While my SO and I have not been long distance in the conventional sense, his job (and my studies) take us away from each other from time to time. While he was a student it only happened during the summer. Once we moved to Arizona he was contracted for a job that didn't require him to be away. I was happy because it meant being home together every night and having some semblance of normalcy. Unfortunately, while it is in his field, it is not a job that he likes doing, since it really involves a whole lot of standing around and not doing anything. He's been pretty depressed over it.

He got offered another job within the same company that is more like what he wants to do. The pay raise is fabulous - he'd be making double what he is making now. I should be thrilled for him, except it starts on December 1st. That means the moment I am done with grad school for the semester, he will be gone. It also means I'll spend the holiday season mostly alone. I had planned a bunch of sweet things (including an advent calendar tailored to his tastes) and generally just love decorating for Christmas etc. I feel very sad that he won't be around for most of it.

I know the situation isn't dire. We still live together and he'll still come back on a regular basis - heck, the particular area he'll be is only about a 2h drive from our home. But I still feel sad that when I finally have time to spend with him (without school), and during my favorite holiday period, he won't be around.

On the plus side I tend to save a LOT of money on food when he's away, and I tend to eat healthier too. So maybe it's a good thing.