So ever since I was a teeny-tiny tot I wanted to be a pilot, and I still do…as I heard someone once say, “I’d rather fly than kiss my girl…its more of a rush” The only real problem I’ve had with a career as a glorified bus driver is the lifestyle…which usually consists of 4 days of flying around the country, then 4 days at home…recycle and repeat (Again, thats USUALLY). Has anyone in this position ever been affected by such a lifestyle? The difference with piloting is, unlike most other professions, those 4 days you’re on, you’re rarely in the city of thy residence. Would this be a serious impediment to a married couple, or is it really not a problem…I need some reassurances
I’m in the oil and gas industry and have spent about 6 months offshore. I was working 7 days and home for 7 days. It was great. At the time I only had one child, but I really enjoyed the time home. We could do things during the week that were usually crowded on the weekend.
Most of the workers on the platforms work this type of schedule and they also like it and say it works for their marriages.
I think it would really depend on the “personality” of your marriage. My husband and I dated each other long-distance for many years so we’re very used to being apart. In fact, being apart is often nescessary for us–it gives us time to “breathe” and the reunion is usually pretty great. I go away with my girlfriends for fun little weekends and he heads off to see friends without me as well. It’s very normal for us.
However–and I’ll be totally honest here–if you and your spouse are very dependent on each other as some couples are, yes, the work schedule you describe could be a serious hindrance.
Personally, I think it would be wonderful! But then that’s just me
I agree - I think it totally depends on the personality of your marriage and family.
My mom grew up with a dad who was a pilot, so she had that type of schedule growing up, seeing her dad. It worked fine for them and she’s definitely not any worse for wear. It’s nice to have that big chunk of time together - I think it makes up for the big chunks of time you’re away.
**I am the type of woman who wants/needs my man around 24/7.
So who did I marry? A military man. In our first two years of marriage we were physically together less than half of that time. But we made it through. I still hate when he has to be away but we get through it together.
Now he is gone for 8 months so that he can become a firefighter (still military). But the new schedule he will have when he gets home will be similar to what you describe. We had a small taste of it for a month or so before he left while he did on the job training. I thought it was great:thumbsup:. Having 4 (or more) days off in a row to be with family feels like a mini vacation. Nechasin has it right that you can do things as a family during non-busy times and things feel much more relaxed.
Do you have a wife or girlfriend? I think it is important to make sure that this kind of job is ok with BOTH of you. And have a plan B… just in case life circumstances change, make sure you know what else you could do that doesn’t take you away from home for 4 days:thumbsup:**
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The only real problem I’ve had with a career as a glorified bus driver is the lifestyle…which usually consists of 4 days of flying around the country, then 4 days at home…recycle and repeat (Again, thats USUALLY). Has anyone in this position ever been affected by such a lifestyle? The difference with piloting is, unlike most other professions, those 4 days you’re on, you’re rarely in the city of thy residence. Would this be a serious impediment to a married couple, or is it really not a problem…I need some reassurances 
. In our first two years of marriage we were physically together less than half of that time. But we made it through. I still hate when he has to be away but we get through it together.