As the world has begun to open back up in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, so too has business travel – though the return is slow-paced. As such, positions requiring more business travel are bound to re-appear on the jobs market, and you may find yourself tempted to apply for one. But before you take a job that requires intensive travel, there are some key things you should consider first:
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Are You Leaving Anyone Behind?
The first thing you’ll be thinking about where taking a travel-intensive position is concerned is family. If you have a partner or even children, you will have to reckon with the prospect of leaving them frequently, or for extended periods of time. Not only are there the personal, emotional effects such distance can have, but also the practical implications of leaving your partner to look after the house in your absence.
If you don’t have family or a significant other to worry about, there may still be a different kind of ‘someone’ to contend with… namely, any pets you may have. If you take a job that requires frequent travel, will you be leaving a dog to its own devices – and do you need to make arrangements for walkies and daily contact? Smaller caged animals may be easier to arrange care for, whereas for cats and dogs you may need to retain the services of a professional sitter or walker.
Do You Have the Right Vehicle?
If you’re going to be spending a lot of your professional time out traveling, you’ll need a suitable vehicle for the increased mileage and for your comfort while driving. As such, you’ll need a vehicle upon which you can rely, saving you’re the headaches of roadside assistance or regular service checks. A recent WhatCar? the survey found that Kia was regarded the most reliable car brand amongst drivers – and with Kia cars available in garages across the UK, and in specialist Kia dealerships in Northern Ireland to boot, they represent an easy and accessible way to secure reliable transport for your new position.
Could You Live Out of a Suitcase?
Alongside expectations of traveling for your work, you’ll also be expected to stay in other locations for various lengths of time. As such, you will be spending a lot of time living out of a suitcase – meaning limited access to your wardrobe and domestic modern conveniences, and heavy reliance on the facilities made available by your accommodation. Will you take well to this kind of living, and will you be able to retain an air of professionalism all the while? This kind of displaced living can have negative mental effects on some people, so make sure you’re ok with the idea before going ahead and accepting a travel-heavy job.
What Expenses Will Your Company Cover?
Travel can incur an impressive amount of expenses, from the cost of accommodation to petrol, dry cleaning, food and drink, and even parking. Many of these are tax-deductible business expenses, which your company would benefit from reimbursing you far – but some expenses may not fall under tax allowance, and your company may have different ideas of what constitutes a business expense. Be sure to check in with your prospective employers ahead of agreeing to the position, and ensure your wage will not be reduced for uncovered regular expenses.
Can You Find Your Way in New Places?
In your line of work, you’ll be visiting a lot of new places, both domestically and internationally. As a result, you’ll need to have a good internal compass and be able to find your way with ease. If you get lost easily or find navigating new environments a stressful experience, you may want to think seriously about accepting a job that requires frequent travel.
Asking yourself these questions before applying for any travel-heavy job will help you make sure that you’re making the right decision and accepting a role that is entirely right for you.
