I have a few mates who did it when SAAB went to the wall, and a more when Volvo got rid of a load.
Living in and around the Göteborg/Trollhättan/Vänersborg/Uddevalla area, then commuting to do a 4 or 5 day week in Norway, mostly O&G or energy stuff, some ended up in Oslo (3 hours drive) some in Kongsvinger (4 hours drive) and some flying out, Stavanger, Trondheim etc (probably 5+ hours door to door).

They pretty much all enjoyed it massively. And that’s coming from a Swedish work/life balance thing, to Norwegian, so saying something! Some even got onto Norwegian salaries. Several relocated out there permanently, families etc.

Many of them are heading back now as Volvo are hiring quite a few and O&G is slowing down. Don’t *think* any of them regret going out there.

And as an added bonus, if you get a company provided flat, you can even extend your working week and take the family out for a week/long weekend for not very much. Scandinavia is a great place to be in the spring/summer.

I’d go to Oslo. I work two days, two nights, four off and I only have my lads on the four off plus holidays, which sounds like less than you’d be seeing your family, however I can honestly say that I spend more quality time with the boys than most of my conventional Mon-Fri peers. Those ‘work from home’ days could really work for you.

my dad was in the RAF till I was 11. Regularly away in the week, sometimes on 6 week deployments

Bless the RAF where 6 weeks is called a deployment; Navy here and just getting to the end of six months away (with a brand new Slackline waiting to be built up at home – can’t wait). I can’t comment on your exact situation but in terms of the effects of separation on your kids, it is manageable. You must make an effort to keep up with their lives and don’t forget that even with Skype etc, nothing shows you care as much as a proper hand written letter. Good luck with your choice.

mmm – lots to think about

May be I should do a count up of the yeahs and nays on this evenings flight to Oslo!

Will keep you all posted on my choice

To be continued…

Been in situation of living on large pay-out and looking for work for over 12 months- bills were paid and had lots of free time but novelty soon wore-off. It was stressful watching nest-egg dwindle away, too much time on my hands and while all-day-every-day with kids was never a chore, it was difficult to create “special” time. We made the best of it but there was an element of existing, rather then really savouring life.

Did similar commute for 3 months, but working away Mon-Fri, digs + travel at my cost-
Concentrated on career during week days
Got free time mid-week evenings to skype home/explore/bike/socialise
Wife got lots of support from family and made sure she had quality time with kids
We made effort to ensure every weekend was about giving the kids genuine quality time and fun activites

Not sure commuting would have worked as a permanent solution, but it was a great adventure, kids barely noticed I was away and it led to the whole family relocating- and everyone absolutely loves our new life.

Sounds like you are getting an even better opportunity…

I work away 4 days per week and think myself lucky – often I have to do all week. Wife grumbles a bit but mostly OK.

I do wonder about travel costs and what you might owe in tax if the company pays. If it was in the UK you’d have to pay tax on the expenses the company pays for as you’re going to your base office – is it any different if abroad?

Just got off the plane and on the flytoget (for those that know Oslo)

I am supposed to be “held harmless” on all tax related issues but the more I understand about where I might be taxed the better so can sort these issues now rather than later

Payments into uk pensions and national insurance etc could also be an issue

Taxation is generally based on residency so you should be taxed in the UK. Having said that, colleagues from back in the 90s overseas assignments kept many tax lawyers in business. Make sure that “held harmless” is in your contract and get your employer to pay for an independent lawyer to confirm.

Hi all

An update on my situation

I decided after much pain and anguish to take the job in Oslo on a commuting basis (Tuesday to Thursday away)

My decision was helped by all the advice from STW plus the help of a career coach who basically framed this as an opportunity and it’s not forever and you have nothing to lose if they will give redundancy etc etc. He also said be committed to the job but loyal to your family. In other words gave the permission not to feel guilty to my family for going and also not to feel like I must stay out of a sense of commitment if it doesn’t work out.

In Oslo tonight writing this from hotel room

Excellent – better to try and have it not work out, rather than to wonder “what if…”

Hope it works out for you whichever way it goes.

Wish I’d taken more opportunities when I had the chance

Lucky sod.

career coach

Basically told you what 50-something people here told you? And you paid for his advice?
❗ 😯 😕
( 😉 )

Basically told you what 50-something people here told you? And you paid for his advice?

It’s a well known part of the though process that you need to have somebody “qualified” to confirm what you already know – it’s part of how I make a living 🙂

I have no experience of working away but a friend does and she has 2 boys (currently 7 and 4). She took the role because it meant she wasn’t made redundant but that was aboit 3 years ago and she’s still doing it. Probably away 2 days every couple of weeks but sometimes more. She has to leave before 6am to commute to her ‘away’ office to be there before 9 and is home late on the days when she comes back from the away office. She quite likes it but i know her husband resents her for it and it has serious put pressure on their relationship.

It might work for you, but it’s only just working for my friends.

One of my favorite sayings is “only the wearer knows where the shoe rubs” and i think it applies here. Only you will know if it will work for you.

For what it’s worth, i couldn’t do it.

Hi Woody71

Welcome to Norway. It’s quite nice here

I think there’s something else going on there then, if a couple of days a fortnight is an issue.

I think there’s something else going on there then, if a couple of days a fortnight is an issue.

maybe the fella is wishing it was longer or more frerquent…. or both. hardly enough time to change the bed sheets. the OP’s missus wont be so rushed if he is away from Tuesday-Thursday… 😉

Enjoy it and make sure you get the family out for a weekend or two as suggested above, you never know they might enjoy it. I don’t think my brother is coming back unless he absolutely has to.