Playing Hooky

Do you travel for business? You're lucky! Traveling for business usually means business class flights, which means an escape from the cramped, uncomfortable confines of economy seating. It also often means high class hotel rooms, reimbursement of meals and expenses -- and a packed agenda that makes your head swim.

It's terrible to think of being in a beautiful, perfect holiday destination and never leaving your hotel. You can't skip the whole conference (or what have you) -- the company's shelling out for you to be here, after all, and they'll probably notice if you aren't. But there are some pretty firm indicators that tell you it's time to play hooky!

Refuse to attend anything that:

-is optional
-is a waste of your time (eg, a session that rehashes what you already know)
-is based around "keynote speakers"
-contains the word "reception"
-is solely for socializing or recreation

Of course, if you WANT to attend these things, that's another story. But really, there's not going to be much to miss in a reception full of people making longwinded speeches. Just check to make sure you don't have to sign in or anything. You can always sneak out later!

I'm not advocating taking advantage of your company: no matter where they send you, these are the things you ARE obligated to attend:

-sessions that provide key information
-anything that will prove useful or helpful to your work
-sessions your company has stressed they would like you to attend

The key is to find the line that divides the frivolous from the important. They might claim it's mandatory to attend the "evening social," but if you'd rather hit the town with a few work friends, I say go for it. There's nothing wrong with playing a little hooky!