it sounds like you have a couple of smart and wonderful children
I work in mining as I said 12hr days 4 days on then 4 days off
I drive the train that carries the ore from the mine to the port for export
it is a job I really enjoy doing
Karratha where I live is only a small town of about 20,000 people
I am paid well for what I do and get to have 6 weeks a year off on holidays.
I am form New Zealand but have lived here in Australia for the last 26 years because that is where the work and good money is. When I stop work I wish to move somewhere else to live but I have to wait until the kids are grown up for that