Weirded out

[FlyingDumbo]

My business is sending me for training out of state. I had been looking forward to the course, but know it will involve a lot of work. Today they introduced me to someone from another office and then informed us that we will be sharing a hotel room for the length of the course (6 weeks, Monday through Fridays). I am totally weirded out by sharing a hotel room with a woman I don't know! I am a private person!! The woman seems very nice, but well, this is someone I'd like to be next door to not in the same room.

Oh and they also informed us that they are not covering any meal expenses, we are on our own for this, which we had previously told were covered.

I am trying to keep an open mind about this, but I am really uncomfortable. I told my boss, she said there is nothing she can do. Anyone done this before?

 

[Belle0101]

My business is sending me for training out of state. I had been looking forward to the course, but know it will involve a lot of work. Today they introduced me to someone from another office and then informed us that we will be sharing a hotel room for the length of the course (6 weeks, Monday through Fridays). I am totally weirded out by sharing a hotel room with a woman I don't know! I am a private person!! The woman seems very nice, but well, this is someone I'd like to be next door to not in the same room.

Oh and they also informed us that they are not covering any meal expenses, we are on our own for this, which we had previously told were covered.

I am trying to keep an open mind about this, but I am really uncomfortable. I told my boss, she said there is nothing she can do. Anyone done this before?

Thankfully I've never been in that position before and I don't blame you one bit for being the least weirded out. It can be a challenge sharing a room with family - fussing over the bathroom, if somebody snores, limited space - and to share with a stanger? Not my cup of tea.

 

[rwdavis2]

Wat a cheap company. Time for a new job? 6 weeks? No way.

 

[java]

Why are they making you share a room with a stranger? I wouldn't do that. I used to travel for business and I stayed ALONE everytime. I was the only woman thankfully so it wasn't an issue. DH had to travel a couple years ago and had the opporunity to stay at one hotel with a coworker- or they could stay individually at a cheaper hotel across the street. They opted for the cheaper hotel.

 

[Shutterbug]

wait...they are making you go for 6 weeks but they are not going to cover your meals? thats wrong...keep your receipts so maybe at least you can claim it on your taxes

 

[FlyingDumbo]

It is obvious too that they purposefully waited until Friday afternoon to drop this bomb on us. I have to be there Monday morning. I really want to back out. I am going to give it a go for a few days, but I may end up paying for my own cheapy hotel if it goes bad. I really want to take the training, I have been waiting for it for over a year. They have never made people share rooms before, this is a new thing this year.

I am so aprehensive.

 

[KristaTX]

That's insane. I've traveled for business with a friend/coworker for 3 nights to a conference, and even that was too much. And she's a good friend.

I think I'd quit. I wonder if it was two men if they would make them share a room .

 

[Shutterbug]

yeah I would bring it to their attention. no way I would be sleeping with someone that I didnt know. I would be sleeping with at least one eye open.

 

[kathie859]

OP, does your company have an employee manual that discusses business related travel? If so, I'd be reviewing that section ASAP. FWIW, I used to travel monthly for business. The company had a list of approved accommodations and a set amount per diem for meals. Frequently, I'd travel with another woman, we NEVER were expected to share a room. I just couldn't do that! I think your company is being unreasonable.

 

[dakcp2001]

Oh my, this does seem uncomfortable! Hopefully the other woman will be normal. That is close quarters to share with a stranger.

I bet she is probably feeling the same way you do. I think you should try to find out who implemented this policy and see if they share a room when they travel for business. I cannot imagine this policy sticking. I bet everyone will complain or be unhappy.

 

[robinb]

I am going to give it a go for a few days, but I may end up paying for my own cheapy hotel if it goes bad.

Look into booking on Priceline. I stayed in a Chicago suburb for a month when my mom was sick. I paid between $30 and $35 per night for a 3* hotel. It can be done.

 

[marcyinPA]

My DH's company tried this as a money saving tactic not too long ago. He doesn't travel often, but some of the installers do (a/v company). The guys really started complaining, and now the room sharing has stopped.

The one time my DH did have to share a room, the company put them up at a suite place, so at least they had their own sleeping spaces (my DH stayed in on the sofa bed in the living area...not exactly comfortable, but better than sleeping in the same room with someone).

I think it's HORRIBLE that they make you share a room with a co-worker. In essence, for 6 weeks, you will be working 24-7 with no down time. That is NOT cool.

OTOH, I attend a professional conference for my job every couple of years, for about 5 days. Four of us go, and we are two to a room. I make the best of it. I do like all of the women I work with, so that helps. And we are usually in late, and out early in the a.m., so not a lot of awkward down time. But that is only for a few days. If it were 6 weeks, there is NO WAY.

 

[tvguy]

I haven't traveled on business in 30 years. Sharing a hotel room was standard proceedure. A few people did object, and the company's solution was they were not required to travel. But we DID get a $50 per diem, and that was back in 1980.
Now another employer I had reimbursed you for food, but they required an itemized receipt. They did limit reimbursement for dinner to $15, and if you tipped even a penny over 15%, that was out of your pocket.

I will say, in this Internet age, I am amazed that a company is sending anyone out of state for training. Where I work now, all training is done online.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I wouldn't do it because I couldn't do it.

And the meal thing is wrong. It isn't like you can cook while you are there.

 

[kirbsam]

suck it up and do it. cripe.

 

[Hannathy]

Anyone done this before?

Yes thousands and thousands of college students every year and they pay $8,000 TO $12,000 for the privilege.


Seriously look at it like going to college and living in a much smaller room with another person you never met before. At least a Hotel room is bigger and nicer.And we all survived that.

It isn't ideal but it isn't forever and if the training is worth it for your career you can put up with it or turn down the training or pay for your own room. With this economy and cut backs I would just be glad they were still paying for training.

 

[Traveliz]

Yes thousands and thousands of college students every year and they pay $8,000 TO $12,000 for the privilege.


Seriously look at it like going to college and living in a much smaller room with another person you never met before. At least a Hotel room is bigger and nicer.And we all survived that.

It isn't ideal but it isn't forever and if the training is worth it for your career you can put up with it or turn down the training or pay for your own room. With this economy and cut backs I would just be glad they were still paying for training.

This is true - however this is exactly what I say when someone suggests sharing rooms - "No thanks, did it in college and I am all grown up now." And maybe back when I (you too maybe) went to college the dorm rooms were small but not the dorm my daughter was in.

6 weeks is a long time with no time to yourself - I don't blame the OP for not liking this arrangement - and so not right for them to mention this on Friday when it starts on Monday.

Liz

 

[Hannathy]

This is true - however this is exactly what I say when someone suggests sharing rooms - "No thanks, did it in college and I am all grown up now." And maybe back when I (you too maybe) went to college the dorm rooms were small but not the dorm my daughter was in.

6 weeks is a long time with no time to yourself - I don't blame the OP for not liking this arrangement - and so not right for them to mention this on Friday when it starts on Monday.

Liz

Oh I agree it isn't great I'm just trying to get her to look at it in the best possible light. It seems like this is the way it is going to be so if you want the training you may as well try to make the best of it and look at it in the most positive way you can.

Wow a big dorm room! I think my DD's is actually smaller than mine was and that wasn't big by any means.

 

[golfgal]

Save all of your receipts for food, any long distance phone calls made home, any other unreimbursed travel expenses to deduct on your taxes. If you move to another hotel room you won't be able to deduct that cost because they did offer you lodging.

I wouldn't want to stay with someone else for 6 weeks like that either--it was fine in college but I am past that now.

 

[happygirl]

I would hate that, is there anyway they would pay for half a room and you pay for another half?