Hello ladies!
I've been quiet here because I just recently started a new job, after being at the same place for over a decade. I'm in sales, but now selling different products to a different customer base. The job ad did not mention travel (I was specifically applying for jobs without travel, as I'm a single mom, and travel is hard for me). Travel was also not mentioned in the interviews (3 total), and when I had asked the recruiter, he had said he didn't anticipate travel on the horizon.
But now that I'm in the job, the topic of going to conferences is coming up a lot. They aren't expecting much within the next 5 months or so, but my boss confirmed that I will be expected to travel. (Other sales folks in my region, both men, normally travel quite a bit.) I explained that this could be problematic for me, to which she (boss) replied, "how much notice would you need before we ask you to go somewhere?" I said a month, and the conversation kind of ended there.
I am really bummed out about it, as I have historically been very successful without traveling for my job. I was specifically looking for jobs without travel, and feel like I've been baited and switched. Many other sales jobs I looked at definitely mentioned or even hinted at face-to-face customer meetings. This one did not.
So far, the job has been pleasant enough, and everyone has been nice. The pay is pretty good. But I feel like this might be a deal-breaker. Is it common for an employer to assume travel, or add it in after the fact? I know now that I should have asked my would-be boss about it when she interviewed me.
thanks for any feedback, I feel like an idiot.
IMHO, travel should definitely be made clear under job requirements. I would tell them your guidelines and if they can’t work with those, look elsewhere.
Thank you!!
A company should write a good job description and in that mention travel needs. I know often "and other duties as assigned" can cover so much but one would think that travel would not just be a casual acceptance. Tough decision but I would discuss it with the boss/HR and then plot your next move. Employee's Market these days.
Thank you so much for the reply. Yeah, it's a tough thing, but that is sound advice.