Overcoming the Guilt of Traveling for Work

In this episode of Redefining Motherhood, I discuss the spousal guilt I've been feeling when traveling for work. As a working mom in a sales and business development role, I'm required to travel frequently which I used to enjoy before becoming a mom. Now that I have my son, I find myself feeling guilty for putting the single-parent workload on my husband while I'm away. While I don't mind leaving my son, I stress constantly about how my husband is handling everything alone. 

Navigating Spousal Guilt: A Working Mom's Journey

As a working mom, I often find myself grappling with the weight of spousal guilt, especially when my job demands travel. Let me take you through my personal experience and the strategies I've developed to manage this complex emotion. Traveling for work is a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, I'm advancing my career and providing for my family. On the other hand, the separation from my son and the strain it puts on my husband weighs heavily on my heart.

The Burden of Parenting Duties

When I'm away on business, the responsibility of parenthood falls solely on my husband's shoulders. This dynamic can lead to feelings of guilt, as I worry about burdening him with the share of parenting duties. To mitigate the impact on my family, I've set a rule for myself: limit trips to two nights at a time whenever possible. This helps minimize disruption to our routine and eases the burden on my husband. Finding this balance has been crucial in maintaining harmony within our household.

The Work-Life Guilt Conundrum

Despite holding a C-Suite position in my Career and having daycare in place for my son, I still grapple with guilt when I find myself enjoying professional engagements while my husband takes on the parental responsibilities. I often wonder if he would feel the same way if our roles were reversed. These internal conflicts highlight the ongoing struggle of achieving work-life balance as a working mother.

Communication is Key

One thing I've learned through this journey is the importance of open communication. It's not always easy to talk about these feelings of guilt and responsibility, but addressing them head-on is essential. By having honest conversations with both my spouse and my employer, we've been able to find solutions that accommodate everyone's needs.

You're Not Alone

If you're nodding along as you listen to this, feeling the weight of spousal guilt on your shoulders as well, know that you're not alone. Reach out to your support network, whether it's friends, family, or fellow working moms. Lean on each other for guidance and reassurance as you navigate the complexities of balancing work and family life.

In conclusion, spousal guilt when traveling for work as a working mom is a multifaceted challenge. By implementing strategies for balance and fostering open communication, we can alleviate some of the burdens we carry and find harmony in our roles as both professionals and mothers. Remember, you're doing the best you can, and that's more than enough.