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?

Forgot to mention, this isn't standard. My normal workplace is around 35 miles away and I go one day a week.

I think as a one off it’s not U, as 10am is a sensible time to start a conference and work can’t really help where you live/ your dogs. Do you get travel time as TOIL though? As I think I would expect a few hours or to leave early the day before so I could sort myself out and get an early night. Also have you looked into other routes- perhaps they’d pay for a taxi to a better station?

"@SouthernLassies
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."

I can assure you I do live in the real world.
I'm one of the most senior employees at my company. I would never expect an employee to do something for a work purpose that would cause them financial difficulty in their personal life, regardless of what it was.
Yes, having a dog is a choice. It's a choice the OP made based on her being contracted to work in an office near her home that she returns to every evening. Having to pay for care for being away three days, and not being able to afford that, would make it reasonable for her to decline the trip. Training and networking 300 miles away is optional, not compulsory.

Also, you can't expect your employers to care about your dog and the costs. Having a dog (like a child) is a lifestyle choice and expensive one at that. But, that's the decision you made by getting a dog.

I'm one of the most senior employees at my company. I would never expect an employee to do something for a work purpose that would cause them financial difficulty in their personal life, regardless of what it was.

So you would presumably talk to HR and ask for the less snr employee to be reimbursed for the dog care?

Or allow her to miss training as it didn't fit with her personal life?

What would you actually do?

I don't think she has said she would be in 'financial difficulty'. It's not beyond the realms of anyone's imagination surely that if their work involves training etc, and at different locations, they may need day care for their pets.

She hasn't said she doesn't want to go because of the cost of dog care. It's more about getting up at 5 am.

If it's going to be once every few months, rather than a one off, I would make a fuss now. Because otherwise you've concluded it's okay and are stuck with it forever.

I would think it's reasonable for a one off, but if you can't do it because of other commitments (childcare, pets etc) then tell them.

Yes, having a dog is a choice. It's a choice the OP made based on her being contracted to work in an office near her home that she returns to every evening

You dont know that for a fact at all @TaigaSno
She may often go away on training and have dog care requirements, but just not from 6.30am.

Anyone who is asked to travel 300mls for training can't have that just thrown at them out of the blue. It must be an expected 'norm' , for some career paths within the company rather than a one-off.

Say No.
No to the three days away training without adequate recompense for the additional expenses AND all that enforced overtime away from home. Any decent company would have offered support through HR and the expenses procedures to ensure you were covered even for the dog-care (which I understand you are not objecting to). Trouble is the employer is using their position of power to intimidate you into the behaviour they are demanding from you.
If you’re a member of a Union I’d speak to them. If not make an appointment with HR.
changes you need:

1. Day one training to start at 12 midday to give everyone time to arrive and have slept adequately
2. Overtime paid for work outside of usual working hours.
3. Day off on Friday to allow sleep to be caught up with so workers are fresh on Monday morning.

If you, and others, do not formally object you’re giving in to the bullies.

Two of my sons GCSE exams involved leaving our house at 5:50am. If he can I reckon you can also. Not ideal but sometimes needs must.

I am willing to bet that most of the saying it’s awful have jobs and those saying deal with it have careers.

The claims that 6.20am isn’t early etc reminds me of the Four Yorkshiremen sketch. Start times isn’t a competition.

All of this is completely irrelevant. You obviously want some sort of medal for how great you are, but that is YOUR job, not OP's job.

I would totally point blank refuse in OP's position and challenge my employer to attempt to fire me.

You clearly have no idea of how other people work and travel.

My DH used to land back from the US at midnight on a Sunday and be in the office 9am as per usual on the Monday. No time off in lieu, no overtime pay (manager don't get that) and certainly not a 4 day week.

Laughable.

I get a 6.01 train every day.

I was on a 6.17 train to London every day for years and usually gone 7pm most nights. Lots of people do it every day

Go to bed early the night before so even with an early start you'll not have lost any sleep. Don't stay up to late, if every day starts at 10am, you'll be able to have a lie in. I think you're being ridiculous. Loads of people commute to work at 6.30. even if not for 300 miles. Have a nap on the train!

I do this every week. 300 miles and 3 nights away. Sorry, but when did people become so outraged at early mornings and long hours? 😳

Yeah, this is true. For career: people have to do this. I’d personally rather drive, than lug around my cabin suitcase and laptop etc. Also deal with other people 🙄

Plus, can stop on motorway for a quick Starbucks/breakfast (work pays for this).. Makes the journey more pleasant!

Also, when I get there can hop into the car and go where I want to locally.

Not to mention awful weather and I can control the temperature etc in my car.

Autumn/winter is coming - nothing worse than standing and waiting in the cold/rain for train/bus!!

Did you know this when you got the role?

@HunterHearstHelmsley why does that matter?

It's relentless, hard, but it's my job and it matters that I split my time between two areas of the country. I love my job and am grateful to do it.

"What would you actually do?"

I'd arrange training so that it was accessible to all of my employees, even if that meant running it in two locations or online. I definitely wouldn't do something that excludes someone or puts them in difficulty.

You seem particularly annoyed in your comments. Try not to take it so personally.

Someone else being taken advantage of is irrelevant.

I have to travel twice a month to what should be my local office, 2 days each time.

I negotiated that my local office would be my base. That my employer would pay for my travel to and from the further office. If I need to be there for a morning meeting, my employer pays for my travel and I get TOIL for my travel time. Generally that means, on the weeks, I have to travel, I do a 4 day week using the TOIL I accrued from said travel. Obviously, my food expenses are also covered.

That's not laughable. That's common sense.

If I need to be there for a morning meeting, my employer pays for my HOTEL. Said travel twice.

It matters because @Chantholtmouse didn't know this when she started. If it's something you have signed up to and agreed, then that's one thing.

I routinely have to make a 3h30 trip to London for work so to get into the office for 8.30 I have to leave my house at 5am latest (usually leave more like 4.30am to account for any heavy traffic etc which does happen sometimes). I've had lots of nights up all night with DC and then had to set off. It's miserable. But I think as an irregular thing it's not the end of the world. I would, however, have a conversation with my boss if it will be happening again (you say 2-3 times a year?) and say I sucked it up this time but it was exhausting and miserable and next time I will expect you to either pay for a hotel or give me time off in lieu for the journey each way so I can catch up on rest. Perhaps worth asking for a late start the day after your journey back as well?

I'd also definitely mention the costs of the dog care too - more to note that you are being flexible by travelling to this place and playing for dog care, the least they can do is fund a hotel room. Especially if it's a regular thing as they could do a deal with a preferred hotel.