Spin-Off: I'm theone who doesn't call or visit when in town

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:... because although I live a six hour flight away from DC, I'm NOT actually IN DC -- I am 90 minutes away, without traffic, on a good day.

I telecommute and only go to the office on big (professional) occasions, and I don't have a car.

What should I tell my friends and family, who have professions with more flexible schedules (but have understandable barriers themselves, like new babies?)?

I just don't think they GET it and I think they feel slighted and/or like I'm a workaholic. But the reason I'm traveling is for professional, not social reasons, and if I were to go to them the professional part would definitely not be possible.

And while I consider at times extending my calendar in the office over a weekend the truth is I want to get home and see MY kids, as much as I'd also like to hang out with theirs...

This is the crux of it. You could extend your trips to make a little time to see people, but you would rather be with your family. Is it that you don’t get to see your kids much at all, or are you really that apathetic about seeing everyone else? I can understand not wanting to add days to make time to see people every single trip you take, but surely you could add a day or two on one of these trips on occasion.

[Anonymous]

^^NP. Do you not realize that also means taking a vacation day in some cases, and paying out of my own pocket for the hotel another night/paying the difference for a later flight?

Yeah, you’re not worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^NP. Do you not realize that also means taking a vacation day in some cases, and paying out of my own pocket for the hotel another night/paying the difference for a later flight?

Yeah, you’re not worth it.

OP said these were “really, really good friends” in some cases. If that’s your attitude, don’t be surprised if you lose friends. Years from now when your kids are older you might regret letting those friendships die on the vine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^NP. Do you not realize that also means taking a vacation day in some cases, and paying out of my own pocket for the hotel another night/paying the difference for a later flight?

Yeah, you’re not worth it.

OP said these were “really, really good friends” in some cases. If that’s your attitude, don’t be surprised if you lose friends. Years from now when your kids are older you might regret letting those friendships die on the vine.

NP. I see my good friends every year. On *vacation.* When we both make plans and effort together. When I'm working, I'm working.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:... because although I live a six hour flight away from DC, I'm NOT actually IN DC -- I am 90 minutes away, without traffic, on a good day.

I telecommute and only go to the office on big (professional) occasions, and I don't have a car.

What should I tell my friends and family, who have professions with more flexible schedules (but have understandable barriers themselves, like new babies?)?

I just don't think they GET it and I think they feel slighted and/or like I'm a workaholic. But the reason I'm traveling is for professional, not social reasons, and if I were to go to them the professional part would definitely not be possible.

And while I consider at times extending my calendar in the office over a weekend the truth is I want to get home and see MY kids, as much as I'd also like to hang out with theirs...

Can they go to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:... because although I live a six hour flight away from DC, I'm NOT actually IN DC -- I am 90 minutes away, without traffic, on a good day.

I telecommute and only go to the office on big (professional) occasions, and I don't have a car.

What should I tell my friends and family, who have professions with more flexible schedules (but have understandable barriers themselves, like new babies?)?

I just don't think they GET it and I think they feel slighted and/or like I'm a workaholic. But the reason I'm traveling is for professional, not social reasons, and if I were to go to them the professional part would definitely not be possible.

And while I consider at times extending my calendar in the office over a weekend the truth is I want to get home and see MY kids, as much as I'd also like to hang out with theirs...

OP, why do people know you're in/outside of DC for a work trip? Keep your mouth shut. And don't post about it on social media, because no one gives a shit. If you're posting pictures of yourself walking around the tidal basin and your relatives live downtown, then yeah, they're probably going to be offended. But if you're in a hotel room 90 minutes away, without traffic, you're basically in a crappy hotel in WV, so just don't talk about it. I don't understand how you people manage to make problems for yourselves. Seriously, just stop talking.