I can't do this anymore

[Matt]

aside from the study thing - which will get pretty dry pretty fast - it's kind of a good chance to put some idle time at work...

some suggestions for it:

boxing classes (was there ever any doubt I'd put that first)
photography classes
guitar classes
language classes

...stuff like that. Be good to go back a more rounded individual one way or another wouldn't it?

 

[james_gsx]

I thought I would add the viewpoint of a kid (teenager really) in a similar situation. When I was in middle school and first two years of high school my mom was a consultant and traveled every week. Luckily, she came home Thursday nights and left Monday mornings. I must say as a kid (12-16) the first few years were hard but once I started to become a teenager and hang out with my friends more often it didn't bother me too much. In all honesty, I looked forward to the spring breaks in California and summer weekends where the family would fly out to see my mom.

Sure it sucked not having my mom around, but there were definitely some positive aspects. My mom still taught me how to cook after school snacks over the phone, I was introduced to a positive work ethic that I feel has helped me tremendously, and the travel was definitely the best.

Eventually my mom left consulting and took a pay cut to work closer to home. As with you, she had a difficult time being away from the family. So if you found a way to travel back and forth (her travel was paid by the firm, I doubt they do this anymore) on a semi-regular basis and let the kids come visit you for vacations it might work out a little better. Family is definitely an important aspect in the work-life balance, so I hope my experience can help with your decision.

 

[Reevolving]

1) Has Bradford said why his family can't move to be with him?
2) Why isn't Bradford not flying back every weekend? This is not uncommon at all.

 

[Bradford]

Originally Posted by Reevolving

1) Has Bradford said why his family can't move to be with him?
2) Why isn't Bradford not flying back every weekend? This is not uncommon at all.

1. My wife has been trying to find a job here, but she's a teacher and California isn't hiring teachers right now. Plus, she has tenure at her job in AZ.

2. It's just too expensive to fly back every weekend. Every 3-4 weeks is doable, but every weekend is untenable right now.

Matt - I'm definitely thinking about the boxing idea now. That may be something I pursue.

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Matt

aside from the study thing - which will get pretty dry pretty fast - it's kind of a good chance to put some idle time at work...

some suggestions for it:

boxing classes (was there ever any doubt I'd put that first)
photography classes
guitar classes
language classes

...stuff like that. Be good to go back a more rounded individual one way or another wouldn't it?

Good point, that. I played a ton of golf when I lived in Dallas. One of the gents I worked with had a membership at a club, so we played a lot there. I also got to play basketball with his church league on Wednesday nights which was the positive and supportive atmosphere I needed.

 

[Tokyo Slim]

Originally Posted by Thomas

Good point, that. I played a ton of golf when I lived in Dallas. One of the gents I worked with had a membership at a club, so we played a lot there. I also got to play basketball with his church league on Wednesday nights which was the positive and supportive atmosphere I needed.

Did you listen to REO Speedwagon and cry yourself to sleep?

 

[kwilkinson]

Originally Posted by Tokyo Slim

Did you listen to REO Speedwagon and cry yourself to sleep?

Knowing Thomas, I'd say Rascall Flatts.

 

[acidboy]

I say old Menudo songs.