“Plan to be in DC for next month’s meeting.”

Nine simple words that took this working mama by surprise and caused a minor freak out.

austin-moms-blog-business-trips

After I recovered from the shock, it was time to get down to the business of this business trip. In doing such, here’s what I learned and can share with you:

  • Be honest about how long you can be gone. Yes, you need to be there for whatever the purpose of this trip is, but you might be able to skip out on the extra night of warm fuzzy dinners and social events. When you speak to your boss about your preferred arrangements drive home that you will be there for the main event, have already found accommodating flights and can keep overall costs down by avoiding extra nights in a hotel.
  • Call in your village. In an ideal world, your spouse can manage everything in your absence. But work schedules, other commitments and a million more things tell us loud and clear: this is not an ideal world. Call your family, in-laws, trusted friends, trusted neighbors, any and everyone who ever said “just call if you need any help” (and who you feel comfortable leaving your child with). Now is the time to “just call.”
  • Tell your everyday childcare situation about the schedule change. Give the school or daycare a heads up so “your village” is on the appropriate drop-off/pick-up list and so that they call someone who can actually help if your kiddo needs anything.
  • Write down the plan of action. Not only will this probably help ease your mind but it will be a good resource to the village who is helping you. School drop off and pick up times, extracurriculars, food preferences/allergies and anything else that you think would be useful for a caretaker or that simply makes you feel better. Also be sure to include your flight details, hotel information and the pediatrician’s number.
  • Stick it on the fridge. Because we all know that important paperwork goes on the fridge.
  • Pack light. If possible, pack so that you can carry on your luggage. This will be helpful if you need to make a last minute flight change and reduces how early you need to arrive at the airport and how long you are there after landing. Read: less time gone, more time home.
  • Make the trip worth it. For me, this meant working just about every darn minute I was gone. When I returned from my trip I was relatively caught up at work and could leave right on time (or a few minutes early) the next few days to see my family more. For you, it could mean taking some “me-time” in the evenings that you wouldn’t get at home.
  • Trust the plan. You did it. You wrote it all down and shared it with your very capable village. It will be OK.

So how did my business trip go after all that planning and fretting?

Well my “first” business trip was the trip that never was as flight delays stranded me in DFW. Thankfully because I had carry-on luggage, when my boss said “forget it; go home” I was able to sprint across the airport and catch the next flight home to Austin (it took the whole length of the flight to catch my breath but I made it!).

Take two though went well, starting by actually making it to DC. My sweet boy came down with a slight fever while I was gone but as I learned, my village is very capable and he was nursed back to health by his Dad and Nana. When I returned 48 hours later, the house was still standing, my boy was sleeping soundly, my husband was happy to see me and my work was done. Success.

Have you ever had to travel for work? How did you handle it? 

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Needed this plan TODAY…I am lucky enough to work from home but I have to go to our home office the first week of February. First time away from my daughter AT ALL since she was born 2 years ago. Thanks great tips, seriously!

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