Commuting...

[eeboater]

I'm mulling an idea right now that I want to get everyone's opinion on. <br /><br />As far back as I can remember, I have been wanting to work with my father in his company. The problem I have is that he is in Ohio and I am in Wisconsin. The misses has no want or need to move to Ohio, so that 'dream' of mine is pretty much done. I have an obligation to my wife and family before my dream. After speaking with my father this morning, I may have opportunity to work with him. <br /><br />I explained to him that I really want to work with him... a dream of mine... but I will never be able to move to Ohio. He said he understood my situation completely and we began the discussion of allowing me to start a branch up here in Wisconsin. The problem with that is I would need to have some hands-on experience working within his company, seeing the way they do things, and most importantly, learning how to use his medical records system that they sell.<br /><br />Which is what leads me to the commuting idea. I am thinking about suggesting to him a plan of attack. To do this, I would drive to Ohio every Sunday, work through Wednesday, and return to Wisconsin Thursday morning. The trip is roughly 400 miles one-way. So, figure about a 6 hour trip or so. Nothing too bad, yes long but not bad. Then, I could do remote-work from my home office on Thursday and Friday. After I grow accustomed to their system and their methodologies, I would be able to expand and open a branch up here in Wisconsin.<br /><br />What do you guys think of this idea?

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Commuting...

More important than our opinions, what does your wife think of it? Three days a week with the wife might be nice after you've been married a while, but it might not work out to well in the early years.

 

[ehenry]

Re: Commuting...

Have you talked it over with Mrs. Eeboater? What we think really dont amount to squat if she doesnt like the idea of you going to work with your dad and you (for all intensive purposes) being gone 4 days a week. Is this company wholely owned by your dad or is he working for someone else?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Commuting...

You will be spending far too much time away from your boat! ....JK

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Commuting...

I wouldnt do it. It would become very tiresome after a few months.<br /><br />Ken

 

[brother chris]

Re: Commuting...

If this misses does not mind and the money is good, go for it. <br />KIZ is right though....it will become very tiresome after a while. <br />Good luck in your choice.<br />B.C.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Commuting...

400 miles one way doesn’t sound bad till ya factor in Chicago traffic. Even going around is a PITA, ya might want to give it a trial run before ya cut ties and commit. Oh ya and what they said about Mrs ee and the New Boat.

 

[tommays]

Re: Commuting...

IN the long term if your have childern then you will really hate it.<br /><br />Trust me i know this and changed jobs 15 years ago because i was missing to much of there childhood.<br /><br />tommays

 

[aspeck]

Re: Commuting...

Working with/for your dad has its advantages and disadvantages. He will always see you as his son, and sometimes that can get in the way of business. At the same time, he is your dad and your boss - can be sticky. With that said, I am glad I got to work for my dad all the years I did.<br /><br />As the others have already pointed out, you don't need our opinion, you need Mrs EE's opinion. And be careful in how you ask, she could say yes because of your dream, and resent it for the rest of your lives together. Make sure you are both on the SAME PAGE before continuing/pursuing this dream of yours. Make sure it is a dream you both share. Look at the long term benefits and goals and if you agree, then go for it. If she is hesitant, but willing to go along because it is your dream, be thankful you have such a wonderful wife and don't do it. YOU BOTH HAVE TO BE HAPPY WITH THE DECISION. It won't work if only one is happy.

 

[eeboater]

Re: Commuting...

Thanks for the feedback guys. The Missez and I are going to discuss this further this evening.<br /><br />I'll add a few more tidbits of info here. What if these factors were in place:<br /><br />- Pretend the missez is ok with this (This all hinges on that, I do realize this, and if she is wishy-washy on the idea - I will not do it.)<br /><br />- I will probably double my current salary.<br /><br />- I have no kids right now, and don't plan to start trying for about a year or so.<br /><br />LT, Chicago traffic isn't that bad. It all depends on the time of day you catch it. I've done the drive many many times.<br /><br />Has anyone done something similar to this?<br /><br />Sean

 

[deputydawg]

Re: Commuting...

My father worked out of town when his company transferred him "only until something else came up". He was only 80 miles away. 7 years later everyone had grown into the habit of him leaving sunday night coming home friday night. <br /><br />If everyone is good with this and it will improve your happieness or success go for it. I would suggest though that you set a time limit. Set a realistic goal for how long this will take, and stick to it. If it takes longer than you planned or hoped then re-evaluate your goals.<br /><br />One other thing to consider. If you pass on at least attempting this, how much will you regret it? If you pass on this for the sake of your families opinions, ask yourself honestly will you start resenting them in the future?

 

[JRJ]

Re: Commuting...

It won't take you all that long to learn the business will it? No kids, so maybe your wife could make the trip with you once in awhile. The relationship she and your parents have would have some bearing also. Good luck.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Commuting...

Originally posted by eeboater:<br />- Pretend the missez is ok with this.

Famous last words....<br /><br /><br />- I will probably double my current salary.<br /><br />Now I'm getting tempted.<br /><br /><br />- I have no kids right now, and don't plan to start trying for about a year or so.<br /><br />What's the rush?<br /><br /><br />LT, Chicago traffic isn't that bad. It all depends on the time of day you catch it. I've done the drive many many times.<br /><br />That's debateable. I've hit traffic at midnight on saturday going thru there.<br /><br /><br />Has anyone done something similar to this?<br /><br />Yes. I used to drive over-the-road and it was very hard on our relationship.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Commuting...

Okay, since you asked:<br /><br /> - Pretend the missez is ok with this (This all hinges on that, I do realize this, and if she is wishy-washy on the idea - I will not do it.) <br /> That is a good start! <br /><br />- I will probably double my current salary.<br />Follow this equation closely:<br /><br />double salary = more taxes + more expenses(bigger boat + more play toys for the boat + more maintenance + more $ for iboats)<br /><br />more taxes makes uncle sam happy<br />bigger boat makes ee happy, but wife upset because now you really do need a bigger garage. That means that the toys, maintenance, and iboats will get left out of the equation, making ee unhappy. Hmmm, now how will this equation equal?<br /><br />- I have no kids right now, and don't plan to start trying for about a year or so.<br />If you do this, the one year is a good period to wait to see how it will shake out. My wife went through 3/4 of her pregnancy without me being around, and we were both unhappy about that. Just make sure you think things through.<br /><br />LT, Chicago traffic isn't that bad. It all depends on the time of day you catch it. I've done the drive many many times.<br />Yea, at night it is not too bad, and not to bad during spring - fall, but winter driving back and forth can be a real pain. I lived right outside Chicago for 2 years - winter driving with the traffic during rush hour was no fun at all!<br /><br />EE, after all is said and done, you are the one that has to think about this and decide what is best for you and your wife. We can type till we are blue in the fingers and it doesn't matter to us. It is between you, your wife, and your dad.<br /><br />Good luck in your decision and keep us posted (cause we are nosey, er we care! )

 

[ZooMbr]

Re: Commuting...

ee, with wife and dads support go for it! Just make sure there is an ending date! Learning a medical record keeping software package should not need a long commitment. <br /><br />Go on some sales/support calls and see what the issue are, how the marketing is done. And, go to it. <br /><br />Start the branch with experienced medical Field sales people and if possible get them trained by your father.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Commuting...

Whats the point of being married if you are only there half the time and worn out the other half.<br /><br />That is why I quit working in the field and now work in the office.<br /><br />Less money, but more LIFE!!!<br /><br />Ken

 

[alden135]

Re: Commuting...

"But honey, the guys at iboats said......."<br /><br />

 

[BRG25]

Re: Commuting...

Is this an equal opportunity marriage? By that I mean if the situation was reversed and your wife was looking at working out of state, would you have a say? Just curious...

 

[SwampNut]

Re: Commuting...

Do it! There's nothing like running your own business and destiny, and nothing like the satisfaction of starting your own successful venture. If you don't do it, you'll have regrets for the rest of your life.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Commuting...

What kind of growth potential does this business have? How many people work for your dad? How long would it take before you needed to start hiring some kind of help?<br /><br />Maybe you can hire somebody to learn the root of the business for you and bring the info back. <br /><br />Maybe someone that works for your dad is ready for a change of pace and might consider moving to Wisconsin bring knowledge to you.<br /><br />Now the down side. <br /><br />Always remember when the cats away, the rats will play. I've seen/heard many situations like this end in divorce. By accident of course. Famous last words, I was just.......I didnt mean for this to happen. You were'nt here fo me.<br /><br />Do yall do the bar thing? Have close friends that do? You dont have to answer these questions here, but definately answer them for yourself. Its worth considering.<br /><br />Good luck ee. Seriously not sarcasticly. <br />This is a hard decission for anyone, with a lot to be considered.