GeologyRocks

Working in pet. geol. is not a 9-5 job, so you'll need an understanding partner However, lots of people who work for oil/gas companies have kids so it can't be impossible!

ohh ok so if its not a 9-5 job what are the hours like?

I'm not sure about the Petroleum business. I work as a Geotechnical Engineer. My work is generally (about 60-70%) 9-5 office based.

The rest is site work, generally between either for a day or a week. This can sometimes involve night-shifts or working in a different part of the country for an extended period (I'm talking UK here so it's still usually possible to get back home for the weekend in 3hrs). Having said that I'm about to take an overseas assignment in the middle-east for 6 months but that's my choice.

I think it's possible to create your own career based on your priorities, I know people who are full-time office based (9-5). However, I do believe this holds back your career because you have a smaller sphere of experience.

In the end it comes down to what you want from life, remembering that it's not possible to plan for most of it!!

I would suggest taking your missus and kids on tour with you if possible.  I worked as a caving/climbing guide for many years which involved a lot of time spent away from home.  There's nothing worse than getting in the door after a knackering stint away and having to cook, sort out the kids and do all the housework because your better half is fed up with not being able to go anywhere and ends up spending all your hard-earned cash on clothes etc.