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?

Perhaps but the thread is not about whose job is most challenging- it’s whether it is reasonable for her employer to make her travel longer and earlier than her usual commute.

I’ve travelled extensively for work over 35 years including overseas and most reasonable employers factor in to their costs for events like this a night’s stay before the event so that employees arrive fresh and prepared for the next full on days, or a night at the end if it’s a late finish. Employers should be planning to get the best out of the event and a factor in that is staff motivation and engagement- arriving knackered for the very start, and out of pocket, is not going to get the best out of attendees.

In the news today COVID cases have spiked this week, cough cough wink

I used to take the 6.20 daily. Killing. Especially while DS was 1 and I was pregnant.

One off is ok though? I kinda enjoy doing that as a one off. I look around me at all the people doing it daily and I’m happy my travel is easier now. A time to count blessings.

As a one-off to take part in off-site training, starting out around 6am to arrive for 10am is not unreasonable, particularly as you are then in a hotel for the next few nights.

In any case, it'll most likely be in your contract that working from other sites on occasion would be expected as part of the role.

Yes. But by choice. OP has not chosen a job which requires her to awake at 4:45. She has other commitments such as the dog.

OP, YANBU

I would say no. First, because if I had to get up at 4.45am I would be too tired to actually benefit from the training! Second, because it's putting you in financial difficulty. If you are having to pay dog care using a credit card then you shouldn't do it. If one of your colleagues couldn't afford childcare they wouldn't go.
Is the training so unusual that it can only be done in a specific location? I would ask whether you can participate in the training online instead.

I really don't see the issue as a one-off. Yes, it's not nice getting up early or getting home late but it's only for a few days.

0620 isn't an uncommon time for commutes. It isn't forever, I'd just get on with it.

YABU slightly.

its not every week. Its a reasonable request and its not as early as you think. I used to get the 6:50 train everyday to go to uni (2 trains and 1.5 hrs away) granted it wasnt 300 miles but it was everyday.

many companies have different locations and move the meetings around etc where people have to travel to and from.

Your work contract is your local office, im sure training/meetings wouldnt fall entirely under that.

surely they should be expensing your travel though!? I dont know any company that wouldn’t do this if they were asking staff to travel.

I would refuse . I have a pretty rigid sleep schedule to prevent my migraines . And I can't just go to bed earlier 😂

I can understand your perspectives op. Should be later

surely they should be expensing your travel though!? I dont know any company that wouldn’t do this if they were asking staff to travel

I think they are? I read it that OP is out of pocket because she has to pay for care for her dog, not because of the train fare.

I've done that journey and left earlier many times, pre covid could be 2-6 times a month and some days I'd travel back the same day walking through the door at 8/9pm and at the time I was paid a lot less than your £30k which is a good salary tbh

Guess it friends what your job is, do you want to progress as with profession there is often a lot if this travel, my manager frequently travels at this time but her pay is worth her doing it

As a one off I’d do it. But not regularly

The time of the train isn't the issue, it's more about how long it takes you to get there and your dog walking. And TBH the dog isn't your company's problem- it's yours.

It also depends on where you see your career going whether you suck this up and go, or not.

I don't see how you can refuse. What would you say?

Incidentally, my DH used to do UK and overseas meetings for years. Getting up at 5am wasn't unheard of and he'd drive for 3 hrs to a meeting, leaving at 6am.
He'd also lose time on Sundays, getting flights for overseas meetings on Mondays. And get back incredibly late (midnight+) on Fridays having to catch a flight after a meeting.

Yes sorry you’re right. read it originally aa she would be out of pocket because she is paying for the dog and travel.

If you are in a fairly junior role (on £30K) how can you possibly refuse?

What would you expect them to do? Change the meeting time to suit your dog walking?

OP is this for meeting in a place beginning with G with a company name beginning M ?

I don't think you are living in the real world!

Many companies would just laugh at someone if they refused to work because of a dog they had to care for. And ditto the paying on a credit card.

Having a dog is a choice. It's a responsibility and people who work and have n backup need to think if a dog is practical for their lifestyle.

Microsoft? :)
Glasgow?

YABU. It's not an unreasonable time, especially as a one off. Sorry, but my attitude is just get on with it.

I'd personally expect an option of a hotel. My workplace policy is if the journey is over 2 hours, you can book a hotel the night before. This seems very generous compared to others.

The first train out of my local station isn't until 7am (and it's 40 minutes to the mainline station!) so I pretty much have to stay over the night before of I have an early meeting/training anywhere.

I had to do this recently, but it was a course I'd asked to go on and wanted to attend so I couldn't exactly complain.

YABU. I get up for work at 5am to be in work and starting at 6am for most of the week. Had to do it when I was looking after a toddler and was pregnant with number 2 as well.

I think you’re being a bit precious. Getting up at 5am won’t shatter for for three days.

I have to drive 100 miles for work, I chose not to get the train because I cba dealing with other people and lugging my crap around quite frankly! I also didn't want to be in an unknown city without a car and all my stuff.. They're doing overnight hotel stay. I have asked for 2 nights as it's soo far and long day. You need to get paid accommodation. If you have to travel for work, I appreciate not option for everyone but learn to drive. It will make your life soo much easier. In terms of driving and independence, also popping for a quick starbucks and maccies to make the trip less like "hell".