When I first learned about my work trip in September, my immediate reaction was: I don’t want to go.
Postpartum life has been exhausting. I’m running on very little sleep, still adjusting, and honestly haven’t felt like myself. The thought of planning a solo trip—without my husband, who usually travels with me—felt overwhelming. On top of that, I’m still carrying a few postpartum pounds, so none of my outfits fit the way I want them to. I was full of excuses. I hated the idea of going.
But I realized something important: I didn’t want to make decisions from a place of fear. I didn’t want my insecurities or exhaustion to hold me back from an opportunity.
So, I committed to going—and approached it differently. I leaned on preparation, packed smart, and focused on what I could control. I accepted that some outfits wouldn’t fit perfectly and that I might feel tired at times—and that was okay.
Here are a few things I did to make the process less overwhelming:
Tips That Helped Me Prepare for My Work Trip
- Book flight and hotel ASAP. I kept postponing and it ruined my sanity until I finally did it.
- Stay close to the office. I booked the hotel nearest the company building to save energy and time.
- Plan flights around meetings. I made sure both departure and return dates didn’t clash with important sessions.
- Research people in advance. I looked up the other team we’d be spending time with (and brushed up on my immediate team too) so I had things to talk about.
- Make a postpartum travel checklist. Pump gear, nursing pads, and all the things I wish I didn’t have to think about—but absolutely needed.
- Choose “just in case” outfits. If my flight was delayed and I had to jump straight into a meeting, I wanted something professional, quick, and stress-free.
- Try outfits in advance. For three weeks before the trip, I kept trying things on because nothing seemed to fit right. Honestly, it aggravated me and made me want to stay home. But doing that early meant fewer surprises the night before, and I eventually found outfits that worked.
- Schedule self-care ahead. I realized even little things like hair and nails matter because they boost confidence. I planned to get mine done about a week before the trip—otherwise it would have slipped through the cracks.
Ultimately, this trip reminded me that growth often happens outside comfort zones. Even when I felt hesitant, I made the choice to show up—and that decision made all the difference.
