I work remotely, litigating for a small firm that requires some travel, mostly for purposes relating to litigation or some client events. When I accepted the job almost two years ago, I was not told that travel was required. I recently returned from (unpaid) maternity leave two and half months ago. My baby has not adjusted super well to daycare, but I have been busting my ass to dive head-first back into my cases and balancing my baby’s needs, while still excelling at work. As a new mom, it has been HARD but I am really proud of the work I’ve been able to maintain since going back to work. My husband makes twice the money I do, and his job is in-person 100% so I have been taking the vast brunt of all daycare related early pick-ups, sick days, etc.

Now, my job has mandated, with a week and a half notice, that I jump on a four hour flight (each way) on a Sunday for a mindfulness breakfast with a guest speaker, where we will supposedly learn how to “breakthrough negative mindsets and reach self actualization.” My husband will be out of town that weekend, so we have no childcare. I’ve told my firm that I can’t make it work with child care and personal plans this last-minute, and was told it is mandatory.

I totally get last-minute legal emergencies requiring travel, but I am beyond upset at the lack of notice and the reason for forcing travel, as this has nothing to do with my work or my clients. It feels very much like this is what people are talking about when they say corporate America makes it impossible for new moms to succeed . How would you handle this?

Edit: The kicker is I’ve been here almost two years and have never received a raise or a bonus. The managing partners FINALLY reached out for a review to evaluate me for a raise (I’m really really underpaid) and now, with this evaluation pending, I have to be the only associate singled out as having issues with last minute travel like this because I’m the only one with a young baby.

UPDATE: My firm told me I don’t have to go. Thank god. Hopefully this doesn’t come back to bite me in the butt professionally, but I am very grateful that my firm is letting me miss this.