Work Travel...Friend or Foe

Whilst sitting at dinner during an International security networking reception I started chatting to a senior security person within a major organisation (Microsoft).  Given my role in event operations and his in delivering expertise in IT related security to a worldwide audience we had limited similar conversational points.  These included:
- Sport
- Exercise
- Love of beer

After these had been exhausted the conversation gradually headed back towards the realms of work.  As mentioned, there is little in common here...however he is a regular visitor to a number of events across the globe.

Other than discussing what makes an event work (an MS sized budget helps it seems) we spent a lot of time musing over the idea of travel through work.  I thought I travelled a fair amount...I don't, well not in comparison to this particular MS employee.  The fact that he had over 4 days at home (UK) was a shock to him

Recent trips have included Vegas, Sydney and Prague (had to mention that given that was our event).  He's seen some great sights, got to engage in some different cultures - all on the works penny (well majority anyway).  Sounds great...doesn't it?!

Other than a long term girlfriend I have no commitments to speak of at home and yet I find the periods where I constantly have to pack / unpack and live out of various hotels across Europe monotonous and not all that enjoyable.  Yes it beats commuting every day to the same office but at least with that you get to come home in the evening and see those that matter, be it friends, family or otherwise.  I can't imagine how hard it would be to leave family behind when embarking on these trips.

Travel with work is part and parcel of a number of jobs and is especially true of the events industry.  It has major perks (mainly you get to 'see' places you wouldn't necessarily get to and with no / little cost to yourself) and on the most part it is a great aspect of the job.  However I tend to only think that when it is one 3/4 day trip in a 6/8 week period; when it's up to a handful in that period the 'great' and 'fun' aspects suddenly diminsh. 

I'm not moaning - a lot of people in a lot of jobs would love to get the opportunity to travel through work - I'm simply stating that it's not quite as glamorous or exciting as it may appear from the outside. 

I love events, I enjoy travelling but my preference - where possible - would be to back in blighty wherever possible.  Is work travel a friend or foe...well to me it's neither / both, depending on my mood (yes I am sitting on the fence).

I'll let you guess what the Microsoft individual thought...