Papa 68,
You raise some good points, but I dont understand the , "only 5 months away " bit. Normally tourers are not on 6on 6 off ,or 4 on 4 off, as such. Its 42/42 days or 28/28 days, on site and any travel incurred to and from work is taken in your leave time. This equates to being away from home a little over 6 months a year.
Is it true that in Australia a company will give you leave in addition to this ??!!
Cheers.