Whether you literally are afraid to board that giant bird, or if you simply have no desire to leave your family, telling your boss you won’t travel is never easy. Some people jump at the opportunity to pack their bags and get away, even if it is only for a morning meeting and a free night on the town. If you are not this type of person, and find yourself anxious at work, you are better to tell your boss sooner than later. Keep in mind that once you do it the first time, it will likely be expected of you in the future.
Pre-hire
Ideally, the best time to bring up the fact that you won’t travel is during the interview. If the employer hires you being fully aware of your intentions, they can’t expect you to change them, and you certainly shouldn’t have to feel bad about reminding them.
Be firm when setting your boundaries. Don’t tell them maybe you will travel or that you won’t mind doing it once in a while. An occasional business trip to you may mean quarterly, but to them, it could mean weekly. It can be tempting to tell the employer what you think they want to hear, just so you get the job. However, all this is going to do is come back to bite you, because you will end up in an awkward situation later. You will either be doing something you hate, or you will have to break the news to them that you don’t want to travel, even though you said you would.
Breaking the News
Whether you have been traveling and you are no longer interested, or if it is the first time it has been requested of you, approaching the conversation the right way is imperative.
- Setup a Meeting – Don’t stomp your feet in front of everyone and say you don’t want to go. This is a business matter that deserves a professional meeting behind closed doors.
- Don’t Complain to Others – Going around telling your coworkers that you don’t want to travel will get you nowhere, especially if you haven’t had a meeting yet. It will get back to your boss and it will only make you look bad.
- Don’t get Emotional – When dealing with an uncomfortable situation, it can be easy to be angry, sarcastic, defensive or teary eyed. Emotion needs to stay out of it. Go for a walk outside prior to your meeting and clear your head. Again, this is business; you need to present your intentions in a professional manner.
Realize the Consequences
It is your right to tell your boss you don’t want to travel, especially if you never agreed to it before getting hired. However, you need to be realistic about your expectations. You can’t expect to get that next big promotion if it involves traveling. Rightfully so, the person who has stepped in and completed these tasks will likely be chosen, whether you are more qualified or not. That being said, sometimes being content with where you are is more important than a raise.
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