Re-training. Need to be at home every night

Retronana22

Hi long time lurker, first time poster.

I've hit a point with my current role as a service engineer where I'm spending more than 1 in 2 weeks away from home and my wife and daughter. We're expecting another in November and the time I'm not at home has started to weigh down on me and her as well. I got more family time when I was in the military than I do now. I haven't highlighted my concerns to my line manager because there's no point; the work is not consistently local enough for me to be home each night. In addition I was told in the interview to expect to work away but I was told 1 in 6 weeks. 

I'm looking for a site based maintenance role but I'm not having much luck. Service and field engineering is heavily qualification dependant and all I have is a level 3 diploma in Engineering Technology from my role in the forces (I worked on aircraft but was medically discharged shortly after finishing my trade training). Had I been able to stay in I'd have a full apprenticeship. I also have a BA in History.

I want to be in a new role before November but I'm starting to consider applying for apprentice engineering positions just so I can actually get an apprenticeship. I can take the financial hit of an apprentice salary for 1 year before minimum wage applies (I'm 26, I think that's how it works). I've also considered consultancy/computer programming fast track schemes as I'm good with numbers, a confident speaker and have some experience with PLC programming. 

 I'm at a complete loss right now as my current job has torpedoed any chance of a balanced family life at worst possible time. It wasn't always this bad but it's going to be this bad for the foreseeable future. Service engineering also has no long term prospects within the company as I'm 4 hours from the head office and barely go there, out of sight out of mind as they say. Paying my dues and doing my time won't get me any payoff.

Does anyone from a related field have any advice? I'm honestly open to anything I can turn my hand to as long as I can be home for my wife and kids.        

tacpot12

I would suggest you look at what might be involved in learning CNC programming and whether there might be vacancies near you. 

Sncjw

I'd be wary taking a lower paid job because your due another child which will cost more money plus I presume your wife will be on maternity leave which depending on the employer can reduce income further.

Be very careful and think of what will be missed out if you drop your salary 

elsien

I do still think it’s worth a discussion with your line manager, to point out there’s a fair difference between one in two and one in six.
It may prompt them to relook at it but if they can’t or won’t at least you know where you stand. 

kimwp

Programming is the future, it's a good time to get into it.

Takeaway_Addict

If you're looking to leave anyway why not have that discussion with the line manager. What they going to do bar keep it as it is?