Work travel with 1.5 year old-wwyd?
I’m looking for perspectives from other working mums, who’ve had to decide about international work travel with young children.
I’m in Australia and my baby is just over 1 year old. I’ve recently returned to part-time work (3 days/week) and I’m still breastfeeding morning and night, planning to continue until around 2 years.
I’ve been offered two overseas work trips (Asia and Europe) later this year, each 1–2 weeks, where I would be away continuously. They’re strongly encouraged for my role and important for career progression, but not mandatory.
At home, my husband is supportive but nervous about how it would work. We don’t have family nearby, but my sister lives with us, and our child is in daycare on my work days.
I’m really torn, as I feel this stage with my baby is short and I’m also concerned about being away while still breastfeeding and managing routine. For both trips there is also possibility of me extending the trip (on my own cost) to spend some extra time overseas, potentially then with my family. As a family and personally, i do enjoy travelling and this would then be my first trip to Europe (if im going).
Would love to hear from anyone who’s faced something similar:
Did you go on similar work trips at this age?
How did your LO cope with the separation?
How did you cope emotionally?
Would you do it differently in hindsight?
Any insights would be very appreciated!!