Top Bunk and Galaxy Flyer have pretty much nailed it.
I fly long haul freight, and I am on the road about 19 days a month. I get to go to some great places at times, but there is no consistency in the schedule. Add to that my Guard flying/duty, and I spend most of my life in a hotel.
It is not all bad, but it certainly is not for everyone. You truly lose track of the days, and you gain a very different perspective on life. It is like an alter lifestyle viewed from the clouds literally and figuratively.
Commuting to my base (ANC) is the hardest part of the job, but that is just a fact of life for me now. I don't see how I could ever have a family living like this. Luckily, that is not a big priority these days.
I have no regrets. Every choice in life has a price. At least nobody shot at me this month.
