I finally did it!  My book is finished!  I wanted to take a second and share 5 steps to push past your inner critic (And let me tell ya, she was loud) that helped me get my book done.  

I’ve been thinking about writing this book for almost two years now.  The actual writing part was finished this winter but I let myself listen to that inner critic.  Telling me no one will read it, no one will like it, I don’t know what I’m talking about.  ALL the things!

Maybe some of those things will be true but I know that I have the experience, we all do, to write about our own experiences, what has helped us and how that might help someone else in a similar situation.

The actual writing of the book and editing is done.  Currently, it is heading to formatting and cover design.  I set a date near the end of September 2020 to launch!

I wrote this book with y’all in mind.  

As well as those just getting started or thinking about getting started with pipeline travel.  I hope I did ya proud!!  I know I didn’t cover everything but I wanted this book to focus on the beginning of the journey.

It was hard at times, to remember how I felt in certain situations.  Trying to remember all the questions I had, the places we had been (and when), sharing some of the stories.  But it felt right.  It felt like there might be someone out there that needs to hear our story, to get an idea of what it is like to travel with the pipeline or to know that they are not in it alone.

Because it was a journey to get to this point and through the writing, I wanted to share with you…

The 5 steps to push past your inner critic that helped me were;

Making a plan

It can be as simple as writing down the things you want to say.  Mindmapping, brainstorming, or anything else you want to call it.  Get the ideas out of your head and on to a piece of paper, Google docs, or any way else you want to write.  Set a timer, get your sh*t together, and GO!

Put together not only your thoughts for what you want to share but also ideas on how you want to organize it.  Think back to when you were in school and they taught you to create sections for writing.  Get your intro started, your chapter ideas, and your closing thoughts.

Taking action

After you’ve spent some time really thinking about what it is you want to share, take some time to actually do the writing.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  Put whatever comes to mind, put it in your notes.  Then you can take some time to edit and make adjustments to how you want it to flow.

Creating affirmations

Another huge help in pushing past my inner critic was creating affirmations.  Just the act of thinking about what you want to accomplish is helpful.  Then when you put them into your daily habit and repeat those affirmations.  Say them out loud!  Put them ALL over your camper, phone, house, whatever.  Use sticky notes and put them where you will see them and when you see them, say them proud!  

Making it a priority

How many good ideas have you had only to forget about them?  Scheduling them into your day makes those ideas a priority.  It took me a long time to see this one.  I always considered myself as a person that preferred to not have a schedule but so many things slip through the cracks when they are not noted.

Blocking out time in my schedule to focus on the writing helped, to make it a habit.  I do this with so many things including break periods.  It helps me to see where I’m spending my time and where I can add something else.  I use a combination of my phone calendar and a physical planner (click here for my favorite planner) to help track my days.  Below is a screenshot of my calendar when I was in the thick of things.

Be consistent

This one ties into Making it a priority as well.  In order to make a habit, you have to stay consistent.  That may mean setting it up at the same time/day.  It may mean setting a set time period.  Consistency also means that if you miss a day, you pick right back up.  Don’t go down that rabbit hole where you find every excuse because you missed one time.

If your interested in more info on creating or resetting a routine, read here.

There you have it, 5 steps to push past your inner critic.  

• Making a plan
• Taking action
• Affirmations
• Making it a priority
• Be consistent

These steps can be applied to just about anything you are trying to achieve or when you feel that self-doubt creeping up.

My book was a big hurdle but I’m so glad I was able to get it done.  What hurdles are you ready to cross off your list?

My hope for this book is that it will help future pipeline families.  I hope it resonates with those of us in the middle of it and I hope that it inspires you to go after your dreams.

I’m building my launch team and would love for you to be on it! 

If you are interested in reading this book and helping spread the word, please reach out below or send me an email at travelingwivesclub@gmail.com.

Consider finding work while you travel.

Traveling with your significant other can be filled with fun and new adventures but it can also get REAL boring and lonely too.

We all have different reasons for wanting to make money while traveling…maybe it is

• a creative outlet
• extra income
• meet others
• need more than being a stay at home mom (me raising my hand!)
• security in case something happens

Whatever the reason, there are options, EVEN while traveling.

Seasonal jobs

Most large corporations as well as some small businesses will often look for seasonal help.  That season depends on their industry. Sometimes it is summer help for outdoor companies or businesses related to warmer temps.  Other times it is focused more around the holidays, usually end of October to January.  This type of work provides flexibility because it is temporary.

Nationwide companies

If you want something steadier, look for nationwide companies that may allow you to transfer as you change locations.  For part of my time with Con-way Freight (now XPO Logistics), I was able to transfer to different terminals since they were a nationwide company.

Work at home

This type of work provides the ultimate flexibility because it can go wherever you go!  In most cases you are the boss as well so there is no checking to make sure you can transfer your work.

• MLMs

MLMs often get a bad rap.  They get called names like pyramid and Ponzi schemes but their structure is very similar to corporate America.  You have a president, then VPs, then Managers, then workers.  If you drew it out it would look much like a pyramid! There are a variety of different industries/products out there that involve MLMs.  Find one that fits your interests!

• Create something

Maybe you are a creative person.  Do you love to craft?  Have you designed something unique or improved on something already out there?   You could start an online store and sell what you make.  Depending on what it is you are creating, will determine how easily you could run the business on the road.

• Virtual assistants

Do you have administrative or specialized skills, a computer, phone and time to complete the tasks?  Do you enjoy helping others get the job done?  You could sign up to be a VA for online companies or better yet, start your own VA business!

• Transcriptionist

Transcription is another great option for working from home.  You need fast typing skills, a computer and an ability to pick up words from a variety of people.  Most people think of medical transcription in this category but there are many other types. Check out Rev.com for a listing of current jobs as well as opportunities to do captions for TV programming.

• Recruiting

If you are detail oriented, enjoy working, helping and talking with people then consider recruiting.  Recruiters get to help others find jobs.  Although many companies require a degree for this position you do have the option of creating your own freelance business.

• Customer Service

People skills are a must for this type of work!  A good portion of this position is done from a phone and/or email.  So, as long as you have good signal and enjoy talking to people this could be a great fit for you!

• Writer

Do what I do, share your thoughts with others!  You could write a book or blog, depending on your goals around writing. Both formats have the potential to bring in income and you definitely have the flexibility of working from anywhere. If this interests you, feel free to message me about any questions you have.  Check out the course that got me started here

Help others

Not all significant others travel with their Pipeliner.  We all know that they put in long hours most days and could use an extra hand.  If you are looking to make money while traveling, consider offering some of the following services to help out the other Pipeliners on the job;

• Pet sitter
• Baby sitter
• Laundry or cleaning
• Grocery shopping
• Running errands

Improve your skills

This option is not great on a resume if repeated over a long period but it does get you out of your small living space and meet others!  If you choose to, look for places you could get a discount like your favorite retail store. You could also find your favorite coffee shop or bookstore.  Another idea is to think of a new skill you would like to learn or improve on and try a place that offers it.

Work with significant other/on pipeline

Another option is to also work on the road.  This could be a bit more difficult if you have children only because of the added need for childcare if you both are out of the home for long hours.  If you can make it work then there are a few options;

• Many women opt to be their significant other’s helper (welders)
• Laborer
• Safety
• X-ray teams
• Office staff

Some choose to work directly with their significant other while others choose to work on a different crew.  Take in the factors of needing childcare, amount of time spent with each other and the type of work to help you decide if this would be a good fit for you and your family.

As I mentioned before, there are a variety of reasons to take up employment while traveling.

Here are my reasons…

In the 12 years we have been traveling together I have held a couple of the jobs above and also spent about 2.5 years at home while he traveled.

I worked at a tanning salon because I wanted to meet others.

We needed the extra income so, I took a job at Con-way and stayed home for 2.5 years and then transferred terminal to terminal.  His job was not very stable at the time (long lay-offs) and we had acquired too much debt.

I worked my first MLM because of pregnancy hormones and boredom.

My second MLM was started to get healthy and have extra income.

My current endeavors have been started to begin an exit strategy from this line of work.  Our kids will be starting school and we have chosen to be stationary for them.  This means our family will be split until we can get my husband off the road.

If you decide to seek employment, I encourage you to find something that you have an interest in and do enjoy.  Remember that it is ok to try something, not like it and then try something different. Don’t trap yourself in a job that makes you unhappy.

Please feel free to comment or send a message to me with any questions about working on the road.

If you are currently working or thinking about working on the road comment below.  I’d love to hear what you are doing!

If you are looking for other ways to beat the isolation, check out my post here.

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

So, how do we fix that?

Keep reading below for more information!

I love to look at them over and over but don’t always get to share as many as I would like with others.  With more pictures being taken on our phones or digital cameras they are not being seen and shared as often anymore.

I have always loved looking at them, taking them.  There is something about the jog down memory lane it can take me down.  I love seeing a look in to my family’s past and how they lived.  When I think about it, it may be a bit strange that I didn’t pursue a career in photography.  Back when it was time to figure out initially what to do with my life photography wasn’t exactly a great paying job or an encouraged profession to get in to.

I had considered it when I decided to join the Army but again it was encouraged to choose an occupation I could use outside the military.  Ultimately, I chose linguistics because I liked the places my sister in law had traveled and she was a linguist.  Isn’t that how everyone chooses their profession?  LOL  Now I’m a SAHM (stay at home mom) who is dabbling in blogging about my family’s travel lifestyle.  Now, if only his work would take us overseas!  Funny how our lives play out sometimes.

Back to those pictures and memories…

There are several reasons I focus on preserving those picture and memories now;

Your story to tell

As I mentioned above those pictures can provide a flashback for you or a talking point if you are sharing the pictures with someone else.  You could be showing your children, another family member or a friend. If you get in to some business with photos it could be a complete stranger.  Whoever it may be, you have a story to tell and you SHOULD tell it!

Family history

Whether it be for your own children or maybe your family historian your pictures are able to show how you lived, what you liked to do and where you traveled.  They document the growth of your family.  The types of things you were in to, the clothes you wore and even the food you enjoyed.

Pictures capture all your achievements too!  These pictures help us remember where we came from and where we are now.  What obstacles we crossed to get to here.

All in the details

If you are anything like me, you will forget a lot!  I barely remember what we did yesterday let alone what job we were on back in 2007. My pictures help me with that, along with my chronicles on Facebook and most recently Instagram.

Our memories play tricks on us as well.  I remember a trip that I took with my oldest brother, his wife and my parents to a wilderness area near Ely, MN that escapes me right now.  (SEE, I told you your memory will fail!). It had Boundary or boundaries in it.

OH WAIT!  I remember now, Boundary Waters.  Beautiful place in northern MN!!  Anywhoo, for years after I told everyone that we went there for a month right before I went to basic.  When I shared this fact with my family, they looked at me like I was crazy.  We had spent just two weeks there.

You would think based on my exaggerated timeline that it was not an enjoyable trip but on the contrary it was
one of my most memorable!  I went kayaking for my first time, we camped in a tent the entire time, crossed paths with moose and my mom tried to save her camera over me when we capsized in the lake.  Who could forget those moments!!

Now on to where you should keep these photos.  Obviously, it is your choice what pictures to keep and how you want to display them but here are some of the ways that I help preserve our memories;

Annual book

The annual book is something I started around 2013 when I found out we were pregnant with our first child.  I wanted a reminder (hello pregnancy brain!) of what we had done through the year, whether it was travels or special occasions within the family.  The ones I use are through Shutterfly and I generally do an 8×11 book using their storytelling layouts.  They basically create a template and you insert your pics. They can store your pics and they usually have pretty great sales all year!  Plus, on Groupon you can get them for $5 when they run specials.

Social media

Social media is great for the daily remembrances.  Sometimes just a lot of fillers or random pics but generally we document something interesting that happened.  These have been great for helping me remember where we were and specific dates.

Blogging

Blogging is something new that I have added.  This pertains more to me sharing my story of our life and hoping that there are people out there that want to read about it! Saving your pictures here means you also get to tell the story that goes along with the picture!!  I’ll be sharing our travel pictures, family pictures and also pictures I have created in relation to the blog.

Scrapbooks/Baby books

Scrapbooks are more like just a photo album with some random mementos thrown in at the end.  This used to be all I did until I found Shutterfly. This was prior to most social media as well so I am talking real camera photos, not just on my phone photos.  We had to take the film out of the camera and bring it to a store or professional where they would develop the pictures. You had no idea if they were any good most of the time and almost everyone I know got duplicates because you might want to hand them out.

Baby books are another great option for documenting your little one’s lives.  I did pretty good with our first and got a bit behind with our second.  For both books I have yet to actually print any pics and put them in a book.  At least I tried, right?

Hindsight is 20/20 so, of course, I wish I would have started blogging or keeping a journal a lot sooner to document our travel life.  Even just my life earlier.  I did actually do interesting things before I met my husband!!  LOL

Most of us tend to think our life is not exciting but to others not living it, it can be.  Even if you don’t share your pictures with others do it for yourself!!

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

Here are a few links for the type of memory preservation I used…

https://www.shutterfly.com/custom-path/stylecatalog.sfly?fromLocation=lightbox&order=false&defaultBookTitle=My%20Photo%20Book&bookSize=8×11&occasions=Our%20Top%20Picks

https://www.amazon.com/Pearhead-First-Memory-Sonogram-Insert/dp/B072PSF84S/ref=sr_1_14?crid=2XT8EDSLJVNNW&keywords=baby%2Bmemory%2Bbook&qid=1552654556&s=gateway&sprefix=baby%2Bmemory%2B%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-14&th=1

Hello! I’m Kate.

Hey there!  Thank you so much for stopping by to my blog, Traveling Wives Club.  You are probably wondering what is Traveling Wives Club?  I’m here to provide support and an inside look to this “glamorous” pipeline travel lifestyle we live!!  Look for my posts on Wednesdays.

Let me first tell you a little bit about me…my name is Kate.  I am a Michigander!  Go blue!! I grew up in Marion, MI (imagine me holding up my hand and pointing to almost the middle of it).  I grew up on a farm outside of this small village (one traffic light, downgraded to a 4 way).  We had a variety of animals, did our own hay and I got into as much trouble as I could growing up, sorry Mom & Dad!!

I have always had the travel bug since I was a kid!  I was lucky enough to go on vacations with my family and see a lot of amazing places. Travel stuck with me as I got older, I moved to Virginia after graduating, then back home, then on to Kentucky with my brother and his family.  While I loved living with my niece, I needed to do something more for myself.  I needed to really be on my own so I did what any 19 year old would do…I joined the Army!

It was a perfect fit! I got to continue traveling AND they trained me to learn another language!!  I mean, I knew other things could happen while serving but I was pretty optimistic about the whole thing.  Unfortunately, I treated my training like I was in college. I was into doing the bare minimum for studying, eating/drinking what I wanted and not really worried about any consequences.   

Let me clarify, that I was never the studious type to begin with, that is why I moved and got a job instead of going straight to college.  I was lucky enough to graduate high school!  Not because I wasn’t smart but because I just didn’t care my last 2-3 years of school.  I was over it and wanted out but that is another story.

While serving in the Army I traveled to Missouri, California, Texas and then on to Germany and Kosova.  Not to mention all the states in between to get to those places.  I got one on one time with each of my parents, my Mom on the way to California and then my Dad drove to Texas from California with me. I got to take a few more trips while overseas as well, exploring almost every country bordering Germany!  There are SO many places to see!!!  I don’t share this to brag, more to assure you that I have and do LOVE to travel!

This is why I feel so fortunate to have married a man that also loves to travel!  This form of travel is waaaay different than what I was used to and quite honestly had no idea it even existed.  His job is with the pipeline, natural gas to be specific.  He works for a variety of companies under a union. The jobs can last anywhere from a couple weeks to years.  The work may be steady or you could be off for years.  His work has taken us to 11 different states and 31 moves in 12 years. It is one of the most unpredictable jobs I have ever experienced but we love it!

Together we have two wonderful little knuckleheads, most would call children.  They are 4 and 2 and keep life even more interesting, if that is even possible!  We all travel together and for the most part I think everyone is still happy where we are but there will be a day when I’m sure that will change.  We are currently living it up in West Virginia since about April of 2018, although we moved in October to a different city.

Now that you know a little about me, come back and hear about our travels, the ups and downs of this lifestyle, life in general and any tips/tricks I can provide to navigate these travels!  

Let me hear from you too!! Let’s connect!!  Comment below, share and tag this post or find me on social media!!