Traveling for Work- Never Had- I Really Don't Want To This Time

[ead79]

I can totally understand where you're coming from, as traveling for work is outside my comfort zone, and I'm a nervous flyer too. I also like my own personal space, so sharing a room wouldn't be a bit hit on my list either.

First of all, remind yourself that you're probably making this an even bigger deal than it really is. I realize that it's causing you anxiety (and I can relate), but know that it will be OK.

At an old job of mine, I had to fly to NY for a trade show on my first day with the new company. I was terrified! It was my first time to fly without a relative, and I had to start a new job that day to boot! Well, a really nice lady kept me company on the flight, and I did just fine at the trade show. I had really built it up to be even worse than it was.

I know it's rough, but you CAN do it!

 

[DebbieB]

Many companies do not give a "per diem" just for this reason. Instead you submit receipts for all company related expenses and you are reimbursed. They don't want employees profiting at the expense of the company.

I would never share a room with someone else. If the company would only pay for one room I would pay for the other myself.

My company doesn't do "per diem", we have to submit an expense report and any receipts over $10. I have a company credit card and the payment goes straight to the credit card.

I have to say I'm so glad I got over my fears and started traveling for work. I have seen so much of the country and I'm also more independent now. It used to be I didn't want to drive to another part of town if I didn't know where I was going. Now I drive the freeways in CA!

 

[RainbowBrite]

I've never "had" to travel for work away overnight. Anyhow, my boss found a conference in 2 weeks in Georgia (I'm in NY) that she thinks would be perfect for me and another co-worker.

This is filling me w/ tons of anxiety!!! I started in a panic when it got mentioned a few weeks ago. Then it just pretty much got dropped. Until last week, I guess my boss emailed me and the co-worker about going again. (We are each the managers of departments that are somewhat integrated).

Anyhow, I still had not worried about it too much- because my son (16yrs old)has been over the road w/ his father. (His dad is a musician- and is opening for a major act right now- which would make a great other thread). Anyhow, I originally thought my son was only going to be home for 2 weeks- and leaving w/ his dad again the day I'd be coming home. I was not going to go because I did not want to miss 1 of his only 2 weeks home this summer. This seemed acceptable- and the whole thing was dropped. Anyhow, my son is bored and returning home tomorrow and staying home for the rest of summer (which I am actually thrilled about).

However, this takes away my whole reasoning behind why "I couldn't go". Now my boss wanted the trip priced out today-and she'll decide tomorrow if it should be booked. I REALLY, REALLY don't want to go.

1.) I don't fly well, and I have NO control over what flights are booked (size of plane, airline, ect). I have had mild panic attacks on planes and I've never flown w/o my husband or parents. I don't want to fly alone.
2.) Either we have to take 2 connecting flights- which see #1-- or we have to fly into Atlanta or Jacksonville and then drive several hours to the conference. I don't want to drive out of state- and my co-worker drives like a madman. I've driven w/ her in our city to go to meetings and she down right scares me.
3.) My co-worker nor my boss see any reason to get 2 hotel rooms. "We can just share". I'm a really restless sleeper- I'm usually up and down numerous times a night. I like to sleep w/ some light and very soft background noise. At work we share adjoining suites w/ 1 temperature control- I'm always warm- she's always cold. I can only imagine trying to battle over the A/C setting. I get along w/ this coworker but I don't "know her so well" that I want to share a room w/ her for nearly the week. If I have to go at the end of the day I want to be able to get in my comfy clothes (i.e.- no bra and jammy pants) and watch what I want on TV. Last thing I smoke and she does not (bad habit I know-- but if I want to go outside to smoke I don't want to hear about coming back and making the room smell w/ my clothing- this is already stressful enough).
4.) Silly as this sounds I've NEVER been away from my home for the night w/o my husband. We've been together for 12 yrs and he's been away for work and in the hospital-- but I never have. Which has always been okay because I get homesick real easy.

I guess I could go on and on.....I just don't want to go and do not know how to get out of this and not disappoint my boss. Worst case scenario I don't know how to at least demand separate hotel rooms if I do "HAVE" to go, and not offend my coworker.

Any advice?

I need at least a hint as to who your son's dad is opening for

 

[kilee]

I need at least a hint as to who your son's dad is opening for

Toby Keith and Trace Adkins... big show in the country music field anyhow.

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Back to my worry over traveling. My boss called in today-- and today was the last day to register for the conference. Anyhow, it was my coworkers responsibility to do it, and she did not. So, if my boss gets mad she'll be taking all the heat (I know how my boss works).

Even if my company decides to try and get a late registration and they do.....then I will go if I have to. As for the rooms, I emailed my boss in a just wanted to know kind of way. Told her that "X" implied we'd only be booking one room, and I wanted to know because I'd really be much more comfortable in my own room so I could get other work done in the evening. Anyhow, another employee told me (who I'm close to and does the travel expense reimbursements) that she's never seen anyone have to share rooms when they travel for our company and she thinks "X" is the one who wanted to share a room. So that made me feel better that they've never pushed the issue before about sharing rooms.

I'm still in a wait and see pattern though and it's less than 2 weeks away. I have to rearrange my departments staffing schedule if I'm going so I'm hoping they decide soon. There is no way I could afford to pay for the room myself- it's about $150 a nt and I just don't have it. My dh's pay has been down drastically the last few months and we are just coming in over our budget w/ very minimal expendable cash these days.

Oh and it is in Savannah, a place I wouldn't mind visiting....but really not this way......

 

[SandrA9810]

Toby and Trace and you don't travel with him???

It's one thing when you're in high school having to share rooms with other girls on trips... it's another thing when you're a grown adult.

I applied at hhgregg one time, got an interview. And during the interview he told me that there's a training in jacksonville (4hrs away) for a whole week. I'm kinda glad I never got a call back.