business trips

We always say that we'd love to find a job that would pay us to travel. Well, I always did... and I found one. I went on my first business trip this week to Florida for a conference that my company put on. It went well and according to everyone's remarks - it was successful. However, as I pondered this new era of my life, I struggled with justifying the amount of money people spend on work trips. Yes, it is educational. Yes, it is "networking." But is it worth? Is it justifiable?

As I looked at the luxerious location, places to eat, and general atmosphere, I began to wonder about all of this. First my question, was how could anyone justify spending this kind of money on this? Then, my question became - why would you even want to justify it?

I realize the need for business and that the world only goes around persay through market exchanges and developing new partnerships. However, how do we change some of the expected profiles of what it means to be an executive to relate more to the financial situation of parts of the world? I'm not saying there is anything wrong with enjoying life and enjoying some extravagances, afterall, I did thoroughly enjoy this weekend and felt completely spoiled. How do I take this situation though and compare it to corporate responsibility?

These are just some of the thoughts I had this weekend. Overall, the week went great. I "succeeded" at my first business trip, my first business presentation, my first networking event for my company, etc. I love my job, I love what I do - it truly is enjoyable for me... but there is always the lingering question of what's it all worth in the end? Who/what is it really for? Where is the eternal value?

My breakfast table.

the one time actually on the beach... most of the days were spent working 12-14 hours and three of them i never even breathed fresh air or saw outside of the building...

The middle of the pool is a glass bottom that looks below to the second pool flowing underneath. The hotel was rather gorgeous in booth design and atmosphere.