WorldWide Drilling Resource

The Traveling Companion Complied by the Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Every year, 14 million Americans travel internationally on business. They take five trips per year on average, with a stay of nearly two weeks each time. Sometimes, a person’s job depends on their ability to pack up and head to the airport. While the traveling spouse jets off somewhere else, the home-based spouse keeps the family running. When families understand how travel affects both home life and the traveler, actions can be taken to mitigate negative im- pacts. If you or your spouse find yourselves traveling on business, the following tips can help keep peace and harmony in your family and home. 1. Staying connected is fundamental. With modern technology, this can be accomplished in a number of ways. With programs like SKYPE, you can even chat face to face with loved ones. The main thing is to make the effort. 2. Trust is key. When partners are separated much of the time, even the strongest bonds of trust can be put to the test. Simple things like making sure phones are charged and nearby in case of emergency can go a long way to bridge the distance. 3. Remember you’re on the same team. Guard against becoming resentful and blaming one another for new respon- sibilities. Decide "who does what now" up- front and support each other through the process of changing roles. Joint deci- sions on major issues can still be solved together, but everyday choices must be made by the partner on-site; and you can't undermine their efforts by second- guessing them. Flexibility is the key, and there’s more than one way to get things accomplished. 4. Spend time in their environment. Go with them when you can! Use this chance to experience a new place togeth- er. Take the kids and make it a family trip if possible. This makes it more interest- ing for everyone, while also taking the mystery out of how the traveler spends their days. It might give you a chance to meet some of the people they come home and talk about. It's a great way to spin a negative situation into a positive experience for everyone. 5. What about when the traveler is home? The traveler might start to feel like a visitor in their own house. Routines may have changed, along with family "rules", and the traveler may not feel like a part of things anymore. Keep in mind there will always be a transition period in the beginning where you and your spouse must decide what matters most, and what works best for everyone. Periodically, issues like parenting, budg- ets, and household chores may need to be refreshed and agreed upon. Finally, remember traveling takes a physical and emotional tol l on one’s body, so give the traveler a chance to rest and decompress before handing them the “honey-do” list. In the long run, you may find that traveling forces you to do a better job of communicating, and strengthens the family bond. Changes can be challeng- ing, but they often make us better in ways we never imagined. 55 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® FEBRUARY 2019