Aibu 6.20am train for a meeting

[Chantholtmouse]

Is it unreasonable of my workplace to expect me to get a 6.20am train to attend work meetings and training 300 miles away? I absolutely don't mind attending but a 6.20am train seems unreasonable. It's the only one that would get me there in time. I'd have to be up at 4.45am to quickly shower, dress, walk the dog around the block (I also have to find someone to pick him up) and drive to the train station which isn't that close.

It's then 3 full days of meetings and training which I'll be shattered for. I'll get a bit of time back but it still seems a big ask. There's no option for paid accomodation to stay the night before.

Aibu?

I think putting you up in a hotel the night before would be preferable but if they have refused then not sure what you’re meant to do!

6.20am is fine, not that early and it’s not a regular occurrence. Your dog walking and costs aren’t their problem. I’d suck it up for this.

I've done it, and it's a shitter. I used to have to leave home regularly at 5.30am, to do a journey that took 3 trains and 5 hours and wasn't even allowed to put so much as a coffee on expenses.

As a one-off I'd do it but I'd make it clear I wouldn't be doing it often.

Sorry I should have explained a bit more. Travelling 6.20am on Tuesday. Meeting starts 10am. Meetings/training Tuesday, Weds, Thurs. I don't have to travel back each day. I have accomodation for the other days. They won't pay for the Monday night to avoid such an early start though (fair enough but would have preferred meetings to start at maybe 11 as several people will have really early starts including my 4.45am alarm). I'll get the train back Thursday night and will get home between 9.30pm-10pm if trains are on time. Each night will be filled with networking stuff so there will be no chance to catch up on sleep.

Can’t you drive there?

I would for a one off. You might be seen as awkward otherwise

6.20am isn't unreasonable in my view -.my commute sometimes starts then. If its a one off and for training then I don't see the problem.

It's 300 miles. It's going to be an early start regardless.

Plenty of people do this as a daily commute.

As an occasional event yabu. Ask your dogwalker to do the early visit. Is there a reason the venue us so far? I used to get first class travel and breakfast for such an early start, worth asking.

I used to work for an investment bank in the City and had to be AT MY DESK at 6:30 am. Alarm went off every morning at 4:45. I absolutely loathed it and don't know how I did it.

I have done this on the odd occasion. In return they are flexible with me. It's give and take.

I didn't say the dog care costs were their responsibility. However, it does annoy me as this training isn't in my local office and isn't mentioned in my contract so I don't see why I should be £100 out of pocket for it. I won't be mentioning it but it does irritate me. Others will have similar issues for childcare or dog care.

What 300 miles at 6.20am?

I think it’s absolutely fine.

As a one off I think this is fine.

Thanks all. I'll suck it up because it's probably only going to be 2-3 times a year. Thanks for giving me perspective.

I think it is unreasonable (and very tight) of your company not to pay for accommodation the night before. I'd probably pay it myself to be honest to avoid a 4.45 am start!

In fact, won't it be cheaper to travel the night before? That might be an angle to take with them? (assuming they are paying for the travel!)

I wouldn't do it regularly for £30k tbh. I'm in the haulage/plant sector so early starts are standard, especially if I'm helping out by moving trucks around. But I get paid almost £50k basic and £20 p/h overtime once I'm over 40 hours in a week. Not a king's ransom but I hate corporate environments and working for pompous middle aged men so it suits me.

Sorry I should have explained a bit more. Travelling 6.20am on Tuesday. Meeting starts 10am. Meetings/training Tuesday, Weds, Thurs. I don't have to travel back each day. I have accomodation for the other days. They won't pay for the Monday night to avoid such an early start though (fair enough but would have preferred meetings to start at maybe 11 as several people will have really early starts including my 4.45am alarm).

I thought you meant you were having to travel there and back each day! I was going to say YANBU when I thought they weren't providing any accompanying at all, but we're literally talking about one early start. If they're already putting you up in a hotel and you want them to pay for an extra night just because you don't like the idea of getting up early on the first day then im afraid YABU.

I would expect them to pay for a hotel room for that night as well, very tight of them not to.

I work for the NHS and if you would have to leave home before 6.30am to attend a meeting then they will pay for a hotel the night before, so on that basis YANBU.

I think it's unreasonable to have to start that early, I know people do it but it really is incredibly early.

They are starting the meeting at 10am to allow people to get there.
Getting on a train at 620am is what many, many people do (the distance is irrelevant). You then sit there and read a book or have a nap??

I get the first flight to a major city pretty regularly. It’s about 7am so with airport security I need to be up before 5am and at the airport before 6am.

it make for a tiring day - used to do it every Wednesday! Loads of folk on the first and last flights.

It’s not like they are asking you to drive it. You’ll be up early to sit on your bum on the train. Go to bed early the night before then you’ll be fine. I’d quite enjoy reading for a bit or some work and a bit of packed breakfast and a few days elsewhere. It’s not like it’s every day it’s a once off. Pain re the dog though