Those with kids, would you apply for this type of job?

Captain Morgan · 07-19-2011, 08:57 PM

I have an opportunity to apply for a job that would give me a 50% pay increase if I was hired. Only problem is it's travel half the year. I currently only have my daughter half the time, but my schedule is such that I normally see her every two or three days. The job requires 6 days away from home, then home for 8, then away 6, etc. I'm not sure I could handle that type of a schedule, as I really enjoy spending time with my little girl. Personally, if my daughter wasn't in the picture, I'd be all over this job. However, that's not the case. So, those of you that are parents, what are your thoughts? Could you spend that much time away from your kids?

Also, I don't really NEED that big of a pay bump, but it sure would be nice. If I stay at my current job, it's possible I could get a 20% payraise within 3 years, then the remainder in another 3 or so years.

Trip · 07-19-2011, 09:05 PM

I grew up with my dad doing that and worse. By the time I was in high school, he was doing 30 days on, 30 days off. He eventually just moved overseas once I was in college.

You see how fucked I am though LOL.

Are you off for the days you are home or do you have to work? Honestly I spent more quality time with my Dad when he was home because he wasn't dreading/pissing/moaning about work until a day or two before he went back. Where as I am always pissed off about work since I have to go all the time.

Captain Morgan · 07-19-2011, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trip

I grew up with my dad doing that and worse. By the time I was in high school, he was doing 30 days on, 30 days off. He eventually just moved overseas once I was in college.

You see how fucked I am though LOL.

Are you off for the days you are home or do you have to work? Honestly I spent more quality time with my Dad when he was home because he wasn't dreading/pissing/moaning about work until a day or two before he went back. Where as I am always pissed off about work since I have to go all the time.

I'd be working while home. Have to go to the office to write up reports on whatever is discovered during the week away, then plan out the travel and inspection at the next location. Of the 6 days away, 1-2 days would be used for travel. If I was off while home, it would be a little easier decision.

Particle Man · 07-19-2011, 09:29 PM

I travel a ton. I miss my kid terribly. I am missing a ton of stuff. If I had it to do over, probably not...

Rangerscott · 07-19-2011, 09:31 PM

I don't see that as a bad schedule. I didn't get to see my mom until holidays or during the summer.

anthonyk · 07-19-2011, 09:44 PM

I've got my son every other week, and I'm usually traveling on the weeks in between. I don't regret it, but it is getting old. I try to video chat with him most days that I'm out of town. It helps to be on good terms with the ex.

That said, I doubt I'll take another position with this much travel till the boy is older.

Cutty72 · 07-19-2011, 09:50 PM

I look at how much I've been away from home this year with fighting the floods and get mad. April I was home every night (except a couple I slept on a cot in my office) but pretty much just long enough to sleep and shower. I was gone the entire month of June except for 3 days. I don't have kids, just the fiancee and the dog, but still wish I was home more. Knowing that you will be gone virtually every other week, you can kind of plan around it, but still a lot of time away.

azoomm · 07-19-2011, 10:56 PM

I used to travel 100%. Meaning, I left Monday then flew home Thursday night and was home over the weekend. That was when my kids were little. Now that they are teenagers, I travel on occasion for work.

I didn't do it specifically for the money. If it were ONLY more money I wouldn't

derf · 07-19-2011, 11:12 PM

If I were in your shoes I would only do it if you had the opportunity to change your kids visitation schedule, meaning the days at home you have her, the days gone you dont. Money isnt everything, and from what i see time spent with your daughter is very important to you

OneSickPsycho · 07-20-2011, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derf

If I were in your shoes I would only do it if you had the opportunity to change your kids visitation schedule, meaning the days at home you have her, the days gone you dont. Money isnt everything, and from what i see time spent with your daughter is very important to you

This. You only see her half of the time anyway, so if you could arrange the visitation around your work/home schedule it would still be pretty much the same.

07-19-2011, 08:57 PM	#1
Captain Morgan Let's do another U-turn Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Indiana Moto: 2009 V-Strom Posts: 3,816	Those with kids, would you apply for this type of job? I have an opportunity to apply for a job that would give me a 50% pay increase if I was hired. Only problem is it's travel half the year. I currently only have my daughter half the time, but my schedule is such that I normally see her every two or three days. The job requires 6 days away from home, then home for 8, then away 6, etc. I'm not sure I could handle that type of a schedule, as I really enjoy spending time with my little girl. Personally, if my daughter wasn't in the picture, I'd be all over this job. However, that's not the case. So, those of you that are parents, what are your thoughts? Could you spend that much time away from your kids? Also, I don't really NEED that big of a pay bump, but it sure would be nice. If I stay at my current job, it's possible I could get a 20% payraise within 3 years, then the remainder in another 3 or so years.

07-19-2011, 10:56 PM	#8
azoomm moderator chick Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hill Country TX Moto: Pasta Rockets Posts: 8,917	I used to travel 100%. Meaning, I left Monday then flew home Thursday night and was home over the weekend. That was when my kids were little. Now that they are teenagers, I travel on occasion for work. I didn't do it specifically for the money. If it were ONLY more money I wouldn't __________________ We have enough youth. How about a fountain of "smart"? Come Play at the Track!! http://www.elitetrackdays.com

07-19-2011, 11:12 PM	#9
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	If I were in your shoes I would only do it if you had the opportunity to change your kids visitation schedule, meaning the days at home you have her, the days gone you dont. Money isnt everything, and from what i see time spent with your daughter is very important to you __________________

07-19-2011, 09:29 PM	#4
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	I travel a ton. I miss my kid terribly. I am missing a ton of stuff. If I had it to do over, probably not...

07-19-2011, 09:31 PM	#5
Rangerscott Viff6N Mutated Warrior Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Moto: '01 Honda VFR 800 & '09 ER-6N Posts: 8,704	I don't see that as a bad schedule. I didn't get to see my mom until holidays or during the summer.

07-19-2011, 09:44 PM	#6
anthonyk WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Austin, TX Moto: '01 Aprilia Falco Posts: 1,041	I've got my son every other week, and I'm usually traveling on the weeks in between. I don't regret it, but it is getting old. I try to video chat with him most days that I'm out of town. It helps to be on good terms with the ex. That said, I doubt I'll take another position with this much travel till the boy is older.