I have two young children and also travel and work a lot of hours. It seems difficult to be engaged in my kids lives and activities while also being fully dedicated to work. Interested to hear from anyone that has struggled with this and how they managed to make things work.
From what I have seen with older colleagues they always try to be home with their kids on the weekend even if that means travelling (+15 hours). Being away during the week I think it is very important to completely discount and be 100 % available for your kids on the weekends and holidays. Otherwise it always help to have a wife that has a less busy schedule than yourself to have a balance in the couple.
Agreed, I think that prioritizing being home and available on the weekends is incredibly important if you are out of town Monday to Thursday. One of the hardest parts is missing after school events but FaceTime can help with "attending" games or activities. Also, agree that having a partner with a less busy schedule is absolutely necessary unless you have a lot of family help or a nanny that can work very long hours during the week.
Following this... from what I have seen at work and with friends, you have to carve out time and stick to it. Just like saving money works best when you save first and then pay your bills, carve out family time and fit in work around it. If you are traveling M-Th then make sure you have FaceTime sessions. On weekends really be present for your family as they need you. It is a tough life to be in professional services with a family but you are a provider and hopefully at some point later can find a better work life balance that you are seeking.