There is no sympathy here, that's for sure! I'm envious of some of you. Taking a half or full day off to enjoy the sites? (On the client's time?) Downtime on a business trip? (That's the weekend if you choose not to go home)

I'm single and for the past three years have typically spent four (and many times five) nights away from home most weeks of the year. I really don't know how those with kids manage this much travel. After hearing a former colleague's young children crying on the phone and telling their father that they didn't like his new job because he was always gone, I kind of figured that a consultant's lifestyle is simply not compatible with a family.

To those who have managed, I salute you.