There’s a moment that hits hard—suitcase packed, boarding pass in hand, and your toddler holding onto your leg like they don’t want you to go. As a mom in tech, traveling for work isn’t just about flights and meetings; it’s an emotional journey of balancing ambition with motherhood.
The truth is, mom guilt is real. No matter how important the work trip is—whether it’s for a big client meeting, speaking at a conference, or attending a team offsite—there’s always a part of you that wonders, “Am I choosing work over my child?”But here’s the thing: you’re not choosing one over the other. You’re choosing both.
💼 The Demands of a Tech Career
The tech world moves fast—whether you’re a software engineer, product manager, developer advocate, or founder. Opportunities often come with travel: industry events, hackathons, investor meetings, or internal team gatherings.
These experiences are valuable. They help you grow, connect, and bring back new ideas that make you better at what you do. But for tech moms, these trips require more than logistical planning—they demand emotional preparation too.
🧸 The Weight of Leaving
Leaving behind your toddler, especially when they’re too young to fully understand why, is never easy. There are the missed bedtime stories, the morning cuddles, and the day-to-day moments that make up the fabric of motherhood.
You worry about whether they’ll eat well, sleep through the night, or just miss you too much. And in the quiet of the hotel room after a long day, that ache of separation can hit hard.
💪 But You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do
Here’s what’s powerful: you’re showing your child what strength looks like. You’re showing them that moms can be ambitious, resilient, and unstoppable. That it’s okay to pursue dreams and still love your family fiercely.
Balancing both worlds isn’t easy—but it’s not impossible. It’s about finding rhythm, not perfection.
✈️ How I Cope (and Maybe You Can Too)
Here are a few things that help make the journey a little easier:
- FaceTime check-ins – Even a quick hello can keep you connected.
- Leave behind a note or video – A sweet message for your toddler while you’re away.
- Pack a piece of home – A photo or small item that reminds you of them.
- Focus on the why – Remember why this trip matters—for your growth, your goals, your future.
Build a strong village – Whether it’s your partner, parents, or trusted caregivers, having support at home makes all the difference.
💡 You’re Not Alone
Every time you feel guilty, remind yourself: You’re not the only one doing this. There are thousands of tech moms navigating the same road—coding with one hand and comforting a child with the other.
And every time you show up—on stage, in the boardroom, or in the Slack thread—you’re paving the way for other moms to know it’s possible.
In the End…
You’re not just traveling for work. You’re traveling for impact. For opportunity. For a better future—for yourself, and for your little one.
So pack that suitcase with confidence. Hug your toddler a little tighter. Then step onto that plane knowing that you’re doing your best—and that’s more than enough.
