Question for airline pilots (Regoinal/Major): how are things on the home front?

Question

Does your job allow you to spend much time with your family, and how does your family feel about your job? When I say family I mean your wife/husband and/or kids if you have them. It seems like flying international routes would keep you from home a lot, but are you able to spend many nights per week at home with a domestic route? I really just want to see what everybody's own experience is on this. I know some people make it work better than others, but I would really just appreciate some honest input on how things are at home with this kind of career.

Answer 1

I generally work 10--12 days/month.   A 3 on 4 off schedule.  My wife a kids are accustom to my absence but it is never prolonged.  I like the fact that I'm only 2 time zones from home in the event of an emergency.  Truthfully, when I'm home, I'm home.  Many people take their job home with them at night, I don't.  I think I have better quality family time then the average buisnessman.  Personal opinion

Answer 2

At work there's a page on the bulletin board titled "What did YOU hear?"  Guys make entries when they return from a week or so at home.

"I don't even know you."

"Who are you?"

"It's for you."

"You don't even know where the trash goes?"

"I don't know where you're going to sleep, but it  isn't in here."

"You can make more as a trucker--why not do that?"