More often than not, when I am asked what I do for a living and provide the response “investment management consulting” I’m met with a stream of questions that include anything from, “What stocks should I buy?” (to which I need to clarify what it is that I do at Citisoft) to, “How did you get into consulting?” or, “What does your typical day look like?” Regardless of what inquiry-mix the leading questions are comprised of, the conversation always seems to end with, “Traveling for work must be so hard. How do you do it?” Although the travel component of the job may be unconventional, there are many benefits for both the individual and the client that come from this lifestyle:
Hotel living
Consultants don’t need to waste time commuting to the workplace, as hotels are often located very close to the client’s office. Additionally, a full and uninterrupted (by pets, children, and/or significant others who might otherwise break up this sleep pattern at home) night’s sleep is almost guaranteed, leaving us fresh and ready to tackle anything that comes our way each workday.
Road warriors
Traveling to the client site allows consultants to be completely focused on the project at hand, removing the typical daily responsibilities or distractions that exist at home such as making dinner, putting the kids to bed, doing laundry, etc.
Character building
Delayed or canceled flights, lost luggage, and overbooked hotels; any unexpected scenario that could happen, we consultants have experienced it. Working through these ordeals make us more flexible and better problem solvers which are wonderful traits that can be applied to and have a positive impact on the workplace.
‘Family’ on the road
When two or more non-local consultants work on the same client engagement, the situation lends itself to spending lots of time together as a group; eating dinner, traveling to and from the client site, or exploring the city post-work. This reinforces the bond we share and increases collaboration and communication in the office.
While the above list is not exhaustive, it does serve as a reminder of the benefits of business travel. During those conversations when the question pops up, “Doesn’t travel wear on you?”, I prefer to look at the silver lining of this atypical lifestyle. The only downfall? I’ve gotten used to being spoiled on the road and no longer make my own bed when I’m home!
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