In my newbie nonprofit career days, a seasoned fundraiser chuckled and warned that the thrill of work travel wouldn’t last. I, the young, single, twenty-something, relished the jet-setting life: new cities, fancy hotels, free meals. What wasn’t to love? I scoffed, but I finally understood after that summer when four non-consecutive days were my longest home stretch. The shine had worn off.
Fast forward a few years, with a husband and two chaotic toddlers in tow, the travel bug bit again when I accepted a role with an organization headquartered in another city and then moved onto a large, international nonprofit organization requiring more frequent travel. Honestly, it’s made me more fulfilled and happier, and that translates to a happier, more present wife and mom.
Motherhood hit me and my career in ways I didn’t anticipate. My oldest son arrived in August 2019, a year after I took a state-based nonprofit job with occasional travel perks. After a brutal twelve weeks of battling postpartum depression and hating the newborn phase, I eased back into work as fall melted into winter. March 2020, baby in tow, my hubby and I kicked off the year with a work-and-play trip to Boulder, Colorado. Little did we know, the world was about to shift on its axis.
My professional travel grounded for a few years, but personally and professionally, wanderlust never died. So, when an international nonprofit opportunity beckoned, I lept. Knowing me well, my wise boss assigned me the balmy south: Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Alabama. Each location offers something unique in my limited downtime, and let’s face it: sunshine beats Indiana’s endless winter. I then earned the privilege to co-liaise with the Asia-Pacific region.
Feeling the sun on my face, enjoying a toddler-free shower, or falling asleep with the TV on – these simple joys make boarding the plane home pure refreshment. Stimulating conversations about impactful programs and inspiring people, with colleagues and beneficiaries alike, leave me buzzing.
Back home, my rock-star support system—amazing parents, a super daycare provider, and my ever-supportive husband—makes it all possible. My flexible work culture grants me control over 95% of my travel schedule. Sometimes, if the work travel destination aligns with family fun, like Disney, my family tags along for extra-long adventures (on our dime, of course!).
Twice last year, I was privileged to travel internationally for work. As I write this on a flight to meet incredible community leaders in Japan and Taiwan, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities my career continues to present me and for in-flight Wi-Fi, letting me pour my reflections into posts like this one. Oh, and to check in on those adorable pictures of my crazy toddlers, hubby, and two pups that I miss dearly!
