I've worked the past 3.5 years as a traveling rep for a franchise company, spending roughly 1/3 of the year on the road.
Job in of itself isn't overly difficult, but is not without its challenges, worst of which is travel.
I can be gone 3 out of 4 weeks one month, and the other reversed and home 3 out of 4. I can also get notice last minute on a Thursday evening that Monday I'll be out of town 3-4 days the following week.
I've learned a lot and grown a lot professionally, but its taking its toll. I'm getting stipends, bonuses, incentives, and other bumps in salary. Which is combination performance based, and a bit of paranoia/fear by the home office because turn over in this position is HIGH. They struggle keeping reps, primarily because of the extensive travel.
I'm currently out of town and working a franchise show thru the weekend and won't be home for another 6-7 days. When I setup a new franchise out of state, its a mandatory 14 days minimum.
I've been married a little over a year and ever since I got this job my wife has said that once we start a family I will need a different job, and I 100% agree. I cannot have this job and start a family.
I know to the “old guys” this sounds whiney….but guess what? ALL of the guys in their 50's/60's in this company, divorced….every one. Wonder why that is!?!