On Business Travel

After 30 years of business travel I find myself disliking it more and more.  I still enjoy travel for fun and recreation but even that can get to be a hassle.  I find airports to be crowded, noisy, and uncomfortable. No wonder so many business travelers resort to waiting for flights in a drinking establishment.  Airplanes today are uncomfortable and noisy.  First class is somewhat better, even bearable, but not really all that "First" class anymore as the service is less attentive than formerly.  Again, many prescribe a few drinks to ease the pain.

Not only is the travel a hassle, but I do not like being away from my family, my home, and the comfort of established routine.  While it is not exotic or exciting, the homely routine fosters peace and a sense of well-being.

Then there are the meetings.  Some are valuable and interesting, but there is always an abundance of "fluff" and pure baloney.  Too much of meeting time is wasted with materials and communications that could be disseminated in other ways.  Send me material to read, send me a powerpoint presentation, host a computer or video conference -- but don't make me travel to a meeting!