A Life Apart: Coping Tips For The Work At Home Mum, Work Away Dad
The global world has allowed workers to perform their jobs from the comfort of their own home, but it’s also allowed the opposite, too. Today, a person can work far away from their home, sending money back to their family as they spend the majority of their time on-site or close to their jobs. This can be financially rewarding, but it can also put a massive strain on family life. Below, we take a look at a few ways couples can keep their flame alive, even when they have to be far apart from one another.
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A Common Goal
A long distance relationship is doomed to fail if the people involved don’t have a common goal, even if they’re married. Nobody wants to be away from their family, even if it does bring home plenty of bacon. Before agreeing to take a job that’ll keep you away from your partner and children, make sure there’s a bigger purpose that’ll make it all worthwhile. You might both agree that you’ll stay on the job for a year or two before leaving and looking for a job closer to home.
Regular Contact
The global world that makes all job types possible also enables you to stay in touch in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. Unless you’re working entirely off-grid, you’ll be able to text, Skype, call, and send photos throughout the day. Even if you can’t physically be with your loved ones, you’ll still be able to be a significant presence in their life. Sending messages and chatting on a daily basis will make the distance bearable. Make plans for the future when you talk, and the excitement will grow about your eventual reunion!
Support Resources
While it might seem that there’s just the two of you – separated by many miles – dealing with this problem, that’s not the case. There are many resources out there to help people who are in your situation. If you or your partner is a fly-in fly-out worker, get support for FIFO families and find ways to cope with the many challenges of this type of arrangement. More generally, getting support and learning coping tips from other people in long-distance relationships will help keep your relationship healthy.
Make the Most Of Your Time At Home
Distance can be heart-wrenching, but it does have one benefit: it can make the time you do spend as a family all the sweeter. If you’re able to visit home, make little plans beyond spending time with your loved ones. It’s tempting to fill your schedule with fun activities and plans to meet friends, but as you won’t be home for long, you should make your loved ones your only priority.
Last Resorts
There are always challenges when one person works far away from home. If things get tough, have a last resort plan to leave your job and return to your family. You can always find other employment; you can’t find another family.
