In the past year, my partner has traveled to six different countries for work, while my own excursions have been limited to a single flight of stairs leading to my dimly lit home office. I’m not complaining—my remote job offers great flexibility. However, last week, it was finally my turn to hit the road.
Before becoming a mom to three little ones in four years and opting for part-time remote work, I used to travel occasionally for my job. But since then, my opportunities to travel have vanished faster than my wallet when my kids hear the music from the ice cream truck.
Preparing for my inaugural work trip as a mother of three involved crafting an extensive memo detailing my kids’ schedules and their caretakers. My inquisitive eldest child wanted to know why I was packing a bathing suit if I was going to be stuck in meetings for two days. Caught off guard, I simply told my curious five-year-old the truth: the conference hotel is by the beach.
After giving out countless hugs, I stepped out the front door with a wide grin and set off for my tropical retreat—I mean, work trip. Over the next 56 hours, I discovered a few surprising insights.
Time Travel is Real
I used to be skeptical, but after a flight that unexpectedly transported me back 27 years, I’m a believer. When I entered the hotel ballroom for the first day of the conference—having enjoyed a luxurious, uninterrupted night of sleep—a fellow attendee remarked that I looked a decade younger. Thanks, Mom, for the good genes, but back in my real life, where I’m a disheveled 37-year-old wrestling with little ones, no one would ever think I was in my 30s. Yet, this business trip provided a delightful chance to reconnect with a more carefree version of myself.
Meetings Can Refresh Like a Beach Dip
Gathering with hundreds of like-minded professionals can be the perfect remedy for feeling stuck in a work rut. During some truly inspiring sessions, I saw smiles and nodding heads all around—including my own. Sure, I missed some discussions because my phone was buzzing with pictures of my kids, but each day left me with new techniques and ideas I was genuinely excited to implement. And yes, at the end of each day, I donned my trusty bathing suit and splashed around in the ocean. Both experiences were equally revitalizing.
Mommy Instincts Remain Strong, No Matter the Location
Ice cream really does taste better when you’re in flip flops with sand in your hair. While waiting in line at an ice cream shop, I found myself behind a group of four boys around 10 years old debating their frozen treats. When they realized they were short on cash due to forgetting about tax, who else could help but a mom? Their own were nowhere in sight, so I reached for my wallet and counted out the change. The heartfelt gratitude I received filled a bit of the mom void I felt without my own kids.
Work Travel: The Ultimate Indulgence
While I would prefer a genuine vacation with my partner, relishing kid-free time, I’m all for occasional work-related escapes in between our couple getaways. Did I feel guilty? Certainly. My husband had to juggle work commitments, and I enlisted family members to help with the kids. Still, they were perfectly fine, I enjoyed meals with adults, remembered the luxury of needing an alarm clock, and even found time to read a book—for fun.
Though it may be a while before I have another solo trip, I’ll cherish the beach selfies and remember: I adore my children, but I also appreciate time away from them.
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Summary
In summary, my work trip to the beach offered unexpected lessons about balancing motherhood and career, reigniting my passion for my profession, and indulging in guilt-free moments away from my kids. While I cherish time with them, I also recognize the importance of personal space and rejuvenation.
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