Traveling for Work and Motherhood - Part 3

My flights from Doha to JFK departed at 8:00 AM last Friday. The night before, along with some of my coworkers, we went out to dinner and had drinks at the foreigner's bar. I decided to do what I did every time I took an early flight from Colombia and I stayed up all night to sleep on the plane. This was not as easy as it was in the past. I was with friends until 2:30 AM and after that I packed, took a shower and checked out of the hotel by 4:30 AM. Staying up was the best because I was afraid to miss my wake up call. I was only sleeping around 3 hours every night for a week and was extremely tired.

Friday is a busy travel day in Doha because the work week goes from Sunday to Thursday. It was difficult to find my way around the airport not only because I was so tired but also because the airport was packed and the layout is a little complicated. Qatar is building a new airport and until then, passengers have to be transported in buses to and from the airplanes. Most travelers are in transit since Qatar Airlines has a big hub in DOH. My leg was hurting from walking and standing for too long. I feel well most of the time, but my knee is not strong enough like it was before. I can't wear high heels, go down the stairs without holding the rail, or stand for long periods of time.

       

I've always dreamed and asked to work in different projects around the world. I finally got to travel outside of Florida for work. I don't know if I will be back to the Middle East, but I know that thanks to skype leaving my daughter at home is not as difficult as I thought it was going to be. I missed her every day, but seeing that she was happy and that my whole family was there to spoil her made this trip a lot easier. I always say that distance is easier for the one that leaves because the routine is different. For me, the week went by very quickly. I'm sure that it was the opposite for my husband and my parents who were busy taking care of Emma. I slept about 3 hours every day and was busy from 6:00 AM until midnight. 

                                  

Now that I'm back at home, my daughter won't leave my side for even a moment. She has been crying and complaining asking for every second of my attention. I don't want to do anything else but to be with her. 

This trip showed me many things. First of all, I can't ask for a better support system. My husband, my parents and my sisters helped me taking care of my daughter while I was away. I also realized that physically I am strong again. After breaking my right leg, I've been afraid to push my limits. Traveling for 22 hours at the time made it hard, but I made it. Last but not least, the possibility to grow in my career is right there. I just need to take advantage of this opportunity and grow. My experience in Qatar was very positive and I know that with the support of my family, I am looking forward to more business trips. I'm sure that going away is always going to be hard, but at least I know that we will be OK.