To not travel for work?

[gossipgurl]

have a work event in 2 weeks- been invited but it’s optional for me to attend. My expenses are paid to an extent (public sector). There’s nothing happening on the day that will help me at work. It’s essentially a big meet up with hundreds of people going.

the pros of going are:
-spending time with my manager’s manager ie network/build rapport
-be introduced to the big boss for first time
-catch up with others I know based in area
-meet someone I manage face to face

the cons of going are:
-4 hour travel each way
-have personal commitments either end of the week so will likely over extend myself
-don’t particularly want to go lol

essentially aibu to not go - am I committing a career faux pas by staying at home?

How often do these type of events happen, and do you usually go?

Not unreasonable but it sounds like it could be useful to your career if you go. So it’s up to you how much that matters.

It is mandatory for people at my level to attend their local one. The one held closest to me was cancelled, which is why it’s optional I go to this one.

I haven’t been to one before, the redux of my local one hasn’t been booked. I’m not sure how often they’re supposed to be held etc maybe every quarter or 6 months.

I would probably make the effort and go, just for the chance to network and meet Big Boss (assuming you are ambitious).

that’s the conflict I’m having I suppose. I am ambitious but I’m not sure I’ll be on my A game under these circumstances. Eg Having to stay overnight in the most cost effective hotel and not having my usual comforts, visiting somewhere for the first time so not having the advantages of being on home turf etc

You need to make the effort to go. Stay overnight in a hotel and have a night away! Meeting the main manager and networking sounds like a good opportunity!

If you're ambitious you should definitely go and network

my mind block is I’m thinking I’ll need to pack for any eventuality? To get outfits for any weather, makeup if needed, different shoes, hair dryer/curler?

I don't think you need to go mad - surely you won't be outdoors much? One work outfit with layering options; if you don't have shoes that are both smart and comfy, one of each; one of each make-up item that you use. Hairdryer should be in your hotel.

Have you been away from home before?

Is it just one night? You don't need multiple outfits - you just wear whatever you normally wear for work. You take a washbag with your washing stuff and a make-up bag with your make-up if you wear it.

I love a bit of networking, although I know some people don't. I think if you do want to get on at work, especially in the public sector, you can really benefit from attending these sort of events.

Is it not a meeting in a hotel? In which case weather won't matter, whether you need makeup or not won't change, your outfit won't change. I can't see why you think there's all these choices.

I’m not sure I’ll be on my A game under these circumstances. Eg Having to stay overnight in the most cost effective hotel and not having my usual comforts, visiting somewhere for the first time so not having the advantages of being on home turf etc

Hmmm might you be overthinking this? None of the things you've listed here would be a factor for me at all. I'm sure your not heading in to a very hostile environment where you'll need home turf advantages.

Can you pay for a nicer hotel?

I'd take a single work outfit with a vest and a jumper so I could adapt to the temperature of the hotel. Two pairs of tights because I'm clumsy.

I agree I wouldn't sleep well but I also that this builds goodwill at work. Accept the need to have a massive breakfast and a load of caffeine. If there was a nearby one shortly I think you could risk it but if not then I would go.

If you're all in the same hotel that might be a great opportunity to make a good impression on top of the actual event?

Your bosses boss should definitely know who you are, so go.

Have you never travelled for work or are you just an overthinker?!

Take a comfortable work outfit, some spare tights and a clean shirt. Make up wash stuff, meds. Whatever else you put on or take. They’ll have a hairdryer and iron (double check)

Earplugs and eye masks for the hotel.

laptop phone and charger.

You’ll be fine. And it will be good for you to stretch your horizons. No one should be this worried about a night away.

Haha thank you all - I am a bit of an overthinker! The event isn’t at a hotel, no. The building is 40 minutes away from
the closest hotel, including a 20 minute walk. I’m just worried about the weather and looking frazzled when I get there. I could just pay for my own taxi though! I doubt many people will also be at the hotel as theoretically the people going would live nearer by where overnight stay isn’t needed

Just wear what you wear to work, you’ll be indoors, get a taxi to the event.

Everything else aside- you’re being unreasonable not taking the chance to meet someone in your direct reporting line face to face for the first time.

I travel weekly for work- what you’re describing sounds fairly normal. And yes I’m your shoes I’d just pay for my own taxi to ensure I turned up presentable and unflustered.