October 24, 2021
In the famous words of Willie Nelson, this week I am on the road again! I used to say whoever thinks business travel is a perk doesn’t do it.
I remember the first time I travelled from Toronto to Montreal for the day only. I felt so cosmopolitan; travelling thru the airport in my dress clothes, with just my laptop slung over my shoulder. By the 7th or 8th trip for a particular project, the novelty had quickly worn off.
When I worked for our provincial government, I flew to St. John’s for 4-5 days every 5 weeks or so. Occasionally, I drove to Grand Falls-Windsor for an assignment, or flew to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. I became quite familiar to the folks at the check-in counters at the airport, car rental agency, and hotel. I had my favourite seat on PAL flights.
That’s when I came up with the idea that business travel is definitely not a perk.
Travelling as a business owner
This month, I have been travelling extensively as a business owner. Somehow this travel, as intense as it has been, is very different than my travel days as an employee with one organization.
I think the difference lies in the fact that I am travelling with different clients, for different purposes. Each trip is unique. In the month of October I have travelled for my clients, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture, and Qalipu First Nation. By the end of this week, I will have stayed 9 nights in 5 different hotels, flown round trip to St. John’s and Goose Bay, and driven well over 3000 kms.
As I pack up today to get ready to go on the road again tomorrow, I realize that as a business owner, business travel is not a perk; it’s a privilege. Thank you to my clients who put their faith in me to facilitate important work on their behalf. If I can be of assistance to you or your organization, do not hesitate to reach out. ~ Carole
