Is it possible to work out of town all week and only be home on weekends?
Asked by Dbub
I am considering a job an hour away by plane. I would go home on weekends to be with the wife and 2 kids. Have you done this or know someone who has done this and is it possible to do it and make it work ?

Best Answer:
Most people who work long hours (without traveling), such as lawyers and investment bankers essentially are away all week, since they're up and out of the house before the kids wake up, and don't come home until the kids are in bed sleeping already. Possible, sure, but the same lifestyle choices we all make when deciding what to do and where to work. Some lawyers/investment bankers have happy families, while the stress causes divorce in other relationships. It really has to do with how understanding the rest of the family is, and how much stress is brought home on the weekends. If, for example, the wife works too, and the kids are busy after school with balet/piano/soccer/karate lessons during the week, things will work out great. But if everyone's lonely at home, things might not turn out so well.

I was in that situation for 5 months and it depends on the health of your marriage. We are from Chicago and my husband got a job in RI. It was just temp, until we found a house in RI. He flew back on the weekends. It was imcredibly stressful. At first it was manageable with a 2 yr old and 12 month old twins. I was even able to become an at home mom due to the pay increase. However, no pay increase was worth him being away from the kids the majority of the week. I was even regretting he got the job for a long time. I had some resentment towards him because I was the only one raising the kids. His flight on Friday's got in at 8:20 pm (which was a waste of a Friday) and left on Sunday at 4pm. Southwest airlines was sending us love letters. I have to say they were the best. However, it took a large toll on me. At 30 years old I'm sure I gained about 10 grey hairs on my head. It was more stress that I could handle but I didn't even see it until after I moved. Best advice is to go with your family and do everything with your family. Ask yourself how you define yourself first. Through your job title or as a husband and father. If your really like the job then find a cheap month to month apt. until you sort out your living arrangements. Assuming your flights are roughly $120 rt and you do it 4 times a month. The difference in having your family around is worth just a couple hundred more. Your wife really deserves your presence and support as she helps to raise your kids.
Answered by JenniferE