I am considering volunteering for a ~3-week work trip (2 weeks there plus 2 days travel on each end). I haven't gone away for more than 5-6 days since my youngest was born 6 years ago. 3 weeks is a long time to be gone with little kids. Should I do it? Or should I wait for a shorter opportunity? I'd appreciate advice from moms who have done linger travel!
Pros:
-Would be a chance to travel to a location that would be very, very unlikely otherwise
-Would be an opportunity to meet people and learn about a regional situation relevant to my regular job
-Would be helping out in an urgent situation (think natural disaster type stuff) and getting out from behind my desk to apply my skills.
-These requests come up multiple times a year, but most of the time I can't volunteer due to childcare/logistics. Due to my husband's job this is probably the *only* time of year I can actually be gone for 3 weeks, and he is supportive.
Cons:
-There's no direct career benefit to going (could be indirect in the future). I think the work would be valued and build my resume, but I'd be leaving at a busy time, so it's a tradeoff.
-I'd be SUPER busy when I got back.
-Probably the furthest distance and least comfortable conditions possible.
-3 weeks is a long time. My 6 year old already thinks of Dad as the "default parent" because he has more flexibility.
What would you do? Go for it? Wait until kids are older or a shorter opportunity comes up? If you've gone away for 3-4 weeks at a time, how did you manage reconnecting with your kids?