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Premiums for Work Related Travel?
elbarsal asks: "I was just wondering if there is any common thoughts on the mechanics of travelling for work. I work for an automation consulting company, and have been asked to move into an industry where the likely split for travel is nearly 100% time on the road (as opposed to my current 20%). What benefits / compensation / time off have other people received for living out of a suitcase for 6 months? What consideration for those folks (like me) who have finally settled in (bought a house, joined organized sports leagues, etc.) has been or should be shown? Life on the road is ok for about the first week. After that, I start to miss things like my favourite pub and going out after work on Fridays, instead of spending time in far-off airports. Any thoughts?"
Two companies ago I travelled up to 25% for a while. I think I got two comp days, one for staying on-site and working over a 3-day holiday weekend, and another after working from 10pm to 4am at one customer, flying to another customer site, and working there until 9pm that night and 11 hour days next 2 days. I just couldn't stay awake when I got home from that one.
The only direct benefit I can think of to a job requiring 100% travel is that you have a job. I imagine others would trade positions with you. With a young child, there's no way I could do it unless I was making about 50% more than I could otherwise. Without the kid though, I'd probably do it.
Make some deals with the company. One of my coworkers regularly got the company to fly his family out to a customer site if he stayed there over the weekend. Instead of paying his airfare to come home, they'd send his wife out there. They'd also get reduced ticket and hotel rates for staying over the weekend if they planned ahead.
On the other hand, you could start to live a double life. I worked one place where there were rumors about someone working sales for two companies at once. Also, most of those heavy travel guys I've worked with are always looking for their next ex-wife.
Make sure you have a laptop with a DVD or get an external. Sure beats staring at the wall when you're snowed in at Newark for two days. You can use one of those rent-by-mail DVD websites.
Take up some interesting hobby. Maybe ham radio (I regularly hear visiting hams chatting with locals from their hotels). Visit every Hooters in the region. Go see a home baseball game in every stadium. Learn more about airplanes and airports. Take up photography. Start writing letters/postcards to friends and family.
Of course, there's always porn.