Working Away

[Andy_Shrimp]

I had to go away at short notice the other week. I am self employed and do have to take the work where I can get it.

I had to fly out to Dubai to look at a company and got back Thursday night. It was my choice as it was my weekend with the children. There was no way I was going to miss out.

Anyway, kids now gone back to Mums and I am flying out again tomorrow at 21:40. After my initial view I am being asked to stay out for at least 6 months. That is good and the money is exceptional. I also have a few mates working out there so won't get bored.

The thing is I am not going to stay 6 months solid as I want my time with the children. My employer has told me that they want a full time person and someone that is on hand. I said that with modern day technology I can be available 24/7

I ask you, is the money worth it? I say no (as a Father) as I don't get much time (with the children) and what I do get I cherish. They have told me that my extra flights will be my cost and well I will live with that. Once I know the score I will book all my flights for the duration and hopefully save some cash.

I chose to have children and they are my life, work and nothing will get in the way.

Your thoughts???

As a side note, for those with no holds, if the opportunity comes your way, take it and make the most of it

THanks

Andy

 

[Mad Cyril]

I regret not working in Germany for the European space agency when I had the chance.

 

[Shrimper2thecore]

What you are planning sounds good, dont not see your kids what ever you do!!

 

[Andy_Shrimp]

What you are planning sounds good, dont not see your kids what ever you do!!

My point exactly. My children come first no question!

 

[The Big Shrimp]

I think you know the answer & you've already made your mind up.

You can make money at anytime in life, if you're lucky. You can't turn the clock back to watch your kids grow up.

That said, if I had kids & they were like me when I was growing up, I'd be off to Dubai tomorrow!!! ;)

 

[Mad Cyril]

Can you work a three-four day week to fly back and see your kids?

 

[Andy_Shrimp]

Can you work a three-four day week to fly back and see your kids?

That was my request and the answer was no. I now work at my cost!

 

[The Big Shrimp]

Ask them if they want vaseline with the job?!!

 

[OldBlueLady]

Ok, couple of points here - how old are the children, and without being nosey, is the money offered really that good? I'm assuming you're divorced so the commitment to the children is not quite the same as if you weren't - that's not meant to sound derogatory btw. I have to say if the money is really exceptional, then if I was the children's mother I would be urging you to take the position if it is only for 6 months.

There are plenty of families - oil rig, army etc - where the children can easily go this amount of time without seeing their fathers, and all the while knowing they're in a potentially dangerous job. There are also plenty of families where the parents are spearated where the fathers might see them only once in that 6 month period, if at all!

Of course it's good that you want to maintain such a relationship with them, but if the money you can potentially earn in a relatively short period is going to be able to help you all in the long run, I'd say you need to seriously consider it. With Christmas within the 6 month period, I would suggest you try to find out if you could maybe fly back on a slightly extended weekend once a month, with maybe a little longer at Christmas. You should easily be able to stay in touch with them via phone and/or email or even surface mail - think of their excitement at getting a letter from Daddy through the post from Dubai.

I always think opportunities come our way for a reason, and if you turn it down you'll probably regret it eventually, so please explore the possibilities completely first.

 

[Desert Shrimper]

Andy, I'm out here in Dubai already, if you need any help or advice drop me a PM and I'll do my best.