DH to work OOT...

[damom2daboyz]

It's been a long time since my DH has had to work OOT for an extended period of time. He has switched to a different company and is now going to be required to go to a job that is four hours away, working M-Th, 10 hour days. I'm not complaining that his work week is shorter and he will be making better money; I'm just not sure how to handle him being gone.

Years ago, when we were married the first time, I loved it when he was OOT. I didn't have to deal with him. Now, things are better, our relationship improved, I never thought I would see the day he would be leaving again.

I trust him completely...it's just been a shock to me.

Any advice from others whose DH or DW is gone from home and how to make the transition smoother? I work at night, 12hr shifts, at a new job so I don't have enough seniority to request a specific schedule. Any helpful tips would be appreciated.

TIA...
Debbie

 

[gris gris]

I hope this isn't a dumb question - what is OOT?

 

[damom2daboyz]

Oops...sorry. OOT...Out of town. In my head I thought it was clear. Alot of things that are clear to me in my head aren't always clear to others.
Sorry about the confusion.

 

[mamajoan]

During our many years my dh and I have endured many separations due to jobs. That includes military deployment the first 13 years we were married.
Over the past few years he has taken postions which required him to be out of town and even out of the country for weeks-months at a time.
It was difficult, but we survived.
The following helped us to get through it all.
1. Have a family meeting on Sunday morning (if he is going OOT on Sunday night). Bring the family calendar and his personal calendar.. review appointments, holidays and events for the next week-2 weeks. Give his honey do list a strict once over.. it is important to know priorities.
2. You and Your DH should speak to a neighbor or nearby relative regarding the OOT situation.. it helps to have someone within 5 minutes of your home that you can call if the water line breaks (or anyother emergent situation).. ya that happened to us the first week dh was in Puerto Rico.
3.Talk every night... but try reallly hard not to start out the conversation
" The kids/dogs/house are driving me crazy, you should be here!"
4. Make sure that you are able to deal with all financial matters independently. That you are on all forms to speak with representatives... everything from the Cable company, to the Credit Card/Loan company.
5. Schedule quiet time for yourselves...
Enjoy the Three day weekends!

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I hope this isn't a dumb question - what is OOT?

Yeah, when I first saw the title I thought it was a typo and she meant work OUT.

 

[gris gris]

Yeah, when I first saw the title I thought it was a typo and she meant work OUT.

I can't stop laughing - if my DH decided to work out I think I'd fall over

OP, is there any way that once in a while you can drive out there and stay overnight? I know 4 hours is a long drive by yourself though. How long will he be doing this job for? Will he have access to a computer so you can email each other?