the 9 to 5 alternative

Business Travel Panama - from Flickr user thinkpanama

Globalization + Business World = More Opportunities For Business Travel

Have you ever had to travel for business? What was it like? Here’s my latest brainstorm session, delicately dished out in list form, my favorite blogging medium.

Pros
-having part (or all) of your expenses paid for
-assuming you get to keep them, accumulation of frequent flier miles, hotel points, etc.
-if you live alone, lower utility bills
-even if you don’t live alone, decreased at-home spending
-exposure to other cultures, other world views
-if you are based in an office, getting to experience a different kind of work atmosphere
-build international contacts
-overseas experience makes you a more marketable candidate for future positions

Cons
-living out of a suitcase, then losing it between cities
-missing out on events with friends and family
-if you travel frequently, feeling lonely, unsettled
-adverse physical effects of travel such as prolonged sitting, abrupt changes in diet, lack of exercise
-acclimating to jet lag

Pros/Cons
-the general unpredictable qualities of travel, especially if it is international, can be stressful and frustrating
-these same qualities can challenge you and help develop skills unlike other working environments
-if you travel with company, then getting to know your coworkers in a more personal setting – this could go both ways

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For me at least, the pros outweigh the cons. What does your list look like?