Re: How realistic is an extended absence?

[GotToBTru]

It sounds like you are already in a non-standard work situation, and therefore most likely to be able to avoid the kind of compartmentalizing that happens in rigid corporate environments. That's a guess, but I think a reasonable one. It also assumes you will be able to return to your current situation, or a similar one.

Absolutely keep in touch with people, forums like this one, trends and tendencies. IOW, everything davido said.

Finally, whatever happens, I applaud your choice, and firmly believe you will never regret time invested in your children especially when they are young, no matter how it affects your future career.

[roboticus]

++GotToBTrue++

Yeah, I'm regretting *not* taking more time to spend with my kid ... and he's coming up on 16 in two months. (I'm *certain* he was only 8 yesterday.....)

...roboticus

When your only tool is a hammer, all problems look like your thumb.

[GotToBTru]

I made a conscious choice when my children were very small to attend diligently to their (often inane) questions, because I wanted to firmly establish in their minds that Dad Listens. That was in the hope that when they had questions at 12 or 16 or 18 (the age of my youngest), important questions that might have serious consequences, they would ask me instead of their friends. That has worked out very well. Note that was Dad Listens, not necessarily Dad Has the Answer. I did, back when they were 3. Not as often anymore! But I still listen.