How do you balance out your time with work and family if you PCS without your family?

I worked in Atlanta for a year while my wife worked in Louisville, KY. It was a new job and we needed to see if it was going to last before my wife quit her top level job to come down there to join me. I drove home every weekend. About seven hours each way.

It took a toll on me as well as our marriage. I ended up finding another job in Louisville that was better than the job in Atlanta; the first Sunday that I didn't have to drive to Atlanta it felt as if an anvil had been taken off my chest.

not living in Edmonton or Los Angeles....not if I have to fight traffic. I once drove 100 miles to work and back from Apple Valley to West Covina in a Civilian job. You risk your life if you are on the road 6 hours a day only to go straight to bed.

I have had similar situations in the past. I found that it was easier on everyone if I went home on my days off only. While home, I would make the most of my time with my family. Not the ideal situation, but you do what it takes to make it work. Hopefully, its only a temporary situation.