Good news and bad news

Smoking Duck · April 01, 2009, 06:45:22 PM

Well, I've got great news and not so great news.

I've finally been offered gainful employment starting in May. The pay is not bad at all but the hours are rough. You're already into overtime hours by the time Wednesday rolls around.

The bad news is that I'll have to be away from my family for roughly 8 months out of the year. The stark reality is that in order to provide for my family I have to leave my family. Now, I don't mind working 90+ hours per week (especially if I'm not going to see my family) but at what cost to provide for my family do I have to pay? There really is no choice for me in the matter, unfortunately. I simply cannot go without work any longer and watch as my family suffers from a lack of income.

Some have wondered why they haven't seen me around much. Unfortunately, it's because I've been spending a lot of time in thought on how this will affect my children as well as my relationship with my wife as well as trying to get things ready before I depart. Just wanted my friends to know why I hadn't been around much. I thought when I was done with my military service that long times away from my family was over......sadly, because of the way things are, this is not the case. Either way, I've not been in a very jovial mood and surely don't wish to bring the rest of the gang down.

Mr Walleye · April 01, 2009, 07:07:37 PM

Wow Marc! Definitely a mixed bag of good and bad news for sure.

I wish there was something we could do for you. You clearly have a good head on your shoulders Marc and I have every confidence that you and your family will pull through even stronger than you are today.

We're thinking about ya buddy.

Mike

smokeitall · April 01, 2009, 07:11:24 PM

Sorry to hear that Marc. A man can live working 90 hours a week to provide for the family but the 8 months away is very difficult to handle. I had to do it for a 6 month stretch when I moved to STL, it was rough but I have a very strong wife and we made it through. Are worst fear was for our kids with me being gone for so long plus having to move them from they're home, but in the end it worked out rather well for us, I hope it does for you also.

Also when you have a job it is easier to find a new job, hopefully you will find something close to home soon. Good Luck..

Scott

Smokin Soon · April 01, 2009, 07:38:39 PM

Wow, Duck, that is really a mixed bag, sounds like Iceman's out on the rig thing. I took a 30 grand cut just to get working again and the schedule is weird. The 8 month thing is like taking an overseas job, which I did look into. No kids here, so your situation is much differant. I would have taken an overseas job if offered, but they are winding down. We have no idea how much worse the economy can get. I really don't think the experts really know. If it comes to forclosure time I'm gone to a job where anyone will pay me! Marc, if you feel that your family will suffer and you can maintain the household at current status, don't
do it.

Gizmo · April 01, 2009, 09:36:21 PM

Glad to hear you are back in the saddle again Marc, and I agree with smokeitall, it is easier to find a job when you have one so hopefully you will find something more amiable to family life soon.

Habanero Smoker · April 02, 2009, 02:06:13 AM

Glad to hear you have a job, but sorry to hear about you being away from your family. Hopefully you will have access to the internet and enough time so that you can to share videos with your family.

FLBentRider · April 02, 2009, 03:23:22 AM

Marc,
That _is_ a tough one.

But you have to do what you have to do.

Is the 8 months the end of line away from home-wise ?

car54 · April 02, 2009, 03:48:34 AM

Tough call SD. Only you know the position that you are in and what the job market looks like in your field. You could take it as an interim job but being away like that does not make easy to look for employment. I feel for you,

Brad

HCT · April 02, 2009, 04:06:25 AM

This is a tough one my friend. My thoughts are with you.

sherlock · April 02, 2009, 04:11:22 AM

It's all been said but hopefully this sacrifice will open an even greater door for you in the near future. Hand in there my brother.
Nathan

Oldman · April 02, 2009, 04:11:33 AM

Good Luck!

Wildcat · April 02, 2009, 05:40:27 AM

I feel for you with this decision. Good Luck.

Tenpoint5 · April 02, 2009, 05:53:00 AM

Marc,
Glad to hear you got a job. I know you have agonized over this for a long time. You have a tough family that will survive the current situation. Its a temporary job to make ends meet, So you can get back on your feet. Everything will work out fine.
Chris

Smoking Duck · April 02, 2009, 07:08:47 AM

Thanks for the thoughts all. It is a very agonizing decision for me. My last job had me working about 80 hours per week but I'd only be gone a couple of nights at the most. The hardest part is that I have a son who needs to have me around. He's made such incredible progress since I've been off work and I just hope this doesn't have a negative effect on this. But, the other side of the coin is how good can he get if I'm out of work and we can't pay the bills? This job will probably put me in the ground 10 years faster than I would have liked but I guess I've always felt the measure of a man is what he's willing to do to provide for his family and the sacrifices he's willing to make to make a better life for them. I guess this is my opportunity to prove that unless something else comes up between now and then. So, if I'm not on as much as I'd like to be or just don't seem to be myself, please understannd that I've got a lot on my mind. I do appreciate all of the PMs and phone calls checking in on me.

Wildcat · April 02, 2009, 08:12:58 AM

Quote from: Smoking Duck on April 02, 2009, 07:08:47 AM
This job will probably put me in the ground 10 years faster than I would have liked but I guess I've always felt the measure of a man is what he's willing to do to provide for his family and the sacrifices he's willing to make to make a better life for them.

I basically agree with you on this, but you must also keep in mind that in providing for your family, you must also provide yourself to your family. To die early, become someone else due to mental or physical abuse, or never be there when needed can be more devestating than struggling to make ends meet.

If this job is that bad, I highly recommend that you make this job as temporary as possible. Good money is nice to have, but sometimes it is just not worth the price.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Rick