Be Two Places at Once!

Life balance is tricky enough – even more so when you throw frequent traveling into the mix. Mother and million-miler Joanie Ruge has a list of tricks she uses to stay connected while away on business.

Her top tip? “Good organization,” says Ruge who works as senior vice president of field operations for strategic workforce solutions company SFN Group.

“Get organized before you leave for your business trip.” She also writes down her family’s agenda while away and tries to schedule work around important family dates when possible.

Ask for Help. “I used to think I was Wonder Woman and could miraculously get it all done. That’s impossible!” If your dog needs to be fed, she suggests

enlisting a friend to drop by the house. If your child needs help in math, ask a family member to tutor.

Build a Support System. Ruge says too many women struggle unnecessarily when family and travel clash. “Find someone you can talk to and get ideas from, because you need that support network.” Smart Women Travelers has travel forums for women, and Flyer Talk offers groups for LGBT travelers and those with children.

Want more?

Check the house with gadgets like DropCam, a Wi-Fi camera you set up in your home and view on your smartphone. Digitwirl’s Carley Knobloch explains that the Neer app “let’s you set up your ‘inner circle’ of people and their ‘places’ – like school, home and work – so you know when they’re available to chat.”

Bonus PINK Link: Now that you’re keeping up with family, here’s how to eat healthy on the road.

By Malee Moua 

“No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make
the other person feel important.”  Mary Kay Ash