Anyone hate travelling for work?

[IceniSky]

Leaving at 0430 tomorrow and arrive at my destination gone midnight our time. There till next Saturday. I don't have to do it often but have this constant ball in my stomach of sadness and anxiety as I always think it will be the last time I see DD. It's very consuming. No one seems to understand it.

Yes I’m exactly the same! I like to know when I’m leaving work I’m heading home. My home with DH and DDog not a hotel where we will FaceTime.

Yes, I understand. I lived that life and my heart just yearned to be back home, even on the trip to the airport.
You are likely doing this to use your skills, improve your family circumstances and because your role demands it. I did.
It does yet easier, my kids are fiercely proud of me but of course miss me when I'm away.
You need to be true to yourself and honestly, what other people think is irrelevant
Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend in your position!
A different version of you exists in the minds of every person you encounter. Not everyone understands you and that is ok. Be happy and proud of yourself and let the negative nellys pi$$ off!

Yes it makes me very anxious too. I thought I was the only one. Even short trips where I go there and back in a day. I had an anxiety attack on a train not long ago but haven’t told anyone. I only work part-time but I find it all-consuming too. The job in itself isnt stressful.

I love it - nice hotel, bed to myself, dinner in a restaurant with a good book...

I feel like awful but not fearful, just so sad and gut churning. I normally go alone, but have some other people coming this time and they are really excited. I'll find that hard too because I need my own space.

Well, I loved it til I hated it. The hate kinda snuck up on me, and I changed jobs PDQ.

Yes me too, got a long haul looming in jan. will be there for 5 nights and I know DS will be well looked after but it’s still waking me up in the middle of the night in a panic.

Used to travel a lot for work and enjoyed it on the whole but it took its toll on family life (no kids then) and helped contribute to the breakdown of first marriage. Due to loads of life changes I now travel less but really enjoy it when I do. Recently had to do a six week stint away from DH and DCs and actually I think we all quite enjoyed it, although it was lovely to return too.

I've thankfully managed to cut back my travel a lot post-DC but I still get that pit of my stomach feeling if my return flight is delayed

I always bring home a preset themed/associated with the country I've been to, in the hope it makes my travelling interesting and exciting for them

Convinced I won't wake for my alarms.

I hate it too. I worry for weeks before a trip. I’m not a nervous flier but same as yourself worry I’m not coming home to DC. I work myself into a ball of anxiety.

The funny thing is the trips are always fine in the end and I tell myself that it wasn’t so bad and not to worry the next time but inevitably I do - and the vicious cycle repeats again.

Well I'm waiting for the taxi and just want to cry! Got to be cool and breezy though as a junior member will be in the cab. And it's true. It is never as bad as what is going on in my head but all the mindfulness in the world isn't changing it.

Me! I'm going to China for 2 nights next week, which means leaving DH, DS1 (2) and DS2 (5 months) DS2 is still EBF so I'm expressing like crazy to make sure there's a good stash in the freezer. I already feel wracked with guilt and feel sick whenever I think about it.

Hate travelling without work. Soulless hotels, away from family, no socialising in the week. So many people think it is glamorous. Its not. People don't know how to tiring it is either!!!

I know exactly how you feel. I have been long haul cabin crew throughout my daughter's childhoods. They are now in their 20s. I vividly remember feeling exactly the same on the longer trips (similar to the length of your trip). I am guessing your child is fairly young, primary school age or younger. It does get easier the older they get. Thankfully these days there is FaceTime etc to stay in touch and feel connected. Be kind to yourself and try and keep busy, your colleagues may even be a useful distraction.

I never used to travel a lot - maybe 3-4 3 nights trips a year. All short haul.

I would always bring them back a small fridge magnet type gift and we would also always go to a coffee shop for breakfast before school the morning after I got back on those weeks. It gave them something to look forward too.

I love travelling for work. I only started doing it when the DCs were older, not sure I'd have enjoyed it so much when they were little. Hotel room to myself, someone else thinking about what to cook for dinner and knitting/reading a book without DH interrupting to ask where his shoes are/have I seen his wallet... bliss.

I don't have to do it very often but hate it when I have to. I actually think employers should be legally required to pay employees for their travel time (not commuting obviously) or give TOIL.

Me too. Although build up is worse, once I'm on my way I'm not too bad. Good luck, buy your kids a nice gift, always works with mine!