I can’t think of the last time I traveled for work. My job, by nature, doesn’t really lend itself to needing to travel. Truthfully I could do about 90% of my job remotely anyway, and there are very few things I do for my job that I couldn’t necessarily do for any company in need of my skills. Barring time zones, anyhow. Although that wouldn’t even be a real issue.

Nonetheless, here I go. Travelling from more or less the far south to the… far north(?) for an in-person meeting that probably could have been a teams of zoom meeting. (USA by the way, if you’re not already aware)

It’s odd actually – I’m actually an in-person advocate as much as I can be. If I’m getting fast food, I hate the drive through. Ask my wife. I’d much rather go inside and grab my food. I’d much rather make a phone call for customer service rather try an online chat. The more personal contact I can get, the better. I can certainly see the desire for an in-person meeting as much as (or more than) anyone else. I feel some communication is lost over a zoom or teams meeting. Nuances are easier to detect and react to. In person meetings are immensely preferable to remote for many reasons. So..

Here I go, traveling 14 hours (one way) for what amounts to a two hour meeting. Sure, I’ll take advantage of the opportunity. I’m going to a part of out company that I haven’t had a chance to visit previously. Meeting with people who do my job in other parts of the company (although this is not part of the primary meeting). Good will come of it.

So for discussion – if you happen upon this and feel inclined to discuss – how do you feel about work travel? Have you had to travel when you didn’t really prefer to? Or, do you travel for work? Do you want to travel for work?

Maybe I’ll see you on the road!