WWYD: Work related travel and conference

PixiesDust · March 2014

DH and I work in the same field and have both been asked to attend our national conference in San Diego at the end of May. The nature of DH's position requires him to attend annually, but in my office everyone rotates to attend and it's my turn to go. I dont want to turn down the opportunity because I haven't been in 3 years, I enjoy the conference and seeing my colleagues from across the US and around the world, and it's in San Diego (duh -- last year it was in Louisville, can you say BORING?!).

Anyway, since DH and I both want to attend, we need to figure out what to do with DD. I really wanted to bring her along and pay for my mom or sister to fly out to watch her while we're off at meetings, sessions and events. However my sister just got a new job and wont have vacation to take, and my mom doesn't think she can swing being away from the business she owns for that long. My mom also thinks DH and I should just take the time to be together (we will barely see eachother) and has volunteered to keep DD while we're gone. I'm still not totally sold on leaving her here, mostly because I know I'll miss her and would also, selfishly, love to be able to show her off (our colleagues are some of our closest friends but scattered across the globe), and am trying to figure out what we should do.

I have a friend or two who i could ask and bribe with a free trip in exchange for watching DD. I've also wondered if it would be possible to hire a nanny or something for the week. OR am i being an idiot and should just leave her here. HELP! I'm so torn. what should i do?!

CousinVicki · March 2014

don't go. i don't care where they are conferences are boring as shit.

PixiesDust · March 2014

No, i promise. This one is fun!!

RedZee · March 2014

I love conferences. And anyway, you clearly want to go so CV' s advice misses the point of your post. I'd go with the bribe a friend option. Or, if you know someone in San Diego try to Hire a nanny or that person while there. I personally wouldn't leave an infant for a week.

manders726 · March 2014

How many days is the conference?

If it were me, I would take totally take my mom up on the offer to watch LO while I was gone, and enjoy some time with DH. Plus, you'll most likely end up going out to dinners/hanging out at night with colleagues and you won't want to worry about what to do with a 7 month old.

PixiesDust · March 2014

Conference is 5 days -- leave on Sunday (i could probably leave Monday) and return Friday

norbert5 · March 2014

It wasn't for five days but we used a nanny service for a long weekend last spring. It worked out pretty well. She came to our hotel room and watched the girls while we went to the wedding festivities (wine tasting, wedding, after party, etc).

We would do it again. We paid 20 dollars an hour plus tip but it was worth it to us.

deedee1017 · March 2014

I can be bribed, and I have a playmate for your dd. :-bd

If you have a friend who'd fly out, I'd probably do that. You'll be at ease knowing dd is with someone you trust. I'd be nervous about hiring someone I didn't know.

huntjul · March 2014

Another vote for loving conferences. I'd also bring LO and a friend or hire a local nanny if he/she has stellar references and I was really comfortable with him/her.

jennlin · March 2014

I'd bring a friend. Will cost more than a nanny, but it's someone you know and trust.

atcwag · March 2014

I have a very similar situation coming up in June. I'm not sure if you're BFing, but that was the main issue for me. I'll be bribing a friend to come along. Even if I wasn't BFing, I wouldn't feel comfortable being away from LO that long. Is bring along regardless of whether you bribe a friend or hire a nanny.

muffyvonmuff · March 2014

Is it just a couple days? If it were me I would leave LO with your mom and take the trip. A full week, I would bring see what a nanny would cost.

Ajoyd · March 2014

We are leaving DS with my parents at the end of April for a few days, so from my perspective I say leave her at home and enjoy the time with DH.

PixiesDust · March 2014

Thanks for the perspective, everyone. I'm not worried about leaving her because I know she will be in good hands. I'd just know I'll miss her and would rather take her with us. DH and I are going to Saint Lucia in July to attend one of my best friend's weddings and we'll be leaving her with DH's parents then.