an aussie in austria

I remember the first time I flew for work. It involved a day trip from Melbourne to Sydney. I was super excited. I felt professional and oh-so glamourous. I wore business-attire (even though it wasn’t at all necessary) and I carried only a handbag.

And the bubble popped.

Because flying for work, while it does have its positives, is most of the time just overwhelmingly exhausting. Saying “I’m popping up to Sydney for the day,” might sound cool, but not when that translates to a 4am wake up, long drive to the airport, waiting bleary-eyed for a plane, transport from Sydney airport to the boondocks, only to be locked in a building all day to check a proof every 30-45 minutes… And then the return trip after final approval means arriving home well after bedtime. All for the same pay as a normal day.

This was back before I had a work laptop, which meant I couldn’t work, so I did get to sit and read the whole time (see why I should have chosen comfy clothes). And I did pick up Krispy Kremes from the airport (again this was back in the day when they weren’t available in Melbourne), which was a privilege in itself.

But the day just made me tired. And the glamourous feeling left.

When I began working in Austria, I have to admit the excitement peaked again. I knew full well what work travel involved, but it was the fact that I got to travel to seemingly-exotic locations such as London or Nice or Vienna that added the extra enticement.

Work travel is certainly not something I dread. Luckily I don’t have to do it often enough for it to become tiresome (and it’s definitely something I’ve missed during the pandemic). Work trips are often work hard/play hard, so there’s usually a bit of fun going on to cancel out the drudgery, and there’s good food to eat, and new European cities to visit. It’s also ideal for exploring new places or visiting friends if you want to tack a few days on the end.

It’s definitely nothing like paid holidays, and nor should it be… but it’s not without its benefits. And it’s a great break from being in the office or working from home.

You’ll notice that I didn’t use any of my I’m tired and sick and just wanna go home work travelling photos for this blog… I used the ones that make me look like it’s all glamour and fun. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of back pain, sniffly noses and upset tummies behind them all. On the whole, I’m lucky to have the chance to do it, and I’ve had some great adventures while doing so.