How to Enjoy Traveling for Business When You’re Leaving a Family at Home

Life as a working mom can be tough. Almost unbearable at times. Even choosing to go back to work can be awful. For some of us, the decision is easy. We want to have a career and be financially independent. We hate leaving our children but it’s who we are, and the life that we want. For others, it’s more complicated. Some of us would love to be able to stay at home, but can’t, perhaps for financial reasons. Whichever working mom camp you fall into, and no matter how much you love your job, nothing really prepares you for having to travel for business, leaving your children and family behind for an extended period while you work away from home.

But, business trips should be enjoyable. They are a great chance to further your career, get more experience, make important connections and build relationships and even to see a little bit of the world and have a bit of fun. There’s certainly no rule that says you have to be in meetings or your hotel room working the whole time that you are away. Even if you are on a tight schedule, you should be able to take a walk around the local area and fit in some meals out to try local cuisine. But, how can you enjoy these things while you are away from your children?

Prepare Things Back Home

Of course, it’s not the dark ages. Your husband or partner is perfectly capable of cooking and cleaning. He might even do a lot of it when you are at home if you work full time. But, whether you are a mom or dad, running a busy household single handedly is tough. You’ll feel much better if you know that you’ve done what you can to make life easier for them. Prepare some meals and leave them in the freezer. Write out meal plans so that they know what they’ve got. Schedule an online shop so that they don’t have to worry about going to the store and write a detailed plan for the time you are away, including any appointments they need to get to. Even if they don’t actually need it, doing this will help you to relax.

You should also prepare the kids. If they’re not used to you being away, it can come as a shock. Very young kids might not really be aware of your absence, but if they are older, you should explain that you need to be away for a few days, but that they can skype you every night.

Enjoy the Break

Honestly, there’s nothing to feel guilty about. Parenting is hard work. You deserve a break. Even though you are working, it can be a break. Check out this amazing serviced apartments in Canberra to see where you could be relaxing. Enjoy a good night’s sleep, watch what you want on TV, enjoy your meals in peace and generally enjoy the silence.

Keep in Touch

Now we’re all online the world is much smaller. Video chat, keep in touch with social media, send them photos and ask for pictures of the kids. Keep in touch as much as you want to. Or, if you find it upsetting, and it confuses and unsettles the children, keep contact to your partner when they are in bed. Whatever works for you is fine.