Work/life balance matters — we’ve even hosted a webinar about it. But for those who travel for work, especially in the skilled trades, striking that balance isn’t always easy. Some of our FlexTrades technicians are on the road for weeks or even months at a time. That level of travel comes with real challenges, especially for anyone with kids, families, or responsibilities waiting back home.
So how do you make it work?
We asked our most experienced traveling professionals, and here’s what they had to say. Whether you’re new to the road or a seasoned road warrior, these tips can help you find your own version of balance.
Before the Project: Set the Stage
Communicate Clearly
- Talk with your project manager about job expectations, timelines, and challenges
- Keep your family informed about your location, schedule, and availability
- Be proactive about updates. If your flight gets delayed, let people know — don’t leave them wondering
Use a Calendar
- Request time off early for important dates like weddings, graduations, or concerts
- Even if you can’t attend an event in person, you can still follow up and ask about it
- Put family milestones on your calendar so you don’t forget to check in
Plan for Home Coverage
- Who handles emergencies while you’re gone?
- Who’s feeding the dog, checking the mail, or watering the garden?
- Plan ahead and have a backup for every critical task
During the Project: Stay Connected
Use Technology to Your Advantage
FaceTime. Zoom. Snapchat. Whatever the platform, use it.
A nightly call still goes a long way, but real-time updates, shared photos, and group messages can make miles feel shorter.
One FlexTrades technician said his family stays connected through a shared Snapchat group with his four daughters. “It lets me stay involved on their schedule, not just mine.”
Stay Involved from Afar
- Ask your spouse or friend to livestream a game or concert
- Use apps like Zoom or Houseparty for family game nights
- Help with homework, celebrate wins, or just chat — even from a hotel room
Share the Trip
Send a photo of something interesting. Buy a souvenir. Bring back something small — a shell, a postcard, even hotel shampoo. These tokens remind your loved ones that they’re still part of your journey.
Some FlexTrades techs even have family or friends visit during longer assignments. It’s a great way to make the job feel more like home — even for a weekend.
After the Project: Reconnect and Reflect
Debrief and Improve
- Spend your first night back simply reconnecting
- The next night, talk through what worked and what didn’t
- Make a plan for how you’ll handle things better next time
Write it down so it doesn’t get forgotten in the rush of the next trip.
Use Your Perks
You’ve earned rewards — use them.
- Got hotel or airline points? Book a trip with your family
- Have extra gear or swag from a project? Bring it home for your kids
When the benefits of your travel are shared, the time away gets a little easier to accept.
Embrace Imbalance
There’s no such thing as a perfect 50/50 balance between work and life.
As one of our technicians said:
“Ninety days on the road and thirty days at home might seem out of balance, but when I’m home, I’m 100% there. I take the kids to school. I volunteer. I do projects. I make that time count.”
Sometimes balance isn’t about the day or the week. It’s about the season. What matters most is being intentional with the time you have — wherever you are.
Want More?
If this helped you think about work/life balance differently, check out our Road Warrior Webinar to learn more about what life is really like as a traveling technician with FlexTrades.
Still have questions? Or maybe you have a blog idea you want us to cover? Send your thoughts to the FlexTrades Writing Team — we’d love to hear from you.
