work widow

Commonly found among the partners of consultants and salespeople, a state of "temporary widowhood" caused by the work or work travel schedule of a significant other. A woman, married or in a relationship, who is often left alone on a regular basis for significant periods of time (multiple days), enough to seem to be single or without companionship.

Male version: Work Widower

With her husband's work schedule only allowing him to visit every other weekend, she was often know to refer to herself as a 'work widow'.

by MeganInMunich November 10, 2008