How does one manage work travel while raising two young kids at home? It’s a question I encounter frequently, as I typically travel a few days each week while juggling responsibilities for my 5- and 7-year-olds. If I were to give a candid answer, it might sound something like this: “I pack the night before, head to the airport the next day, park, board the plane, work, return home, plead with my partner to handle the laundry, realize that my pleas are in vain, and start a load myself.” However, I know that people aren’t looking for a sarcastic quip. They want to hear about the guilt I feel for leaving my family behind and my worries about missing precious moments. Sure, those feelings exist, but there’s a different perspective I try to embrace.
Most working parents grapple with guilt when they leave their kids. While I do experience sadness and have missed some milestones, I’m also engaged in work that I’m passionate about—work that can genuinely make a difference in others’ lives. I do my best to explain to my children, in terms they can grasp, how my work helps people. Here are several strategies I employ to ease the strain of my traveling job on both my family and my mental well-being:
1. Supportive Partner
I am fortunate to have a partner who excels in managing the household while I’m away. It’s both liberating and bittersweet to witness the bond between my kids and their dad grow stronger during my absences. While kids often prefer their mom, my time away has allowed my husband to parent in his own way, helping the kids realize he can meet their needs just as well.
2. Reliable Support Network
I’m blessed with a wonderful community of friends, neighbors, and caregivers. We nurture these relationships and help one another in times of need. Our close-knit group often feels like an extended family, with our kids believing they’re all related!
3. Understanding Employer
Working from home when I’m not traveling gives me the flexibility to be present for my family in ways that a traditional 9-to-5 job wouldn’t allow. My employer values my contributions and understands that some of my best work occurs after my kids are in bed. This flexibility not only enhances my work quality but also deepens my loyalty to the company.
4. Protecting My Schedule
I take my work schedule seriously and am careful about deviating from it. I plan my calendar in advance to accommodate important family events, and I explore every option to be present, whether that means attending a meeting via video call or conducting research remotely. I understand that this may limit career advancement opportunities for now, but I’m okay with that because my priorities are clear.
5. Leveraging Technology
Staying connected through technology has been a game changer for my family. Using tools like FaceTime allows me to assist with homework, engage in bedtime routines, and introduce my kids to my coworkers. This helps them see that I’m working, not just off having fun without them. I prioritize these connections, often stepping away from important meetings to talk to my children.
6. Little Acts of Love
I enjoy leaving surprise notes in my kids’ lunchboxes to remind them I’m thinking of them, especially when I have to leave early in the morning.
7. Being Present at Home
When I’m back, I try to unplug from technology and be fully present with my kids. While there are days when that’s a challenge, I remind myself that these moments are fleeting and valuable.
8. Traveling with Kids
Whenever possible, I bring my children along on work trips, particularly during the summer. It’s a great chance for them to experience new places, meet my colleagues, and spend time with family or friends who live nearby.
9. Prioritizing Our Relationship
My partner and I make it a point to connect while I’m away. We coach the same sports team and regularly meet to discuss our plans, ensuring we remain aligned and supportive of one another.
This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and it certainly comes with its challenges. I cherish both my job and my family, and I continuously seek new ways to balance the two. Some days are easier than others, and that’s just how life goes—whether it involves travel, work, or parenting. Above all, I strive to be kind to myself and enjoy the journey.
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In summary, balancing work travel and family life requires a supportive partner, a strong community, and effective communication. By setting boundaries, leveraging technology, and prioritizing quality time, it’s possible to find harmony in this hectic lifestyle.
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