Today I called my new employer to ask if there was anything I needed to know for my start on Monday. It shows I'm eager to start, want to fit in with their requirements and gives them the ability to direct me prior to me starting. The benefit is to me was that I'd arrive more prepared knowing what to expect. I'm a strategic man and like to be prepared after all. As it turns out the State Manager was going to call me this afternoon anyway; see how great minds think alike?
He told me my vehicle arrived and would be ready on Monday even offering to come pick me up and take me to work that day rather than getting a lift with someone else. I declined, I'm an independent person and it didn't feel right. I'm glad my company car is there though; I had a friend who had one as part of her package and it didn't arrive for a month.
Everything is in place for my start and they're looking forward to seeing me; I believe they see great benefits coming from our association and I feel they are doing what they can to expedite the process of getting me settled in.
The company is national, and when I took the job I knew I'd have to travel to the companies head office in Queensland. I'd expected a week or so in the State office here and then a few days at the head office. I was wrong. On todays call the State Manager told me I'd be flying to Brisbane for a week on Monday afternoon after only the morning at the State office here.
I was a surprised but it feels good; it indicates they mean business, want me up to speed and are prepared to get in there and make it happen. It also indicates their desire for fast results, but I'd expected that; usually the results required or expected are determined by the amount of money they offer for the role. This company will want results.
I don't mind travelling; I'm looking forward to meeting the folks at head office, showing them who I am and understanding the company better. It's always easier to deal with people if they have a concept of who you are and vice versa; starting off with (hopefully) a good impression will lead to a better working relationship. I'm sure I'll come back with a lot more information and understanding which will bring confidence and will pay dividends quickly.
I'll be staying at a hotel near the head office and they have a car for me there. I'll work then hit the clubs at night until the early hours of the morning and then work again after no sleep. Hmm, not really.
I'll work during the day and do whatever I need to do in the evenings to make sure the information has sunk in so I can head back the next day and show value. I'll get time to myself though and, because I'll be in her city, will visit the widow of a close friend of mine who took his life a little while ago. It's been too long since I've seen her and she could use a friend. I'll be doing my Hive stuff in the evening also, so if you think you're getting rid of me for a while you're mistaken.
Have y'all had to take business trips, and if so where? Do you find business trips a little lonely like I do? Sitting alone in hotel rooms isn't much fun, neither is sitting alone down at the hotel bar. Feel free to tell me in the comments about your business trips experiences or even comment about travelling alone and how you feel about it. What do you do to keep occupied during business trips or solo travel?
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Any images in this post are my own
I have not ever traveled for business except for one trip to California to help train some folks there over 25 years ago. Not the same as when you do it as an ongoing thing for your job.
I like flying though.
That was wild that they will fly you out the first day. Looks like you'll hit the ground running on that new job.
Business trips can be a whole lot of things including really awesome and bloody terrible...I prefer somewhere in the middle.
I'll have some spare time in the week so will spend it wandering about Brisbane which is a really nice city of over 2 million people and there's always something going on. I'll manage to occupy myself and it'll be good to spend some time with my mates widow who I've not seen in some time. It'll be nice, but not nice if you know what I mean.
Anyway, you've not missed out on much by not having business trips. And yep, let's hope when I hit the ground it's running and not a face-plant.
Sounds like a neat experience, like an adventure really. The company seems to be on top of things as well (prepared for your arrival) which is nice. In my experience companies are never prepared for new employees. First days are spent reading policy binders while waiting for IT to set up the computer and passwords and all that lol.
I haven't had to take any business trips before but before I graduated college a few companies flew me to their location for an interview. One was to Las Vegas and the other to North Carolina. It was a neat experience to be offered multiple jobs before even graduating. Fire Sprinkler design was in very high demand at the time. Now only my wife travels for work and shes been to quite a few countries this year.
Yes exactly. It must be done, but is the worst.
I never made it to college, I'm not that smart, but I can imagine it would be cool to have people lusting after you to join their companies. I'd imagine at that age, graduate age, those trips would have been enjoyable too.
When I'm in the role, proper, I'll not have to travel much I think, just initially. I don't mind really, it's just that sometimes I feel a bit lonely when sitting in hotel rooms working. I go to the bar usually, but it's little better. Sitting in a bar by myself always makes me feel like Nigel no-friends. 😀
Yeah I hear you. I don't think that I would care for it either. It would be nice if you're in a place you haven't been and may not be able to go otherwise and you have some time to explore the city, but that's often not the case. It's like you said, you're often just alone at the hotel or restaurant which is less enjoyable.
I'll have Hive to keep me company I guess, and if I get bored I can always order everything off the room service menu and stay up all night watching pay TV.
Hahaha yep, those are your options 🤣
Yay for hitting the ground running with the new job XD
Never had to take business trips but have travelled alone many times. Doesn't bother me in the slightest as I disappear into my own head pretty much always.
Have a good trip :)
I don't mind the travel so much and being alone isn't much of an issue either, but at times I like to share my day or thoughts with someone and when on business trips there's no one really. I also tend not to sleep well in hotel beds when alone. I'll survive though.
This is lovely news, Galen 😁
The company means business, and already, it sounds like the place is very suited for you:)
No, I have never had to travel by plane for business... I was happy that travel did fall under my portfolio.
I've had to travel locally though which was always stressful enough. I'm keen on time, and I stress about being late to appointments, so I give myself ample (excessive leeway) time for delays.
Once when I lived in Leicester, I had a seminar at Heathrow airport. That meant I had to take the tube and navigate my way around the underground. (It's nice when you do it on holiday, not when you need to catch the right train for your pre-booked ticket)...I made the journey ok, but the Concierge tried to frazzle me with his "repetitive joke" when I asked for directions to the boardroom. He responded:
"No sweetheart, that Gatwick"
He didn't catch me at all... but I thought that was a great "joke"
I can imagine this to be so.
Regardless, have a fantastic time:)))
Oh yeah, I can relate to your Heathrow story, not at Heathrow but elsewhere.
Although, come to think of it...When I flew from Heathrow to Helsinki in 2018 I was just finished doing bag check and was confronted by a poor lady who was very confused (couldn't see her flight on the board.). She asked me and I couldn't help but I found her an airline help lady and connected them. I stayed to listen...As it turned out her flight was in an hour, from Gatwick. She was in Heathrow. Not a good day for that lady. Your story reminded me of it.
Work sounds ok, seems like they are organised. They'll want a fuck-ton of productivity out of me though - I'm pretty sure I can deliver.
Traffic to either airport is always chock-a-block, so going to the wrong one is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
Of, both, I have no doubt.
Go on!
#DazzleThemWithYourBrilliance 🙌
I've never been to Gatwick, but yeah I can't imagine the traffic being any better there than Heathrow.
I'll give this new job a crack, see what happens. What's the worst they can do? Fire me? Lol.
I think I've traveled from Gatwick once, and I prefer Heathrow anyway.
Haha! That's a good way to look at it...they can fire you, but they can't spank you, right?
I think you're entering the job fully equipped with experience, and knowledge, and I think your brain is still sharp enough to grasp the specifics of the role within your probatory period. Therefore, I see you sailing on and being there once you are content:)))
We'll see how it goes. They're making all the right sounds and moves and if that continues it'll make what I bring to the table more effective. I've done a lot of things in my life that have helped me gain skills that they'll benefit from.
Yeah, pulling out all the stops on both sides should be a win-win situation.
I bet you're super excited to start...
I think it's remarkable for someone at this stage of your life to embark on a new career, instead of sitting in the comfort zone of something you did for the majority of your work-life...so kudos to you:)))
I was so eager to travel, that I enjoy just looking at the plane! 😆
After much experience with people, I began to enjoy solitude. That's when you have the opportunity to learn about yourself.
good luck and go ahead! 👍✈️
Travel experiences can bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding.
Yes! 💎
I have had to take business trips, but not for a couple of years. ;) I don't mind the travel and although it is quieter than at home where the family is, it is a good change once in a while. I do miss being home and all that it entails.
I like room service in the morning! It feels a bit decadent. :)
I am so happy to hear how forward moving they are, this sounds like a company that you will be very happy with.
You will be busy this trip around with your friend's wife. There has been enough time that has gone by that this is perfect timing all the way around. I hope you are having a wonderful week.
Busines trips can be good but I guess I've had a few that have not been so good, extended trips away from home and all. I guess one gets a little over it. This week trip should be ok, I feel comfortable in Brisbane and it's a fun city so I'm sure I'll find some time to enjoy it.
Room service in the morning huh? I like the sound of that...I might make it happen!
Just do it. There is something redeeming about taking the time to make your day special. I am pretty sure you will have more fun than you planned, best times are had sometimes when I go by the seat of my pants or on a whim.
Send us a postcard! :)
Post card from Brisbane: Check.
🙂
Congratulations for the new employment, what is the job role ? I am sure, your employer saw your nature of commitment and know you will be definitely a great asset.
Coming to business trip, I went only once in 2007 to US, but then we enjoyed the trip, because we were five people, part of the trip. So we enjoyed it more than we expected, every week end was busy with trips and exploring new places. May be I should post them here.
Business trips can be better when there's a group travelling, but worse also. I'm glad yours was good. It might be worth doing a post huh?
The role in the company is a management position and I look forward to starting. :)
My last business trip was quite a number of years back. It was to China and I remembered taking planes or high speed trains every other day as we covered 4 or 5 cities within 1+ week. Didn't manage to catch much sleep but fortunately my last destination was in Hong Kong, and I took a few days of leave to explore the city after the official meetings ended. It was a hectic trip but definitely enriching for me.
Hope you find you own source of joy for your upcoming trip!
I've never been to China. I thought at one point I would like to but I no longer have any desire to go there.
Hmm the major cities are modern with skyscrapers and malls, which I guess would not be too different from the ones in other parts of the world. I think the nature and scenic spots are more worthy of a visit (if one is interested to visit China), rather than the actual cities themselves.
Yeah, I live in a city, albeit a small one of around 1.2 million people, and am more inclined to go to more natural, out of the way, places than cities when I travel. I've got no plans to visit China, relations are not that good between my country and theirs due to economic reasons and so I'll avoid it. If we go to war with them maybe I'll go there.
This is impressive. They are indeed ready for you and the way they are making the transition easier would foster greater bond.
With that comes expectations and knowing you, I know you won't only live up to it but shatter it. They won't only love you but you will earn that respect. I wish you all the best and safe travels sir.
Hahaha we wouldn't want to get rid of you on Hive. What would this place be without you?
I would speak about travelling alone and this weekend I have a wedding of my childhood friend to attend to and driving alone without my family with me is making me feel a bit off. I wish they could go with me but they can't because my daughter's birthday is tomorrow and I would rather face that stress on Friday alone than subject them to it. I think it's just about mentally preparing for it even though it would be lonely. I know you will do just fine.
I hope you have a good weekend travelling for that wedding despite not having your family with you.
Thank you so much sir.
Sounds like a great start already. It's really awesome to see you excited about it. Change is always better when it's something that you're able to initiate on your own, for sure.
I've had managers scoff at my choice of cheap/inexpensive hotels when I travel. I figure that the hotel itself is really only a place to gather myself and sleep; if I have any free time I want to be oot and aboot experiencing a new city and seeing what's there. Finding new places for dinner is always fun, too.
Good luck! Hope you enjoy the rest of your free week.
Lol, oot and aboot.
Brisbane is a cool city, I lived there for a little while and love it. I'll be oot and abooting. No doubt.
They seem ready and eager to have you on board, @galenkp. That's great news. Hope you manage to get to sleep on that hotel bed!
Annabelle 😊
😊
This is lovely news never had a business trip though but I sure enjoy traveling alone sometimes maybe to enjoy the quiet when I look out to see the beautiful nature or just enjoy my peace.
Though sometimes it is always good to have company too.
When are you getting back?
I guess it just a week out right?
I'll be off for a week or so, I haven't seen the itinerary yet. It's a paid trip so I'll do what it is they need, stay as long as they need me to.
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