How can one reconcile the father's desire for his son to help him at work in another region, where seeking knowledge might be difficult, with the son's desire to continue seeking knowledge in his current location, while avoiding displeasing the father?

A son must obey his father by moving with him, unless doing so would cause harm to his religion or worldly affairs, or lead to the inability to learn an individual religious obligation (fard ayn) that cannot be learned in the father's area. This is because honoring parents is one of the greatest acts of worship and the quickest ways to Paradise, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The parent is the middle of the gates of Paradise, so if you wish, abandon this gate or preserve it."

Furthermore, anything missed in seeking knowledge can be compensated for elsewhere. If it is possible to persuade the father to stay without coercion, and he agrees wholeheartedly and verbally, then there is no harm in that.