Being away from home while on assignment can strain the relationships you leave behind. With a little bit of effort, compromise, and ingenuity you can keep those relationships alive and even make them stronger.

<div>
  Being away from home while on assignment can strain the relationships you
  leave behind. With a little bit of effort, compromise, and ingenuity you can
  keep those relationships alive and even make them stronger. Here&rsquo;s a few
  ideas.
</div>

<h3>Set the Right Tone Before You Leave Home</h3>

<div>
  Once your travel assignment is in the works, discuss your plans with your
  inner circle. The sooner you break the news, the more those closest to you can
  emotionally prepare for your absence. Sometimes, your traveling can stir up
  apprehension, sadness, or resentment from a devoted spouse, significant other,
  or best friend. Anticipate these reactions and defuse them by staying
  empathetic and positive. Most importantly, together, come up with solutions
  for making the situation work.
</div>

<h3>Stay Connected</h3>

<div>
  Create a weekly email newsletter to keep everyone apprised of how your travel
  experience is going. Former colleagues will enjoy hearing about your work
  challenges and milestones. Family members will want to know you are safe and
  happy. Friends will want to hear about the local hotspots and culture.
  Don&rsquo;t sweat over these updates. Keep them short and simple. If anyone
  wants more details, they can ask.
</div>



<div>
  Check in with your A-list contacts at least once a week via phone, text,
  social media, Facetime, or Skype. Although adjusting to your new work schedule
  and responsibilities will limit your free time, a few minutes here and there
  (during breaks, your commute, or a lunchtime walk outside), will go a long
  way. You can also schedule weekly conference calls with your friends or a
  remote Friday night (or any night) Happy Hour.
</div>

<h3>Share the Good and Not-so-Good Details of Your Traveling Experience</h3>

<div>
  Significant others and spouses rely on each other to cope with life&rsquo;s
  everyday ups and downs. Traveling can change these dynamics. Those at home
  often put up a happy-go-lucky front to demonstrate their ability to make the
  best of things while you are away. If you want your loved ones to be open
  about their feelings, then start each phone conversation with the minutiae of
  your day. Not everything is rosy all the time, so be sure to include the
  challenges you face being the &ldquo;new kid on the block&rdquo; or dealing
  with a difficult staff member. Painting a canvas of complaints is not your
  goal, but keeping it real is. Sharing these less-than-perfect experiences can
  make your spouse feel more connected to your world&mdash;and vice versa.
</div>

<h3>Be a Sensitive Listener</h3>

<div>
  When it comes to phone conversations with spouses, kids, or significant
  others, be all ears. Although you might want to share exciting details about
  your new locale, don&rsquo;t forget that life hasn&rsquo;t stood still for
  those at home. Ask a lot of questions and wait for answers. Your efforts to
  listen will demonstrate your care, love, and concern.
</div>

<h3>Send Presents</h3>

<div>
  A token gift from your travel locale, such as a mug, postcard, or food item
  native to the area lets friends and family know they are top of mind.
</div>

<h3>Arrange Frequent Visits</h3>

<div>
  From the get-go, pinpoint the best time for your loved ones to visit you
  travel locale and explore it with you. If your assignment lasts 8 weeks or
  more, promise to go back home for a few days when you have a day or two off.
  Don&rsquo;t just talk about, schedule it!
</div>



<h3>Getting ready for your next travel assignment?</h3>

<div>
  As far as nursing careers go, nothing compares to the experience and adventure
  that travel nursing offers. Ready to get starterd? Turn to Cross Country
  Nurses, one of the most trusted providers of
  <a href="/sites/ccn/travel-nursing-jobs">travel nurse jobs </a>across the
  country.&nbsp;
</div>


How to Keep Personal Relationships Now That I Am on the Road