You Can Miss Your Kids and Love Business Travel

It isn't one or the other.

I personally, love to travel for business and YES it sometimes feels like a little breather.

Why?

I get to sleep alone.

If you are a working mom, you are often woken up at night by a child's crys, a feverish head, or a snoring partner. Sleeping alone in a quiet hotel room is a perk.

I'm not responsible for dinners.

As someone who loves to cook, I often find myself resenting dinner time. Why? Because its often the expectation that dinner falls to me. If I am not the one thinking ahead for grocery shopping, and arranging what meals I am cooking based on a baseball and gymnastics schedule - its take out. Every. Single. Time. (Or scrounge night!). When I'm traveling, often get to choose what I want to eat, when I want to eat, and if I want to go out or stay in.

In the morning, I'm only getting myself ready.

You may have already read the LinkedIn Article I wrote about the 37 tasks I do before the work day even starts. On those days where I am in a hotel room (no house to keep), and I am only getting myself dressed and ready - YES I have more time for ME to get ready! More time for ME to sleep! More time for ME in general!

It's quiet.

There is no BLUEY playing in the background. There is no screaming, no crying, and no fighting. It is calm. It is quiet. My ears get to breath. (Yes you read that right!)

But... here is the truth.

It’s a paradox we often live in as working moms, loving the breaks and breathers but missing our little ones with every heartbeat.

I get to sleep alone… but I miss comforting my child when they need me. Those midnight hugs and cuddles are something I treasure, a sacred bond that no hotel room can replace.

I’m not responsible for dinners… but I miss the small conversations at mealtime. Our family dinners are filled with laughter, stories, and connections that make our house a home. No restaurant meal can replicate the warmth of those moments.

In the morning, I’m only getting myself ready… but I miss the goodbye hugs and cheerful waves as they head out the door. The pride in their eyes when I tell them I love them and the joy of slipping a little note into their lunch box are irreplaceable.

It’s quiet… but sometimes it’s too quiet. The absence of their little voices saying “I love you,” their joyful giggles, and belly laughs make the silence almost deafening.

So, to all the moms out there, juggling the hustle and the heartstrings, I see you.

It’s not about choosing one over the other. It’s about embracing both – loving the moments of solitude and cherishing the chaos.

You’re doing an incredible job, and it’s okay to hold space for both love and longing.

Keep being the amazing mom you are, balancing it all with grace and strength.

I see you, Momma. You’re not alone.