Are we there yet? The Stress and Exhaustion of Traveling for Work.

Are we there yet? The Stress and Exhaustion of Traveling for Work.

As I sit here at Denver International Airport, waiting for my connecting flight home, I’m struck by the irony of this moment. We often talk about the glamorous side of traveling for work—the new cities, the networking opportunities, the chance to break away from the daily grind—but rarely do we talk about the sheer exhaustion and stress that come with it.

Right now, I’m in the thick of it, and let me tell you, the reality isn’t as glamorous as it’s made out to be.

The Long Days

My day began at 6:00 a.m. in Spokane. The alarm jolted me out of a restless sleep, and I dragged myself out of bed, wondering how on earth I was going to make it through the day. I had packed the night before, trying to be efficient, but even that didn’t make the early morning feel any less brutal.

The day at the client site was relentless, with meetings scheduled one after another. There was hardly a moment to grab a bite, much less find a few minutes to recharge. And all the while, I had to keep my game face on, even when dealing with co-workers who were more disruptive than helpful.

By the time I reached the airport, I was already exhausted. The coffee I grabbed on the way did little to help, and the thought of the long day ahead made me question why I do this to myself.

The Long Layover

Now, I’m in Denver, halfway through my journey, with a two-hour layover that feels like an eternity. I’ve found a corner in the terminal where I can sit and recharge, but the constant buzz of announcements and the hustle of other travelers makes it hard to relax.

I’m mentally checking off my to-do list for when I land. There are emails to catch up on, meetings to prepare for, and a presentation that needs some last-minute tweaks. All of this is swirling in my head as I try to conserve what little energy I have left.

The Physical Toll

Let’s not forget the physical toll of traveling. My body is stiff from sitting for hours on end, and my neck is sore from trying to nap in an uncomfortable airplane seat. I’m trying to stay hydrated, but with the constant need to rush from one gate to another, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water.

And then there’s the stress of navigating a busy airport. The lines, the crowds, the delays—they all add up, creating a sense of anxiety that’s hard to shake off.

The Emotional Strain

On top of the physical exhaustion, there’s the emotional strain. Being away from home, missing out on family time, and knowing that this cycle will repeat itself in two weeks adds a layer of stress that’s difficult to manage. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to wonder if all this travel is really worth it.

As I sit here, I’m trying to focus on the positives—the opportunity to meet new people, to grow professionally, to see parts of the country I might not otherwise visit. But in moments like this, it’s hard to see past the fatigue.

The Reality of Work Travel

The reality of traveling for work is that it’s not all glamorous hotels and exciting cities. It’s early mornings, long layovers, and the constant push to keep going, even when you’re running on empty. It’s the strain on your body and mind, the missed moments with loved ones, and the nagging feeling that you’re always just a little behind.

As I prepare to board my next flight, I remind myself that this too shall pass. There will be a time when I’m back home, reflecting on this trip, and the stress of the moment will fade. But for now, I’m living it in real-time, and it’s a reminder that work travel, for all its perks, comes with its fair share of challenges.

So, to all the road warriors out there—those who are constantly on the go, juggling work and travel—I see you. I feel your exhaustion. And I know that while we’ll get through it, it’s okay to admit that sometimes, this life on the road is just plain hard.

Now, it’s time to board. Home, here I come. Let’s hope I can grab a few minutes of sleep on the way.

xoxoxo
-The Not So Common Gal

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