Just found my dream job but have to leave my daughter for 6 months,
By poppoppop111
@poppoppop111 (5731)
Canada
March 17, 2010 7:47am CST
ok i've been looking for a more interesting job and something more challenging. i work in the museum field. i was assistant curator then my contract ended and i'm now working at a tourism office handing out and counting flyers. how exciting. i've been looking for something more challenging and more related to my field and found such a great opportunity. it's a 6 month contract in antarctica doing conservation work on artifacts. what a great experience that would be and it's exactly the kind of job i've been looking for. however you live in tents on site and i can't bring my 6 year old girl. this is my dream job. but 6 months with out my family. how can i do that.
1 person likes this
13 responses
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
17 Mar 10
HI poppoppop111, do you have strong family ties with your husband/parter and your parents? Can you rely on them to take care of your six year old daughter? Have you discussed this issue with your daughter? I am sure that if it is a one off experience I would take the challenge. But my mind has to be re assured that my daughter would be in safe hands.
Secondly can you talk with your daughter via internet? Can you use skype for example where you can see her daily on webcam? That would make things alittle bit easier. I hope that you reflect well on this decision and decide what's best for you and for your family. Goodluck
1 person likes this
@poppoppop111 (5731)
• Canada
17 Mar 10
I'm not sure about how i will get a chance to talk to my daughter. i'll be working 12 hour days in the antarctic. not sure if we will have a computer to use for personal use. we will be sleeping in traditional tents that the explorers used at the sites where we will be researching. so we won't have electricity where we are staying, only on the office off site where we work only half the time in new zealand. but i'll talk to the people and see what they say. i just don't want them to think i'm not interested in the job cause i won't want to leave my daughter behind. i want them to know i'm dedicated to this opportunity
@kaylachan (71520)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Mar 10
It won't be easy, but you have to decide what is best for you and what is best for your family. In the end who is more important? Unlike other jobs, it wuldn't be 0 contact but six months is a long time. And, what good would be being over seas do you.... aren't you the bread winner for that daughter of yours?
Coping is one thing, but you have to put them ahead of you.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
18 Mar 10
It would be rough. You need to weigh out your options. I don't know if I could do it or not. Good luck with your decision.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
17 Mar 10
wow that would be tough for sure. if she was older, she would proabaly understand but 6 is pretty young. all she will know is that you are not with her. you might have to put your dream job on hold for now. they are young for such a short time!
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@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
18 Mar 10
I would say go for it. Six months is just a short time and you'll be back in no time at all. You can still communicate with your daughter through phone calls and the internet anyway. This is a once in a lifetime experience. I'm sure your daughter will be proud that her mom had been to Antarctica. Not all are lucky enough to be given that opportunity. Considering your case, there are more pros than cons, so what are you waiting for? Happy trip!
1 person likes this
@olisaur (1922)
• United States
17 Mar 10
Wow, you have a very interesting field of work!
I understand that it will be hard to leave your family, but this really sounds like it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opourtunity. If you are truly, extremely passionate about you work and this job, I think you should go for it with the faith that you will be with your family again after the six months.
1 person likes this
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
17 Mar 10
Hiiii.... I congratulate you for being able to find your dream job, not everyone is able to get one! Moreover, the antarctica is such a challenging and adventurous place to work at.. Wow!!!
I know how you feel about staying away from family. But six months isn't a long period. Trust me, it'll pass easily. In the beginning you might feel a little different, but you'll get used to it. Moreover it is your dream job, the experience over there will enrich your skills and your resume's weightage and that'll be helpful to you in future... I wish you Good Luck!!! Have a great time!
1 person likes this
@Fadolf (545)
• Slovenia
17 Mar 10
Hi poppoppop111! I have to admit that you really got the opportunity of your life! I know it seems hard to leave your daughter for 6 months, but even though it seems very long both you and she can "survive" that period. Technology today provided us with web cams, VoIP, etc. so I'm sure some of this technological benefits will help you to keep in touch with her. Handing out flyers vs. conservation work in Antarctica, I don't think it even can be compared to each other. I would say to go for it because this opportunity could bring others which will be as challenging as this, but closer to your daughter. Take care and happy mylotting! Great discussion!
1 person likes this
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
17 Mar 10
Sometimes you've got to sacrifice in order to gain something you wanted. This is your dream job right? you have to adjust to another environment where you're away from your family in order to get this dream job of yours. It's not like they're going away for good you know. Besides, it'll be better so you'll be more focused on your job.
1 person likes this
@myramae19 (667)
• Philippines
17 Mar 10
Hi pop
I'm happy to hear that you're fine and having a Great job
well 6 months is just a short of time, just get yourself busy in the field.just bear in mind that you would do this kind of job for you to challenge your self and to give your love ones a bright future especially to your daughter,.make her your inspiration so that you can work with peace
Good luck to you pop.
well 6 months is just a short of time, just get yourself busy in the field.just bear in mind that you would do this kind of job for you to challenge your self and to give your love ones a bright future especially to your daughter,.make her your inspiration so that you can work with peace
Good luck to you pop.1 person likes this
@besthope44 (12123)
• India
17 Mar 10
Hi, nice to here that you got your dream job. But family is also equally important. I would say no, incase if you have to stay away for years. But as you say its for 6 months, why dont you talk to you daughter as well and leave it to her grandparents or most trustworthy people. My kid prefer to stay with grandparents as she is most attracted to them. If you can, first talk to your kid and try to understand and then make your dream fulfill!! Cheers!
@uniqueorn (1011)
• Philippines
17 Mar 10
This must be an easy situation for Overseas Filipino Workers here in the Philippines. If these people have made it working without their loved ones for a year or more than that (even five years), then you can do it also. Half a year without your family may bring you solitude. But at the same time, this will bring your family a better life and will give you the chance of fulfilling a dream job. It's a two-way benefit which is hard to refuse from.
@512771751 (1096)
• China
6 Apr 13
It is really sad to leave your dear daughter. But you still have many methods to connect with your daughter, and there is just 6 months. Good luck, and have a good mood ,you can solve it.
