Anyone have a DH that works out of town?

mayjaybird

Hi, 

I'm a first time mom, and previous lurker... I'm working on posting and replying more! 

My husband recently got a new job. It's for a great company he's always wanted to work for, but he's going to be working up on the north slope (we live in Alaska) for a couple weeks at at time and then home for a couple weeks at a time. Are there any June mommas out there that have been in a similar situation?This seems like such a great place to find support, any words of wisdom are much appreciated. He starts orientation on Monday and leaves on Friday for his first hitch. 

ema10

My DH began to do a lot of traveling this fall. He's actually on his way up to Alaska today (only for the week thankfully). I work full time as well. It's definitely hard, but we make it work. 

I do try to make things a little easier on myself when I can. I don't cloth diaper when he's gone anymore so I don't have to worry about the extra laundry, for example. Just be honest when you're struggling and appreciate him when he's open. I've definitely realized my DH is more helpful than I sometimes give him credit for.

Good luck (and welcome)!

HeyAmberNicole

My boyfriend is out of town Thursday-Sunday/Monday. Sometimes it's for 2 weeks at a time. It super sucks girl.

However, I have found that if I keep busy doing the stuff I normally do while he's working during the day (laundry, picking up, "pretend" online shopping) and also do stuff with my friends, it helps make me feel less lonely. It also helps pass the time.

We also like to video chat as much as possible while he's gone, but NASCAR makes for some really long days so it usually ends up being a few minutes of a phone call each night.

I've recently started trying to get myself and my son more involved in our community and helping others. It's been a great lesson for both of us!

colllydon

My DH works in another state from December to March every year. It sucks but you get use to it.

mayjaybird

Thank you ladies for the excellent advice. I'm fortunate to have excellent family support nearby, and I'll make sure to find ways to stay busy and get involved in my community. Keeping communication strong sounds very important too. Maybe I can see if it's possible for us to set up certain times to talk each day. 

nickelnichol you're absolutely right, military families do it all the time. We're so blessed he's been given his opportunity, and I know it's going to be very good for our financial goals as a family. 

It makes me feel a lot better knowing that there are other moms out there managing this, thanks again I really appreciate your thoughts. 

kibean

Not exactly the same thing, but my DH works in DC and we live about 2 hours away in MD. He takes the train, so he has to leave the house by 6 and doesn't get home until at least 8 (sometimes later). I am so thankful for the 90 minutes we have together in the evening, and I have a lot of respect for people who can manage long distances where you go days without seeing each other. We were long distance for 4 years and it was the hardest thing ever. 

Everything PP have said his good advice. I really enjoys my alone time now and cherish every minute we have together. I know DH is sad that he won't get to enjoy our son as much as if he worked closer, so he is trying to find another job. It is just hard here because the good federal jobs are in the district and it is way cheaper to live where we do. 

mayjaybird

Had a really good talk with DH today about the distance and keeping communication open. After talking with you guys, and having a heart to heart with him, I'm feeling much more positive. (Edited for typo)

Sareynoo

Kind of similar I guess. DH leaves for deployments, first one was 9 months in Japan and second was 6 months in Africa. He will be leaving again sometime this year. You learn to adjust to being alone, there's skype, messaging, facetime, phone calls they make it easy to contact each other. Just cherish the time that you have together, you will begin to appreciate it more.