The contractor that pays me covers all travel. I could get a studio apartment in the $2500 a month ballpark or stay at a hotel. I chose to stay at the Concord Hilton every week for the points and avoid the hassle of shopping for an apartment and signing a rental agreement, cleaning, shopping, etc. The rental car is covered by the contractor. Air fare is covered (no business class and I am good at booking way ahead and looking for sales to save money). I get a $52 per diem. Airport parking is covered. I would never have started this life if I actually had to do my own marketing, pay expenses, etc. I'm not one of those guys that sleeps four hours a night.

Yes, I hate not seeing family. I have one left at home (15). I have great relationships with all of my kids, but I feel like it is weaker with the youngest two. They were 13 and 10 when I started this. So yes, there is definitely a price to pay.

The advantages are -- $$$$$$ and I don't bring work stress home. I work until my kids got out of school on Friday and none on the weekend. When I am in CA, all I do is work, exercise, and try to get to the Oakland Temple regularly. It is a simple life. My wife is the very independent/organized type who is quite happy with the bump in income.