If you’ve seen the movie Up In The Air with George Clooney and Anna Kendrik, you’ve have a glimpse into the prestige and life of a frequent flyer. Well that used to be me. For almost two years, every single week I flew from Canada to the US for work.
Travelling for work has an allure of prestige. Skipping the long security lines, priority baggage and endless upgrades to 1st class. People think that a business trip to Chicago is the same thing as a long weekend away to Chicago with your partner or friends. Well, it is not.
Business trips are not very sexy. There is usually jet lag, time changes, flight delays, eating alone in restaurants, longing for the comforts of home and no sight seeing. Business trips for the most part are about just that… BUSINESS!
Now of course there are the occasional trips that include exciting adventure, but for the most part, it’s nothing like what people imagine them to be.
Back when I used to travel for work every week, I loved my VIP airline status. It made me feel important and I was proud of the fact that I had earned the miles. Although what I didn’t admit is that every morning when I woke up in my own bed, the first thought that ran through my mind was how grateful I was to wake up at home.
I eventually left that corporate role to chase my dreams as an entrepreneur. In my new career I travel far less. I still travel occasionally, but I’m proud to say that the percentage of days where I wake up in my own bed has increased significantly.
Today I’m writing this article on the back of the plane, row 33 in a middle seat to be exact and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve lost my VIP airline status and when the airline calls those VIPs to board the plane first, I just smile to myself knowing that those few extra minutes I have to wait to board is a worthwhile trade off for a life on the ground that I truly love!
