Should I Travel For Work?
Unfortunately, not every construction project can be built in your backyard. This often means that some of the best work opportunities require travel and extended periods away from home. Online forums are plagued by the same question: “Should I Travel For Work?”
For the past few years, I have traveled extensively chasing construction work. I have worked in California, Georgia, Colorado, Florida and the Northeast, all in a span of 2 years. In this article, I will give an honest assessment of the Pros and Cons of traveling in the construction industry.
Pro #1: Experience
Traveling in the Construction Industry will, without question, expose a person to some of the most complex and difficult projects in their career. The challenges that are a part of these projects will force individuals to adapt and grow.
Others may argue that staying in a particular geographic region and focusing on a singular niche is better than working on multiple different projects in different geographic areas. The argument is rooted in the idea that deeper relationships can be built by staying in one location.
I disagree with this statement. Construction is about developing & mastering the skills required to solve problems and build relationships. This means having the ability to create a relationship with a complete stranger rather than having a relationship with someone by default because they have worked with you for the past 20 years. This also means being able to solve a problem because you have the correct mental framework for solving problems rather than being able to solve it because a similar problem came up on the last job. The main idea is that larger, more complex jobs in different locations force a person into difficult situations. In order to get out of difficult situations, a person often has to develop the necessary skill set that will make them successful in the long run. When a person stays around the same area doing the same type of work with the same people, they are never forced into difficult situations and therefore never grow.
Pro #2: Pay
Companies are aware that traveling or being away from home for an extended period of time is not glamorous. Often travelers are living out of hotels and working in remote locations. To attract the talent needed, companies will often pay a premium for workers to travel.
This pay bump can be a great way to get a head start in life, pay off student loans right out of college, or provide for a family back home.
Pro #3: Opportunities to Experience New Locations
For most people, travel is not something that is done frequently. Some people may take a family vacation every year or go to visit family for the holidays, however, there are very few opportunities to live in a new area, especially after graduating college. Construction is an industry that will take you all over the United States and possibly the world if that is what you desire.
You benefit in 2 ways by living in multiple different locations. First, you are able to meet and interact with different groups of people and understand their perspective. For example, the issues that people in Georgia care about are very different than the issues that people in California care about. Taking time to talk with people in the areas you are in and understand their perspectives will allow you relate better with strangers in the future as you are more open minded.
Another benefit is discovering places you may love but never would have considered. Some of my favorite places that I have been are places that I would have never even thought about traveling to. Being open to new experiences will allow you to find that place you may fit in the best at.
Pro #4: Recognition
Companies that are looking to expand may take on work that is outside of their normal operating region. One of the challenges in expanding into other geographic areas is finding workers willing to make the jump. By volunteering for the opportunity, the company will see you as someone who understands the company’s vision, and cares about making the company successful. Undoubtedly, these traits will shortlist you for promotions and future career growth.
Con #1: Work/Life Balance
Traveling for work often means you are far away from friends, family and other leisure activities. During the week, a person is onsite in a location they know only the people they work with. As a result, the time that you would normally spend hanging out with friends or family during the week is replaced with other activities. Most of the time, the “other activities” are longer working hours.
This can be a challenge for someone who is looking for a balance between work and play. However, the people that are most successful with this change are the ones who love their job. Of course, burnout is a real thing and even the most hardcore workers must learn to find a few outside distractions if they wish to be successful long term.
Con #2: Living in a Hotel
Let's be honest here, staying in a hotel for a day or two is no issue, but after a month, the stay starts to get old. At times the hotel room can feel like a jail cell, but it is often the easiest choice and saves you the even bigger headache of finding an apartment, nonetheless a FURNISHED apartment.
The best advice to combat the depression of staying in a hotel room for months on end is to spend as little time as possible inside of it. That means staying in the hotel to shower and sleep. Try as many restaurants as you can and explore the local area as much as possible.
The Verdict:
It is my personal belief that the Pros outway the Cons in most scenarios. This is especially true if you are young and have no responsibilities, such as a family. As you settle down and have a family, there is a serious discussion as to whether it is the right decision to be away from the family for an extended period of time. However, the experience that is earned through years of working on the toughest projects will afford an individual the option to take a more relaxed position at a company closer to home.