I started flying for my new consulting gig more than a year ago. One connection, at least 10 hours total travel time one way, or more, 17 once. There on Monday, back on Friday, still making 40 _working_ hours (travel time is not paid).
It is very, very hard. Both personally and socially. Personally, vitamins and other supplements is a must. Without multivitamins, lots of C and ginseng, I truly feel I would be completely exausted by now. Socially, I have practically no time for friends, and not much for family. I have a girlfriend (together for close to two years) and two kids (teens), staying with my ex. They miss me a lot, as I do miss them. Call every day. I try to take kids every weekend, and while this helps to maintain relations, it adds another layer of pressure. I used to cook a lot (I like cooking), now have to order in, or go out or buy prepared food as much as possible.
If you decide to do this, get as much rest as possible during the week. Forget nightlife, don't burn yourself with coffee. If there is a local office or telecommuting is an viable option, try to get an arrangement, when you spend only two or three days in the field.
On the other hand, I see lots of familiar faces on the same flight. Many of the people are in their late forties and fifties, and are flying every week (or every other week) for several years. As far as I understand, most of them have grown up kids, and either no wife/stable girlfriend, or very long relationship, that cannot be hurt by travel. And I'm sure everybody is dreaming to retire ASAP (I know I do, and I'm in early 40s).
So, as always, YMMV, ask yourself, ask your SO, and plan accordingly. I personally don't want to return to my previous job, mainly because of money, but I for sure keep thinking about other, less taxing opportunities.
What I'm really looking forward to, is to see sequel to "History of the World, Part I" , which was announced at the end of the movie: "History of the World, Part II: Jews In Space". Star Warescue hexagon (Star of David) shaped spaceships, shooting at some target with Star War sounds were hilarious.
Slashdot Mirror
I started flying for my new consulting gig more than a year ago. One connection, at least 10 hours total travel time one way, or more, 17 once. There on Monday, back on Friday, still making 40 _working_ hours (travel time is not paid). It is very, very hard. Both personally and socially. Personally, vitamins and other supplements is a must. Without multivitamins, lots of C and ginseng, I truly feel I would be completely exausted by now. Socially, I have practically no time for friends, and not much for family. I have a girlfriend (together for close to two years) and two kids (teens), staying with my ex. They miss me a lot, as I do miss them. Call every day. I try to take kids every weekend, and while this helps to maintain relations, it adds another layer of pressure. I used to cook a lot (I like cooking), now have to order in, or go out or buy prepared food as much as possible. If you decide to do this, get as much rest as possible during the week. Forget nightlife, don't burn yourself with coffee. If there is a local office or telecommuting is an viable option, try to get an arrangement, when you spend only two or three days in the field. On the other hand, I see lots of familiar faces on the same flight. Many of the people are in their late forties and fifties, and are flying every week (or every other week) for several years. As far as I understand, most of them have grown up kids, and either no wife/stable girlfriend, or very long relationship, that cannot be hurt by travel. And I'm sure everybody is dreaming to retire ASAP (I know I do, and I'm in early 40s). So, as always, YMMV, ask yourself, ask your SO, and plan accordingly. I personally don't want to return to my previous job, mainly because of money, but I for sure keep thinking about other, less taxing opportunities.
What I'm really looking forward to, is to see sequel to "History of the World, Part I" , which was announced at the end of the movie: "History of the World, Part II: Jews In Space". Star Warescue hexagon (Star of David) shaped spaceships, shooting at some target with Star War sounds were hilarious.