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I'm working three trade shows for my company over the next few months, including one I'll be traveling for just a week from now. In the past there's been a bit of a dynamic among my colleagues for who gets to go to these shows. They're not paid vacations by any stretch of the imagination. We work, often tiring hours standing on our feet in the booth, answering repetitive questions from people who really don't care, patiently looking for those maybe 3 people a day who are worth talking to as prospective customers. In the past there have always been more volunteers willing to work these shows than spots available to be filled. Until now. Managers in my department are scrambling to find enough staff willing to travel and work the next few months' shows.
Two colleagues have cited specific reasons not to travel: they're injured or too ill to leave the house. (For six months, though?) Others don't offer an excuse. They just don't want to travel.
Seeing my colleagues pass on travel kind of pisses me off. Needing to travel is expected in our work. Our job descriptions all specifically include travel up to a certain level. It's a standard part of the career we've all chosen. It's also why our jobs pay better money than equivalent technical work with zero travel responsibilities. I feel like a chump for being one of the few people willing to deal with the rigamarole of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and spending nights away from my family and the comforts of home, while colleagues sit in home offices for the same pay.
Two colleagues have cited specific reasons not to travel: they're injured or too ill to leave the house. (For six months, though?) Others don't offer an excuse. They just don't want to travel.
Seeing my colleagues pass on travel kind of pisses me off. Needing to travel is expected in our work. Our job descriptions all specifically include travel up to a certain level. It's a standard part of the career we've all chosen. It's also why our jobs pay better money than equivalent technical work with zero travel responsibilities. I feel like a chump for being one of the few people willing to deal with the rigamarole of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and spending nights away from my family and the comforts of home, while colleagues sit in home offices for the same pay.
