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Original poster

Job description: ‘significant UK travel’ Should I consider with small children?

22 replies

whatatanker · 08/09/2022 14:38

Seen a job advertised with ‘significant UK travel’. It’s a side step for me (unfortunately salary not advertised) but it’s linked to my area of expertise.

Would I be mad to go for this with small children? I think DH would manage with drop off and pick ups, but kids are still small (2 in primary and 1 in nursery).

What would anyone advise?

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 08/09/2022 14:40

Surely you need to talk to your DH about what would / would not be reasonable?
And then apply and see what 'significant' means?

anniegun · 08/09/2022 14:41

As long as your husband is the primary carer and you are happy travelling for work why not? Only you will know this

TeenDivided · 08/09/2022 14:43

There is a world of difference between being away all week alternate weeks, and and overnight every month but otherwise day trips once a week. Both could be viewed as 'significant'.

FerreroRochey · 08/09/2022 14:56

Why not just contact the employer and ask? Rather than going through the application process only to perhaps find out that it's unsuitable for you?

Sprig1 · 08/09/2022 15:09

I absolutely wouldn't. What is the selling point of this job bearing in mind you will not be getting any more money?

CMOTDibbler · 08/09/2022 15:14

I've always travelled with work, and it works for me and DH - but it would depend on what significant travel means in this case. Pre child, I travelled a huge amount and it did wreck my social life, but a night a week is nice, or 3 days every couple of weeks with flexibility otherwise

Sunnydaysunny · 08/09/2022 15:15

How can anyone know? Who is the bigger wage earner in the family?

Original poster
whatatanker · 09/09/2022 13:41

We’re about equal wage earners.

I think I should give them a call to ask about it.

OP posts:
SomethingFast · 09/09/2022 13:43

I’d ask for more details. I turned down the opportunity to interview for something similar for the same reason and still wonder what if.

Kellie45 · 09/09/2022 13:47

Frankly it depends if you believe your career is more important than your kids. For me it would be a no-brainier. But we all have to make that decision.

Original poster
whatatanker · 09/09/2022 13:50

Family definitely more important than career. But having been a SAHM on/off for over 6 years now, it’s time to get back into the saddle.

I’m not sure how the logistics would work.

OP posts:
PonyPatter44 · 10/09/2022 18:44

In a previous life, I used to travel internationally a LOT for work. My exH was deliberately useless with DD and in the house, so I'd come back from a week in China or Jo'burg/Pretoria or whatever, and have to start cleaning and doing laundry and comforting DD as soon as I walked through the door. It was awful.

If your DH is competent and supportive, then go for it.

RJnomore1 · 10/09/2022 18:45

If it’s offering op Otto progress your career you don’t have right now absolutely go for it. But do check what’s involved first.

RJnomore1 · 10/09/2022 18:46

Opportunities

Original poster
whatatanker · 10/09/2022 20:32

I gave them a quick call yesterday and it isn’t going to be weeks away at a time.

It’s mainly travelling within the daytimes with some overnight (not much) and only being out of office once or twice a week. They said the vast majority of meetings can be put into the middle of the day and you can travel there in the morning and back in the afternoon. Seems they are good about flexibility and hybrid working too.

Now I have to figure out whether it’s fair for my young children, who are used to me picking them up at 3:00, and will potentially have to wait until daddy gets them at 5:30.

I just don’t know… Maybe I should fill in the application form and see how it goes?

OP posts:
TheDressinggownofdoom · 10/09/2022 20:39

Surely any full time job would mean DH needing to do pick ups. Personally I think its a leap to go from being a SAHP to potentially being away overnight etc. I found it hard adjusting from part time to full time. It would've been much worse worrying about travel as well.

Motorina · 12/09/2022 08:33

Maybe I should fill in the application form and see how it goes?

Do this! Find out more. You can always withdraw later if you decide it's not right for you.

Kellie45 · 12/09/2022 10:24

Always remember that we never have another chance to bring up our kids. Also no-one says on their death beds, ‘I wished I’d spent more time at work’

Ragwort · 12/09/2022 10:30

Kellie - I know that expression is trotted out frequently but it's not strictly true .. some people actually do love their job and the fulfilment it brings to their lives. That may not be a palatable fact ... but some people are at their happiest when working.

Metabigot · 12/09/2022 19:14

I did this but DH was a SAHD.

The nights to myself with a meal allowance were lovely!

I was probably staying overnight 2-3 x a month and 50/50 wfh and on the road

User110922 · 12/09/2022 22:07

Now I have to figure out whether it’s fair for my young children, who are used to me picking them up at 3:00, and will potentially have to wait until daddy gets them at 5:30.

I don't want to be the person who says this but.... Would a man be questioning this?

I'd say go for it! You don't have to commit to it just because you apply. Just take it one step at a time. You may not even get the job. Or it may turn out to be the best career move you've made. You won't know until you try. Sounds like they are fairly flexible about working arrangements too so you'd be mad not to. It's not like you're locked into it either if you do end up getting the job. No one is forcing you to do it for the next 10 years.

I would hate to think that my mother had given up an exciting opportunity because of me.

cestlavielife · 12/09/2022 22:10

who are used to me picking them up at 3:00, and will potentially have to wait until daddy gets them at 5:30.

It s not a big deal
They will be fine
Great to get daddy some days
Apply

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