Comments on: What if your boss asks you to travel 6 days a week?

By: Brenna

Brenna — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:59:18 +0000

Your husband is your spiritual covering, and not being home 6/7 of the week means that you are out from under his covering most of the time. I’m not saying that traveling for work is bad, but this seems extreme. And while you don’t have children right now, what would happen to your job if you were to become pregnant, or decide to adopt? I would tell your employer no, on the basis of the original offer being only 50% travel. God bless!

By: Max

Max — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:22:11 +0000

You can double the amount of travel time a company wil tell you is needed “as a rule of thumb”. I quit a company for this very reason and you probably should too or you’ll regret it later.

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:14:16 +0000

It all boils down to this question, what do you value most in your life? As stated by others above, I agree with the following hierarchy of priorities:

Top 1: God (and ministries)
Top 2: Family
Top 3: Career

I remember when I was offered job in a software development company, my first question is do I go to work during Saturdays (some companies here in Philippines do have regular work during Saturdays) and if I can go home early during weekends. My reason for this is because we do our Sunday praise and worship team practice during Friday nights and during Saturdays we have medical outreach to different communities. Good thing my company allowed me to still do my “ministerial” task.

Remember if any actions would lessen your relationship with God or with your family, run away from the offer. However, if your company offers a place where you and your family could stay near your workplace, that would be superb! Pray that God offers more opportunities.

Sam

By: Eden

Eden — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:26:57 +0000

I would find another job. Why would you put up with the hassle of traveling if you don’t want to?

By: Chandler

Chandler — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:35:07 +0000

I would tell Jenny, that she should make a list of her priorities. I find this helps decision making a lot easier.

For example, my first priorities in life are:
1. God
2. Family
3. Career

Then any decisions I make must first agree with whats most important in my life, and work your way down from there. If it doesn’t conflict and helps her develope whats really important to her than she should go for it.

I know she doesn’t have any kids, she needs to be ready for the strain that it will put on her relationship with her husband. I know from experience that long distance relationships require a lot more time and effort that might be difficult to give if she is at a job that demands a ton of her time.

Hope this helps.

By: Becky@FamilyandFinances

Becky@FamilyandFinances — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:55:36 +0000

I’m 100% with Kacie. Great response!

Your family should come before your work, always.

By: EnvoyPV

EnvoyPV — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:42:38 +0000

If I was single and childless, and I enjoyed the work, I’d do it in a heartbeat, assuming travel expenses are included and regular work hours at the other location.

It seems to be basically a move, without the risk. Try a new place out, meet new people, and still have a “home” to come back to, if you want.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:06:04 +0000

What a tough call. Employers do seem to take advantage of their new hires.

What does your husband think? I would be devastated if I only saw my husband one day per week. It probably won’t be a good thing for your marriage, honestly.

It sounds like if you want to take this job, you should consider simply moving to the new city (and bring your husband!).

Because essentially, if you’re living far enough away for six days per week…you’re living in another city and just “visiting” home.

You’d have to maintain two homes otherwise, which will be a hassle. Two beds, two sets of cookware, and the expense of having two apartments.

I’m not sure where in the Bible you’d be able to find passages on this topic, but your first obligation is to God. Your second is to your spouse, and your employer comes way on down the line.

Good luck and keep praying!

By: Luke

Luke — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:59:17 +0000

I had a similar thing happen a couple years ago. I was offered my dream job. The trouble was, it as 700 miles away and would require me to either move, or fly there Sunday night and fly home Thursday night (working from home on Friday). I decided against accepting the job for one big reason. I’m very involved in activities at my church and this would severely limit my ability to be involved. I ended up turning down the job because it would have required me to compromise on one of the two things I have told myself I will never compromise on (1. church, 2. family).

Perhaps a good way to look at this is to ask yourself what are your priorities? If this hinders some of your ultimate priorities, then I wouldn’t hesitate to refuse. What are the things in your life you will never compromise on?