A “Husband who doesn’t appear to be entirely fully employed” and has time for snowmobile races - Todd Palin gave up his job with BP because his wife was fighting with the oil companies. He finished the 2000 mile snowmobile race with a broken arm because he needed the money, a $ 40,000 prize. He’s a good man, secure in his skin.
North Slope Oil workers like Todd Palin are fully employed. their schedule is similar to Gulf of Mexico Rigs, and, I presume, North Sea Rigs. First one has to get to the drilling site. In the ocean this is done by helicopter. For Alaska, the workers get in a plane and fly almost 1,000 miles to the worksite. Once there, they work twelve hour days, seven days a week, or 84 hours a week. A typical schedule is two weeks on, and two weeks off home. So one could have time for snowmachine racing, fishing, or staying home with the kids.
From what I read, Todd took a six month leave of absence after Sarah was elected Governor, then returned to the job