Increased Travel for Job

I found myself in a similar situation when the assumptions of the job and how it would play out were never really researched, and it ended-up being much different.

I'm a very loyal employee, but I've learned what my comfort zone is and what it's not.

If you're fortunate enough to have marketable skills and think you could find another job quickly, I'd encourage you to find something that doesn't require you to make compromises to your family.
California's economy struggles are well known, and if it's not feasible to leave the position at this time, I'd personally have to suck it up and deal with the imposition as long as possible.

In this market, employers know they have the upperhand, and they're not afraid to play their cards in strong-arming employees into what they (employer) wants. If CA is a "work at will" state, there are likely no legal options on your end but many on your employer's.

My current job requires a lot more travel than I am accustomed to and that I really enjoy with 2 small kids at home. Skype is a wonderful thing and makes being away from home a little more tolerable.

Good luck with your decision!

The way I see it you have a few options and none of them are that great. You could try talking to the person who hired you or a higher up and explain that this additional traveling is not something you had planned on and are there any other options. If they say no, then you tell them straight out that you aren't able to do the additional traveling and take it from there. Chances are they'll terminate your employment. You should be able to collect unemployment (check the laws in your state). By any chance was this agreement in writing?

You could just do your best to stick with it until another job opportunity comes along.

In today's economy employer's have the upper hand and many of them are willing to play it. They know they can find qualified people to take your spot.

Good luck.

I would bring it up to your direct supervisor or possibly higher if necessary and explain the circumstances on why this does not work for you and your family. You can explain exactly what you put here, that you were under the impression of minimal travel and are there any alternatives to traveling. I agree with the other posts though, depending on your situation, it may jepordize your job and there are probably 100 other people out there ready to take it in this economy. I would still talk to someone about it and then make the decision whether or not to go to a higher person, or deal with it if it will jeopordize your employment

not sure how your office operates.. but where I worked.. we had to do various avtivities in the field.. some places were nearby others far away.. as long ast he work got doneit didnt matter who did it.. so the workers that could travel traveled and those with small kids, sick elderly parents.. or taking colleg classes did more local work..

so are there others in your office taht could domore travel so you could do less?? some young single folks think travel is fun..

Your employer does have the right to change the job expectations to meet business demands. If it doesn't work for you, they will understand--ultimately they want the most motivated people in each position. So if it's not something you want to do, look for something else. Play nice with everyone until you find the "something else," and exit gracefully, whether its from the department or the company (i.e., don't burn your bridges).

(I work as a Human Resources Director.)

Best of luck to you.

If you would like an option of how to stay home to be with your children more and work the hours you want, I have been doing it since my children have been born, 16 years now, leaving a successful consulting job. I have been representing a skin, bath, and body care product line that is great for the whole family, especially for those with allergies/sensitivities. You could incorporate this with your current employment to supplement or even replace your job. There are no monthly requirements, no deliveries, no returns that you have to handle, etc. and no additional start up costs. If you would like more information, please let me know and I am listed in Mamapedia's Local Businesses in a couple of places.

J.
Sensaria Natural Bodycare

Is it a good size company where you could possibly post out to another department? I worked in a position that changed over time going from traveling same day in state to traveling out of state of several days at a time. In state was ok but being gone for a week at a time wasn't cool with me. The company was large enough so I could interview and transfer to another department that was a better fit for what I needed.

Are there other people on your team who like to travel? Maybe they could take your meetings and you could do more work inhouse to support the team?