Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

I went on an interview today and it went really well. It has 30% travel within the US, which terrifies DH.

I don't think I will mind too much, but wanted some input.....

They say about 4-5 days a month for the tradeshows.

Anyone do it and have kids?

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

I used to do it.. Will you get paid extra or any comp time? I didnt get extra money or comp time--itwas just part of the job..while they did pay for ur meals, and the hotel--it was exhausting traveling and working nite and day away from home w/o really feeling compensated.. it is not for every1..i enjoyed some of the time, but being away from home alot is not my style

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

I have a bunch of close friends who work in college admissions and travel that much. It's hard...Suitcase living. One has a husband who has a rough time dealing with the household in her absence. Most now that they are married do not want to travel anymore. It's a novelty as a single person I think, but once you are settled down leaving your DH becomes hard.

My first job out of college involved more traveling, and it was fun seeing different places and I was single for part of the time so we all went out, but once I met DH I just hung out in my room, got room service, and talked on the phone to him. It was lonely.

Message edited 8/30/2006 12:02:50 PM.

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

I travel approximately 10 times per month - mostly through the East Coast (Chicago, Delaware, Florida) and once every other month or so OUTSIDE of the US - mainly UK, India....

I don't have children, and in all honesty (from my personal experience) I don't think I would be able to have children and do all that traveling, especially since DH's job isn't so 9-5....

When I come back from these trips, I'm always exhausted, and it does take a toll on me, and I usually do not have the energy to see DH.

I'm sorry if I wasn't able to help.

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

I used to do it, and now I am in teaching . Business travel sounds like fun, until you actually do it. It gets old really fast! I got zero extra $$, and while I was away my regular work would just pile up. Plus don't forget airport delays and cancellations.

I enjoyed it much more when I was in my 20's and single. I think I averaged about 10-20% travel. 30% is a lot, IMO.

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

My husband does it...100% travel... it is a two year position as an auditor (it could go longer however we discussed it when he took it and we decided on two years)

I will be going with him so that it will not interfere with our marriage. I took a leave of abs. from my job so that he can do this (which will be beneficial in the future)

It has its perks...like we are going to be living in these amazing apartments in time square for 5 months...food comps,travel comps,its a good deal... However, we are away from family and friends...now NYC is not bad...but there will be times we will not be so close to home and it may be tough...I would say more on me since he will have his job to go to ...and I will not... BUT, the sacrafice will be worth it in the long run

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

I am currently 8 months preggo...and doing it. I have been only traveling for the last few months...but will continue as needed, after the baby.

I started my own business in January...and I so happen to take a project in Las Vegas when I was just about 6 months. I have cut back to traveling every other week these days...but I started with weekly and only coming home on the weekends. Luckily...my DH stays at home and takes care of his 10 year old daughter that lives with us...and he will be a SAHD when the baby arrives, so we don't have to coordinate our schedules. When my project is over in Las Vegas...if I find a local project, where I come home every night, great...but if I have to take a project where I travel...I will.

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

My DH travels a lot....fine by me!

He is away about a week or so each month. It's not like I notice, even when he is in town he works insane hours. Let's take September for example:

2nd week-Canada
3rd week-Orlando
4th week- Michigan

I should care but its much easier to cook for one person than two. Its also easier to clean up after one person than two. Your dh will have to be supportive of it or it may not work for your family. I support my dh cause I like the alone time...its a mini vaca for me!

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

thanks everyone!!

I guess we will have to see if I even get the job, but usually the ones that have an issue.....I get!!!! And the ones that seems perfect....I don't get....

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

I haven't traveled much the past two years since I transferred within my company. However, before that I was in our consulting division and traveled 90% of the time for 5 years. I really enjoyed it, but did get burned out. 30% though sounds like a good amount to me.

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

anyone else, since this just got reborn on NFR!!!!!!

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

no...but i wish i did

Re: Anyone travel a bunch for their job?

I just left my last job due to the travel requirements. I would say that it was about 40% travel and it was too much. DH said he didn't mind, but I hated coming home on the weekends finding my suitcase full of laundry and my house to clean.

Also, when we traveled and my former company would put us up in a hotel and paid for meals, they expected a LOT more productivity out of us. (Not sure if your job will require the same, just a warning)... Most nights I would be working from my hotel room after a dinner at the nicest restaurant in town (which gets old after awhile).

The one perk is that I have been to a LOT of different places: Seattle, Alabama, Philadelphia, West Virginia, Chicago. Places that I almost NEVER would have seen had my job not sent me there. It's really a personal decision. Not for me, but some people really enjoy the travel... Good luck to you with whatever you decide!!!!!