Balancing commitments as a single mom can be a challenge. Parenting responsibilities and work commitments often clash, and when you add traveling as part of your professional life into the mix things can get really difficult. If you are required to spend time away from your kids for work things can feel overwhelming, but there are a few things you can do to help.
With the right strategies in place and some careful planning, it is possible to manage work travel as a single mom without impacting too heavily on your children’s lives in your absence. Whether you are required to scope out itineraries for cruises sailing from Galveston or make real estate deals on the other side of the country, the survival guide below will help you find the right balance between your work travel needs and your role as a single parent.
Plan Ahead
Planning is one of the most important aspects of both traveling for work and childcare as a single mom and the combination of these things makes proper preparation essential. You will have to coordinate your work travel commitments with your children’s schedules, to ensure that you are always available for childcare, school pickups, and other responsibilities, or that you can make other arrangements if necessary. It is important to let your employer know in advance about any hard dates or plans that you have to be available for so that they are able to accommodate your needs.
Build a Support Network
A strong support network can make all the difference for single moms who have to travel a lot for work. Having people – friends, family, or just trusted neighbors – to whom you can reach out for support and assistance with childcare, transportation, or other tasks while you are away is an enormous help. Not only does it allow you to take care of your responsibilities as a parent, but it gives you peace of mind knowing that your children are in good hands while you are on the road.
Pack Smart
Packing for work travel is a skill and can be an important aspect of balancing your responsibilities as an employee and as a parent. Packing light to allow you to bring electronic devices such as tablets that help you stay connected with your kids while on the road is important while leaving room for souvenirs and mementos will ensure they don’t always associate your absence with negative emotions.
Take Care of Yourself
It is also vitally important to remember to take time to look after yourself, as well as your kids and your work. Self-care is essential for single moms, and making sure you prioritize your physical and emotional well-being should be top of the list. When traveling for work, be sure to eat healthy, stay hydrated, get enough rest, and do whatever you need to do to relax and recharge, whether that is an exercise routine, some time spent meditating, or a yoga practice. Taking care of yourself will make you better and more effective when it comes to both working and parenting, so give yourself what you need to be your best self at all times.
Striking a balance between childcare and professional responsibilities as a single mom is a tough job, made even tougher when work comes with significant time spent on the road. But with careful planning, open communication, and the right support network around you, it is perfectly possible to manage both commitments and maintain a great work/life balance that lets you give your kids the love and attention they need while doing a great job at work.
