22. Business Travel

Most times that I tell people that I have a job that requires some business travel, I usually hear some version of, “you’re so lucky”. I usually laugh and say “no, not really”.

There are several running misconceptions about business travel:

• You get time away from ____ (usually kids)
• You get to see cool cities
• Must be such a nice change of pace

So, for me, I do not relish the time away from my family. I find it so hard to find enough time for my family — so increasing my time away, just makes it harder. (but I’d be lying if I said I miss making my kids’ school lunches when I am away.

Seeing cool cities…. well, theoretically that is true. But, often I am housed in a hotel where every single meeting, meal and bar night is housed, and I do not ever get out to actually see the city. The times I do get out to sightsee or even just visit some bars or restaurants is always a treat. Not only that, but my travel often has me going the same cities somewhat frequently. When you know the bartender at the hotel bar in a random city (and they know you and your colleagues, too), its pretty illustrative of the repetitive nature of my travel.

Work travel is definitely a change of pace — but that pace is not relaxing. Its full day itineraries, which start earlier than my normal working hours and they end up going late with dinner and post-drinks. So yes, its a change of pace, but its not a relaxing one.

With all of that being said, I love the work I do, so even the business travel isn’t too brutal, but it never fits the allure that people that don’t travel assume it is.