Hi there,
It's been a while since I last posted. I'm finally back at home in Los Angeles after traveling for work for the past 5 weeks. I spent the last few days getting settled back into my apartment and working mostly from home, it's been nice because I've had some time to be in my own head and my own space, but it's almost odd, because I'm still getting used to the idea that this is my space. I had moved into this apartment back in August but had spent 3 months between then and now traveling for work. The apartment is still a mess :(.
But it's not all bad, and for whoever is reading, I wanted to share my 2 cents on the pros and cons of traveling for work (in my opinion):
Pros -
- Seeing different cities and trying different food. It's very interesting to see the change in what people like to eat, and how they dress. It's fun exploring a new city, and some of the places I've been to really makes me appreciate living in Los Angles
- There's always a gym in your building. Most hotel gyms are open 24/7, and have all the basic machines/weights etc. Not that I go to the gym all that often when I travel...but it's a good thing to have!
- Points, points, points. You get your airline mileage, your hotel rewards, your rental car points. It all pays off (upgrades, giftcards, priority boarding etc.).
- Shopping. Hotels are usually next to malls, or at the city center. And you really hit the jackpot when you visit a city with no sales tax (#Portland)
- Room Service. I love eggs for breakfast, but I love having it first thing in the morning and not having to clean up after myself even more.
Cons -
- Being away from the ones you love. It's tough on everyone you're close to because you are not physically there to support each other. It also puts your communication skills to a test. Communication is so important!
- Feeling alone. Most nights I eat dinner on my own, and it can be lonely, even if i bring a book, and my phone. There's also very little use making friends in the new city since I spend most of my time working and once I leave I'm not back for a long time.
- Not having your usual "spots". My coffee place, my breakfast place, my drycleaning place etc. Sometimes it's a good thing and forces me to go explore, but sometimes it's frustrating.
- Feeling out of place when you're back in your own home. I was talking to a girl on the plane, who also travels for work. She said that one night she went into a hotel room and couldn't find an outlet behind the bedside table (where they always are in hotel rooms) and thought to herself "who designed this hotel? So inconvenient!" Only realizing that she's back in her own apartment. I have yet to have that experience, but if that happens, I'll probably take it as a sign to make some changes in my work life.
- Getting sick on Room Service. Depends on the hotel, but sometimes room service gets dull. I recommend the Davenport Hotel in Spokane Washington (as if you'll ever travel there for fun), probably the best tasting room service menu I have experienced. but you know, it comes at a price. A pot of hot water is $14.
Well there you have it, kind of a heavy subject. Hopefully my posts will lighten up since now I'm back in LA and soaking up the sun!
Love,
Kiko Z.
