And Away We Go
Back in the yesteryear of 2012 I found myself constantly at various airports around the world, passport in hand. I was constantly aware of timezones and dial in numbers and etiquette in different cultures.
I worked a truly global job and had direct reports in five different countries. My days would begin at seven in the morning and end at ten o’clock at night.
That was a really good job and I liked my boss, himself a product of Sweden living in the UK. The gig worked my mind and my skills and my ability to work with different people in different countries with different rules.
It also worked me over pretty good. After almost three years in that role, I knew my mental health was suffering, my doctor told me my physical health was suffering and my husband asked nicely if we could spend a little more time together in person.
So I began a job hunt for a company I would like, a job that challenged me, and the travel and timezones would be kept to a minimum.
Then I found that job. A really wonderful gig, a perfect fit. This is one of the rare times in my life when I can say I love my job, and I do. It’s awesome! Part of the reason I was hired was because I had that international background and could assist on a huge project with a European entity. My current employer is very small and they don’t have a ton of background with international dealings. Great! Happy to help.
I was told I would work on this big project but it was highly unlikely I would travel. Nice! All of the fun challenges and none of the zombie jet lag shuffle through airports.
Until last month when I was asked, on very short notice, to take a trip to Ireland. Fun! That was my first thought. I kind of missed traveling and looked forward to getting back in the game. I loved every minute of Ireland and the work was very productive. Good stuff!
Came home exhausted but satisfied. Happy to have had a nice international trip and ready to settle back into my life.
Then came news that I now am needed in Amsterdam next week. Now, I’ve always wanted to go to Amsterdam, but you know what? There are few things I want to do less than get on another airplane right now.
But board a plane I will, passport in hand, zombie shuffle at my feet.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining even though it sounds very much like I am.
I love to travel. I love to see things I have never seen before. I love learning new cultures and customs and doing business across the boundaries of language and culture.
But damn oh damn. I haven’t even caught up on sleep and it is time to go again.
And so, here we go! Amsterdam here I come. Please be nice to me.
I won’t have much free time while I am there so I have to do up my “must do” list. For those who have gone, what do you recommend?
Image found here.
