months and if I still feel that I want to relocate, I will be recovered enough and rational enough to go through the process of looking for work before I actually go through with it.

I hope this helps.