ceoI have a friend, I can’t say his name for privacy reasons. He also can’t post this himself because of the same reason.
He runs a small company that is growing quickly. He finds that he’s traveling around the world more as time goes by to meet customers and employees, and sometimes he’s away for a week at a time. At first it was every few months, but soon it looks like it might be once a month, something like 25% of his time (though I’ve heard of other CEOs being away up to 40% of the time).
This friend, also has a significant other. She’s not used to being with someone who needs to travel so much, and finds it hard dealing with time apart.
How can one manage the travel requirements of a growing business and spending time with family or a significant other?
I see few options. First, take the family with and extend the trips a few days to take advantage of the travel. Travel, especially international travel, can provide rich experience.
Another option is set boundaries. Make it a rule not to travel more than x% of the time. It may come at the cost of less business. It can also be an opportunity to develop someone else in the company.
A great supplement to travel is video conferencing. Nothing beats face-to-face, but after establishing the relationship, video conferencing can work well. Skype is also a great way to stay in touch at home.
Finally, consider cashing out. Come up with plan that makes sense, with a goal of selling the business within the next year or two.
Unless there are kids, I’d just let things be, and if they don’t work out, they don’t work out; if there are kids, then he seriously needs to think about his priorities in life.
(As for the question itself, it’s likely not a good fit for SE, though I might be wrong; reason being that the topic is very subjective.)
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