Hi. I just joined this group.

My job requires travel and my girls do not like it when I have to travel. I try to travel on Wednesdays and Thursdays when I need to travel because those are the days their Dad has them as I am divorced. This way, the girls do not really know that I am gone. However, it bothers me that I am not physically in town when I travel in case they need me, or I can't be there for them if they have a school party or a game/practice after school/work. Is anyone on here a working mom whose job requires travel and feels the same way? Is there anything that helps you get through?

Also, is there anyone who had a traveling job and decided to change careers because of the stresses the travel places on a family with small children? If so, I'd love to hear your experience as I am debating this myself but am worried about my ability to support my family with a job that may have a smaller salary.

Thanks for your insight and support!!

Hi Amie,

I started out teaching high school after college but switched to business when I had to make more money to support my husband's graduate work (he now has a Ph.d.). When we moved back to Gurnee from Madison, I ended up in 2 business jobs, one of which I traveled periodically (about once a month).

The hours were horrible and I felt like I never saw my child. After much debate, I decided to go back to teaching (sacrificing a large chunk of money). I am so much happier now. I am back to my first love and I have time to spend with my (now) 2 children. The district I teach at doesn't have the highest pay but has great students, parents and staff. You would need additional classes, but it may be an option.

Good Luck!!!

my husband travels every week and is mostly home on the weekends. he has now come to the realization the stress that travling puts on him, the family, me and the kids. He is now looking for a new job. 

I used to travel for my work as a consultant. you have to go where the work And clients are. it was too much on me and the girls. I switched to a job where I don't travel. I sacrificed a huge chunk of change and the freedom to work from home and have a flexible schedule. But with my husband traveling and I taking the glrls with me. it was too much. 

Now my 3 year old is having adjustment problems with me going to work outside of the home full time. - which will be the subject of my next post. 

if you can do it finically, even barley, switch. they are only kids once.