Finding work/life balance during travel as a CRA is one of many unique challenges facing CRAs. In our Linical CRA Academy (where study coordinators, site directors and other research professionals are trained to transition into CRA roles), one of the most meaningful and enjoyable topics we cover is: “Work/Life Balance When on the Road.”
The CRA Travel Honeymoon Phase
When CRAs begin their careers, there is often an exciting “honeymoon phase.” Traveling to new cities, exploring new airports, experiencing local cuisine, and staying in different hotels can feel like an adventure. During this time, the lack of a traditional personal life – evenings at home with family, routines, and hobbies - may not immediately register. But when the reality of traveling 70% of the time sets in, it becomes essential to find intentional ways to achieve work/life balance when on the road. With a bit of creativity and planning, there are endless possibilities.
Intentional Living on the Road to Find Work/Life Balance
Melanie Culver, Sr. CRA “For anyone that knows me, knows I am a foodie and explorer by heart. When I am assigned a new site somewhere that I have not been to, I create a Pinterest board and search for cool local shops and restaurants as well as seeing what the towns nearby have to offer in the way of outdoor activities such as fishing or hiking. I do not eat at chain restaurants if I can help it. I am not a picky eater so I will try anything! One of my favorite things I discovered in Oklahoma was to visit the Clydesdale Farm. Have you ever stood next to one of those magnificent horses? They are huge!”
Diana Gold, Sr. CRA shared the creative way she stayed connected with colleagues/family: “Cyndy and I used to send each other a picture of our dinner when I was on the road. We would say it was so we felt like we were having dinner together.”
Hiedi Gooch, Sr. CRA is very in tune with what her soul needs: “I always get excited about a new city… but even if I have visited there before I always look for WATER! Rivers, lakes, beaches, waterfalls, fountains…. Water of any kind! That is my happy place and if I have 30 mins before I head to the airport I will look up “water near me” I do not know why it’s my thing, but I truly love it and I have some really cool pictures building up these years.”
Marina Carvajal, Sr. CRA, really enjoys her travels: “Monitoring visits can be demanding (mentally and physically). In the beginning, I used to go straight back to the hotel to relax and unwind. But over time, I have found that the best way to recharge is to step outside and explore. Wandering through the historic streets, visiting local landmarks, or just soaking in the atmosphere of a new city has become part of my post-visit ritual. One habit I have developed is packing my running shoes and heading to the seafront whenever I am in a coastal town. It is not just about getting the job done; it becomes a journey you genuinely enjoy.”
Maria Isla, Sr. CRA is taking advantage of traveling to expand her friends’ network: “After working as a CRA for many years, you end up knowing many of the CRAs who frequent the same monitoring rooms, and over time, you form a kind of "CRA group." You might have lunch together, discuss challenges and best practices, or even go out for dinner. It is not the same as being home with your close friends, of course, but it certainly makes time away from home a bit easier. This is a good thing about traveling; you do not just discover new places; you also get to meet a lot of people and break out of your daily routine.”
Åsa Zöchling, Sr. CRA remembers her first trips when being a trainee: “When I started out as a CRA 25 years ago, I was lucky to start my career as a CRA trainee. This was so exciting since I got to learn the CRA work hands on and get to know a lot of new colleagues and places located in the smallest cities in Sweden. Another memory I have is that my children enjoyed it so much when I sent postcards to them while on the road, even though I was back home sometimes before they arrived. Also, I always bring my trainers along for body and mind, either for a walk or a quick run.”
Setting Personal Goals
One CRA set a goal to visit a driving range in every state in the US and hit golf balls! CRA life affords opportunities to meet these types of personal goals and have some work/life balance. For a CRA enjoying growing a collection of vinyl, visiting local record stores is a great way to meet locals and add to the collection. Other CRAs have found many ways to unwind such as playing video games, binge watching a series, reading books, crocheting, or sketching. Melanie also shared one of her ventures: “I did go traipsing through the Oregon forest once to find Bigfoot as well. He must have been taking a nap – I never saw him. I have quite an extensive Bigfoot t-shirt collection from most states I have visited and plan to make a t-shirt quilt once I have acquired enough of them!”
Staying Healthy and Grounded
Prioritizing physical and mental well-being on the road is an important consideration. Hotel rooms with small kitchens provide an option to cook your own meals/dishes similar to what you would like at home. Staying loyal to a workout program via a hotel gym, doing hotel room yoga, or going running/walking/hiking in each city are all great options for physical fitness on the road.
Kayla Wilson, CRA stated: “Moving your body is so important, so I purchased an LA Fitness Gym Membership through my insurance. This allows me to use all LA Gyms nationwide, that way I don’t have to rely on hotel gyms. I also have a Class Pass membership which has been a TON of fun, I’ve tried some neat workout classes (Lagree is my favorite) and even met road warriors like myself.”
Booking the same hotel, and if possible, even the same room has been reported to enhance sleep. Over time you start to really feel that room ### is YOUR room and your sense of familiarity and sleep quality improve.
Bringing Family Along (When You Can)
Occasionally there is an opportunity to have family accompany CRAs on a trip. While the CRA is eyeball deep in documents, and working through monitoring tasks, their loved ones can explore the hotel amenities or local attractions, and all can have dinner together. With careful planning (and a solid backup plan, since cancellations happen), this can be a wonderful way to blend work and personal life.
Final Thoughts:
Success is witnessing a CRA soar and succeed while putting into practice intentional living and work/life balance on the road. Melanie wrote the perfect ending for this article; it could not be said any better:
“The CRA life can be challenging if you are not good at being adaptive to your surroundings and frequent travel. However, if you take time to go for a walk at lunch, take a hike at a close by national park, find a new place to eat, or see the most unique thing the town has to offer, you almost feel like you’re on your own little mini vacation rather than scanning charts and reviewing data all day. Just doing those few things can give you much needed work-life balance during your work travels.”
Many former CRAs have fond memories of their time as road warriors and would do it all over again!
Author:
Suzanne Mathias, Senior Director Clinical Monitoring
Angel Perez, Director Clinical Operations
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The Linical CRA Team