Traveling for work can test your marriage

When he’s not on the road as a crane operator, Benjamin Williams’ home base is Phoenix.

“I’m a crane operator. I kind of go where the work is. I have a list somewhere of all the places I’ve been. I haven’t been in every state, but I’ve been in all different regions of the country.

“With all the construction going on, there will probably always be work for me. What I don’t know is where I’ll be working. Mostly, I live in hotels. Sometimes, I get a place to rent.”

What’s the hardest part of your job?
“All the traveling can be challenging for a marriage. I’ve been married going on three years now, and we have two young children. I’m gone most of the year, so I miss seeing my kids grow up. I do get to be at home from time to time. I just don’t get to stay home.”

Have you considered changing jobs to be closer to your family?
“If the pay wasn’t as good as it is, yeah, I would. But pay kind of keeps you from going in that direction. Unless you don’t mind just getting by, and I’m not used to that.”

— Benjamin Williams