Need some serious career/family advice.?

Question

I'm too excited about the opportunity to think straight. I've been offered to interview for a Quality Assurance / Regulatory Affairs Compliance Consultant. This is a major promotion with much more money than what I'm being paid now. I’m a single parent who has dedicated everything to his two small kids – ages 5 and 7. Here's the problem, it will require up to 20% travel, including international travel - Mexico, Ireland, China, Korea. Should I accept the position if offered in lieu of my two small kids? However, this position will take time away from them, but will provide a substantial increase in income. So there’s the trade-off. What would you do?

Answer 1

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. 20% travel time is not much (1 day per 5 day work week). it might not be that often either! Go for it! Just make sure your kids are well taken care of in your absence. When your kids are grown and you tell them that you passed up this opportunity, they would be disappointed....and hey,... you need that income to send them to great colleges so go 4 it!

Answer 2

I agree with Posey, the first thing I thought was 20% is not that much, at that level it should be extremely rare for you to be gone over the weekend or even for more than a few days. If you have someone that can help you while you are away, then by all means go for it! If nothing else you can use the increased salary to pay for more childcare, and you will have the chance to try it out and see if it works for you. Is the job within your current company? If so, and if you really have a lot of doubt, see if they would be willing to make it a temporary assignment for 1 year so you can try it and return to your old job if it is too much. Otherwise, even without that as a net, you can probably leverage the experience into a similar position (at another company) with less travel after a year or two.

However all that said, that is with the assumption that you want this promotion for your own career growth and satisfaction. If you are only thinking of the money, I wouldn't do it. It is going to take extra work and adjustment and it will be time away from your kids. An opportunity for more money without the travel will come along.

Answer 3

Congrats on your new opportunity. You sound like an awesome parent, and it is not easy to raise kids as a single parent. However you are never given a dream or opportunity with out the equal capability of making it work. You are asking the right questions. Is 20% a big deal? Would the increase in salary allow you to hire a nanny or alternative care when you travel?

I had to make a similar decision last year, but my kids were 2 and 6. I decided at the time that the increase in salary and being on the road about 60% of the time would have been too much.. even for the bump in pay, traveling overseas and round the world away from my kids is something I was unwilling to do, but 20% is a very different mix, and certainly doable if everything else were in line! Don't think I didn't consider it. I actually did a risk analysis spreadsheet with numeric values pros and cons for family, business, and professional rewards before I declined the job. :D

Wishing you continued success.

Answer 4

20%=1day out of 5 ( domestic??), or 1 week out of 5 (International??).

If you can find someone who is trustworthy - family, friend, "nanny", etc. - who would be willing to "stay over", or otherwise accept responsibility for the children then accept. If you feel that you would be distracted while away, then pass. With the job responsibilities you will have, you'll need to be at the top of your game, otherwise you'll have alot of time to spend with the kids.

You can always make it up by using the "much more money" for weekend trips, and the "frequent flyer" miles that you will accrue for more exotic vacations - Hawaii, Europe, etc - which will be an educational as well as a re-bonding opportunity.

Answer 5

I think the benefits of giving it a try far outweigh the negatives. Especially if the kids would be with grandparents when you travel overnight.

If it is too much time away or the kids turn into crazy future criminals because you are gone, you can always quit.

With one or two years experience, you might have to take a pay cut if you decide to leave the job. But employers would not hold it against you and it would only enhance your appeal to employers.

Answer 6

20% really isn't that much. As long as you have someone you trust who can take care of them while you're gone, I think you should go for it.

My father traveled a lot growing up, way more than 20%, and we were all ok. He always made sure he called from the airport or the hotel to say hi and good night and he missed us. If you do that then I think you'll be ok! It sounds like a good opportunity for your family.

Answer 7

Your kids might feel a bit put out at first, but in the long run they will appreciate the sacrifice that you have made for them. And just because you take the job does not mean that you have to do it for ever. If it becomes too much in a couple of years, you can always find something that lets you stay home.

Answer 8

I would go for it. You have to think about what is best for ur children. Having enough money is more then a reason to go for it. 20% isn't much traveling at all. My husband and I have done this. We made a huge move where we don't know anyone. My children adjusted very well, as long as you are okay with it, they will be fine! Good Luck!

Answer 9

Don't pass up the opportunity. If you don't, you'll spend the rest of your life wishing you had given it a chance.

But, don't let it take the place of your family life. Give it a try and if you miss your kids, give it up.

Answer 10

Do the kids live with you or their mother?