I received Lead Auditor certifications for ISO-9000, QS-9000 and ISO-14000 in the mid 90's and again for ISO-9000:2000, so I've been doing first and second party audits for some time. I've been thinking of working for a CB, but when I see the travel schedule and the hours that my current CB auditor puts in (through e-mails I receive at 2 or 3AM), I wonder about having a personal life. Maybe some of you could share working out the work/life balance with me? I'm transitioning my current employer to 2015, and don't see them dropping a dime for Lead Auditor certification for myself. I spoke with one CB and they were talking about the work week running from Sunday night to Friday night. How do you maintain any semblance of a personal life?
I expect you will need more current Lead Auditor training. If you are serious about this, sign up for training at once. CBs generally expect candidates to come with this training already accomplished.
I have no personal life. None. I am "on the road" 4 weeks out of 5, which is an improvement over last year when I was out 5 weeks out of 6. I get adequate sleep during the week if I try hard, and catch up on weekends.
This is hard on my husband, who says he is lonely. Our children are grown, otherwise this profession would not work at all. If there was sufficient employment for someone like me in my area, I would seriously consider applying for it though I am not sure I am any longer a good fit for corporate life.
Many times the CB auditor is contract, not an employee. As such, based on the CB we are usually able to accept or decline assignments, and "block off" portions of our calendars (I have to do so a year in advance) so as to ensure enough time at home while still earning enough to pay the bills.
I am an LLC, and an S-corporation for tax purposes. This means I have to pay an accountant for financial services, but there are a great many tax savings that more than offset the expenses.
I hope this helps!
