HOW TO MAKE HOME, LIFE AND FAMILY WORK FROM THE ROAD

This column represents the female perspective in eye care. It is produced in cooperation with the Optical Women’s Association.

RECENTLY, I WAITED in line for a visa photo, and I was reminded of simpler days. Today, I’m rarely at home three weeks in a row, and I often can’t remember my hotel room number. As a wife, mother and grandmother, work travel might seem the perfect escape — sometimes — but it often comes with a big dose of guilt and a serious fear of missing out. I’ve learned that work/life balance might never be what I expected it would be.

When it comes down to it, I’ve learned some pretty simple ways to stay connected and sane across the distance and enjoy some “me time” in the process.

BEFORE YOU GO

• Make sure everyone knows work travel is happening. This might sound easy, but you will have to repeat yourself! I guarantee it.
• Prepare everything you can ahead of time. From soccer cleats to diaper bags, research papers to pet boarding, the earlier you can start on this, the better.
• Schedule focused time with your family. Before I leave on any business trip, we have a family dinner. It’s our thing. And it works to ensure we are connected before I fly away.

WHILE YOU’RE AWAY

• Read to your child via phone or video chat. When my children were younger, I read to them each night. Business trips were no exception. Reading to your child via the phone or video can help you stay connected. Maybe, record yourself reading if you know you won’t be on the same time zones.
• Leave special notes. Place a note under your child’s pillow; write notes for lunch boxes; and write or draw a morning greeting for each day you’re gone. My kids loved this, and my husband still does!
• Communicate in their language. Whether you are reaching your kids or your grandkids, be willing to learn new ways of communication (e.g. texting, using different apps, play online games), and know that it can be as meaningful as a two-way conversation in some cases.

FIND BALANCE

While staying connected helps ensure you feel less guilty or left out of the family unit, remember each business trip is unique. You have one chance to network, celebrate and learn from this conference or show. Make the most of your time away – take a book, sleep in one day, get in a workout, eat at a restaurant you don’t have at home — whatever nourishes your soul will enhance this travel experience and your personal sense of balance.

With the right perspective, a bit of preparation, and some strategies for staying connected, traveling for work can be very manageable. It may even be a little bit of fun for you. OM

MS. GROSS is global executive director for the Vision Impact Institute. She leads a team of experts who raise awareness about the importance of vision correction and protection to make good vision a global priority. Kristan co-chairs the advocacy working group for the Our Children’s Vision campaign, served as vice chair of Vision 2020 USA in 2016-2017 and is a member of the Optical Women’s Association.