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Challenges of Business TravelBy Maria Bailey As a mother, there is no way to describe business travel other than hard. I was reminded of just how difficult it is last week. It's hard to decide which part of business travel is the most challenging: preparation, separation or reclamation. My male and childless female colleagues can simply throw a suit into a bag and grab a cab to the airport. As they happily meet me at the gate, they have no idea the Olympic feats I had to endure to get to my flight on time. This particular two-day trip to New York required me to pack 12 lunches, load four school backpacks, cook dinners, write two lists of directions and fill the refrigerator with fresh vegetables, juice boxes and milk. A glimpse into my refrigerator would yield 12 brown paper bags each labeled with a child's name and the day that it should find it's way to their book bag. A piece of legal pad paper lists all my hotel numbers, meeting places and cell phone numbers in the event of an emergency. Another lists the reheating instructions for the dinners I've precooked, the after-school activities the children must attend in my absence and an assortment of reminders. The totality of preparing my family took me an entire Sunday afternoon. Sometime well after I'd tucked my children into bed and answered the inevitable, "why do you have to leave?" I throw my suit and toothbrush into a suitcase. The separation isn't any easier. I always find the first night away tolerable. It's all in your attitude and if I were honest, I'd admit that I enjoy the solitude of a hotel room once in a while. I can sleep in a bed by myself without a five year old kicking me in the side and I control the remote control. There's no ESPN in my hotel rooms! I enjoy room service and using the bathroom without a two year old pulling at my leg. Don't get me wrong but one night away every once in while, is okay. It's the second night that gets to me. I miss my children and my husband. I've gotten my fill of hot baths and eating alone. Every phone call home exposes another issue that requires my attention when I get home. You really learn to appreciate the chaos of your family when you are away from it for too long. I think the reclamation is probably the most challenging. You're tired from traveling at just the time your children want you back in full force. Your homecoming is normally met with a house that screams you've been absent because no matter how clean someone else tries to keep your house, it's not your way. Crumbs on the floor, mail stacked high, school papers that need to be signed and you are suffering jet lag. This particular return was significantly challenged. My plane landed at 6:35 p.m. Parent teacher conferences begin at 7 p.m at my children's school located thirty minutes away. Fortunately, I've planned my strategy for getting there in time. Valet will have my car at the curb outside the luggage area. I'll strip off my wool business attire in the car and meet my husband in the parking lot of the school just in time to receive report cards. Of course, I'll miss the first part of the meeting, but I've learned a long time ago, that I can only do my best and give what I can. I could have asked my husband to go solo but that would have been too easy. In my quest to do it all, I feel the need to at least try. Whether it's trying to coach my babysitter from a cab in New York or reviewing spelling words with my son from a hotel room, it is the challenges that make business travel hard. How can I not at least try? It's the lesson I attempt to teach my children every day. Share your thoughts on our message board or email Maria.
Also see: Maria Bailey is the CEO and founder of BlueSuitMom.com and a mother of four children under the age of seven.
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