Business Trip or Boondoggle

The Mrs. just got back from an out of town business trip last night. For those of you that are married with kids and have a spouse that travels, let's set a few things straight.....

Yes, you had to work all day in a city different from where you live, but because you are there without the kids, I contend it's not a business trip. Its a boondoggle, free time away from family obligations. To wit:

1. You didn't have to deal with picking up the kids by a certain time.

2. You have the opportunity to get a drink after work and hang out with co-workers (no kids to run home to).

3. You can actually go to a nice restaurant and not worry about what is on the kids' menu.

4. You don't mind if the restaurant has a more than a ten minute wait to seat you because you can have a drink in the bar while you are waiting.

5. You can go out and see a movie or go to a club and have a few more drinks.

6. You can be assured of a good night's sleep because no kids will interrupt you.

7. You have a maid to clean your room.

Don't get me wrong, I love my kids. However, if I had a job where I travelled out of town, rest assured I would make the most of my evenings (I am not encouraging elicit activity) given the fact that I no longer had the yoke of the responsibility of the kids over me.

Upon reviewing my list, I believe that business trips should be renamed boondoggles for those married with kids. Let's call it like we see it.