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Potential New Role Advice

I recently had an interview for a Global Engineering role that would involve travelling around the EMEA and Australia regions to install, commission and repair site equipment. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity and the role is an area that I am interested in. However, there are a few little things that are not so clear cut and I was wondering if anyone else has been in a similar scenario? It is worthwhile noting that I have not been offered the role yet but I wanted to make sure I had all the facts before I said yes or no.

I have 3 small children (under 4 years old) and this would definitely keep me away from them for periods of time. I've been told that travel will be 60-70% of my time and will be 2-3 day trips but can be chained to reach over a week at a time. When I am at home though, the time is my own to spend with my family. The pay will mean that my wife won't have to work her normal shifts, she is currently a nurse and has the option to move to bank work where she can pick her shifts if there is a need for her on the day (like a substitute teacher).

The pros and cons I've come up with so far are:

Pros
Fantastic opportunity to travel.
Good experience for my development and future roles.
Time at home is with the family.
The opportunity is unlikely to come up again.
This the best time for me to take this role as my children aren't too old that they will suddenly remember a time when I was around more and will miss me and aren't too young that I will miss their development stages.

Cons
I will be away from my family a lot.
Role is reactive so will get 2-3 days notice before I have to fly out to a site.
Initial 4 week training course in USA (again, away from family).
Worst case scenario has been 3 weeks away due to faults, delays, etc.
Travel will be tiring.

Had anyone else had a role presented to them in a similar scenario in their lives? How did you find the travel and time away? Did you regret any part of it?

Thank you in advance.

Comments

  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 35,056 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    What does your wife think? I'd imagine her perspective would have a lot to do with how workable it is, or otherwise.
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • marcarm
    marcarm Posts: 1,205 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My personal view is that there are hundreds of different jobs out there, but once you have missed parts of your kids lives you will never get them back.

    Everyone will have different views and only you will know what is a priority in your families lives, but for me jobs are ten a penny but I only have one family and they come first every time.

    Have you spoken with your wife and how does she feel?
  • Detroit
    Detroit Posts: 790 Forumite
    elsien wrote: »
    What does your wife think? I'd imagine her perspective would have a lot to do with how workable it is, or otherwise.
    This.
    Your wife's opinion is the one that matters. As you're undecided give her the casting vote.


    Put your hands up.
  • I forgot to mention that I've spoken to my wife all the way through the process. While the change will be tough to adjust to, we will be able to make it work. My wife said that she will support any decision I make but obviously it has to be made for the right reasons.

    At the moment, my children would notice I wouldn't be around as much but when I am back home, I will be able to dedicate my home time to my family. In a couple of years, when they have started school or the "homework years" and they say they want me at home more, I'll be able to say that I tried the job or and got the experience but I need to be at home with my family.
  • Jinx
    Jinx Posts: 1,766 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    This role sounds like the same one my husband does.


    So from my perspective - the pros are the money, its a great salary.


    The downside, I spend almost 80% of the year alone (I am supportive however, its not always easy) We cannot plan anything except actual holidays, he often misses family events, dinners are rescheduled often etc. I wouldn't be supportive of this role if we had young children; Id be effectively a single parent.


    From his perspective, every job overruns, he'll be scheduled for a week away and will be away for at least a fortnight.... He travels weekends often, some of the hotels are not fabulous and travel for work is not sexy, he spent 4 whole days in Australia and only saw the sights from a taxi. The upside, he loves his job (mostly) and works with some fabulous guys from around the world.
    Light Bulb Moment - 11th Nov 2004 - Debt Free Day - 25th Mar 2011 :j
  • Jinx wrote: »
    This role sounds like the same one my husband does.


    So from my perspective - the pros are the money, its a great salary.


    The downside, I spend almost 80% of the year alone (I am supportive however, its not always easy) We cannot plan anything except actual holidays, he often misses family events, dinners are rescheduled often etc. I wouldn't be supportive of this role if we had young children; Id be effectively a single parent.


    From his perspective, every job overruns, he'll be scheduled for a week away and will be away for at least a fortnight.... He travels weekends often, some of the hotels are not fabulous and travel for work is not sexy, he spent 4 whole days in Australia and only saw the sights from a taxi. The upside, he loves his job (mostly) and works with some fabulous guys from around the world.

    How long has your husband been doing his job for? Does he feel that the experience after a couple of years would be enough to help him look for a new job if he wanted to our does he feel that you need to be in that role for longer to make yourself more employable?
  • Jinx
    Jinx Posts: 1,766 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    My hubby has been working in this area for around 30 years, since he was an apprentice.


    To be honest, he couldn't do a job where he stays in one place, he cant stand the day to day drudge, or seeing the same faces everyday. He likes a challenge and to have a happy client at the end (hes very laid back, gets on with others easily)


    Having done the job for a couple of years, of course you could change jobs, however, I think my hubby would agree when I say your issue is that as a commissioning engineer doing commissioning, repairs, maintenance, your clients are not UK based.


    ETA Id ask him, but hes travelling today for a job! lol
    Light Bulb Moment - 11th Nov 2004 - Debt Free Day - 25th Mar 2011 :j
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