I just got a new job that requires me to to travel. Friends with similar qualifications want to make the money I make, but without travel, because kids.

I recently landed a new job as a Field Engineer for a large medical company, working on blood banking systems. The job requires a good deal of travel, but the pay and benefits are phenomenal.

Naturally, a lot of my old coworkers are very interested in the pay side of the house, and have asked to use me as a reference. I'm more than happy to do so, since they're all highly qualified and would excel in this new role.

However, most have pulled out of consideration after learning how much travel is involved. However, two people put in their resumes, knowing full well the amount of travel involved, thinking that they may somehow be the exception. They want to spend time with their kids, which I understand entirely, but if they get this job, they're going to be spending at least a night or two a week in hotels, airports, hospitals, etc.

I cannot fathom how they think that they're the first ones that will bring up their commitments to their kids, thinking the company will grant them some sort of special situation based on 'extenuating circumstances.'

Anybody else experience anything like this? Makes me regret agreeing to be a reference.