Yes you will miss birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc BUT you will be home on days that are volunteer days at school, run errands in the middle of the week when everyone else is at work. It is all what you do with your time and not on the calendar. Quality of time is more important. There are parents who spend holidays in front of the TV and not really with their spouse or kids. If you and your spouse have an understanding..... Everyone is happy. Love what you do!