How does one handle business trips away from family?

I've been working for a company as an onsite service engineer for 3 years, but now I must travel to other customer sites nationally. So far I have been doing it for 1 month and it is very hard not seeing my two children (7 & 8 yrs old) and wife. I am afraid to quit my job since the economy is not looking so good. Wife also works since we are in financial debt. She is having a very hard time with the work and school thing especially no other family members live nearby. Family is number one to me, but it's hard to find a good paying job I have so quitting is almost not an option.

You must be such a cool guy!! My male friend is going thru the same thing & he communicates with his kids & wife by webcam on his laptop. At least you'll still be able to see your kids & wife. Thank God for the Internet!!

Lots of communication and if you're not happy, make finding another job your other part time job! My husband travels on occasion, he makes sure to talk to the kids once a day (at least) and we keep each other updated on what's going on at home or work...

a lot of communication and love.

been there doing that i work for an international petroleum exploring com often take me to work internationally flying Com corporate helicopter been doing now for 3 yrs and it takes atoll both on marriage and personal emotions, been working in Russia China Italy Japan the only way both me and my understanding wife survive the distance is that while i am abroad she travels to meet me for 3 to 4 days every other month its heart breaking when it time forget ot depart again we have only 14 months till I'm retired and back home stateside

Talking with your family is how you will keep the bond when away from them.

that's a hard question. I feel for you. You're doing what needs to be done, and that's all you can do for right now.

I spent a lot of my oldest kids younger years chasing the dream, only to wake up one day and realize they sounded like my babysitter, and I had nothing in common with them. It's been years of playing catch up--and I'm still not there yet.

They're ok. They have good jobs, but like that old song where the kid keeps asking his dad if he'll ever spend any time with him, only to grow up and grow away? I lost my boys years ago. I just never realized it. And at the same time, I almost lost my husband. Thank God, I found him again.

You can live on less. You can spend part of what little free time you have looking for something else. Don't call it impossible, It's simply a challenge. Don't quit your job, but stay open to the possibilities.

You sound like a very sincere family man,& if you explained to your wife that it's disturbing you to ba away so much,but the economy situation also has you concerned,you can both decide together whether this is the best situation for the family right now.I understand both sides,& the severity of the living arrangements are key here....The decision will be more acceptible to all,if it's made by both of you....(A so called meeting of the minds)