The first question I'm asked when people find out what I do is, "How can you stand to be gone from your family so much?"

I work 8 weeks on and 4 weeks off - I'm a Captain. Currently working out of Brazil.

I work roughly 8 months a year, having 4 months off. When I'm home, I am home and have nothing at all to do with work. If you want to get technical, you can count three days when I first get home to adjust to life at home, and three days before work sort of separating myself from home so I don't cry like a baby every time I leave my wife and children. (Captains don't cry.)

Anyway, 8 months a year working and 4 months home.

If I worked a 9-5. Everyone I know works six days a week now, scared to lose their job.

One day a week off is 48 days a year with family.
Two days a week off is 96 days a year with family.

Me, I get 120 days, 24 / 7 with my family - each year.

My parents ask me this all the time and I laugh to myself because growing up my dad was either the bishop or in high council. I never remember him sitting with the family more than once in a blue moon. I never remember him being home with us other than Saturday, Sunday night, and Monday night.

My dad, like most, had about 96 days at home with us.

Me, 120 days at home.

Not sure how they think I'm gone more than my dad ever was.