MY FUTURE Careers Newsletter

Skills for Work

5 signs you’ll be okay with work travel 

Travelling for work is a reality for many careers, but not everyone finds it appealing. Before deciding if it’s for you, it’s important to understand what it really involves. From how often people travel to the rise of “bleisure” trips, this article will break down some of the key facts about work travel. You’ll also find tips to help you decide if it’s something you’d enjoy, plus a look at the types of jobs that often require regular travel.

 

Work travel trends

Work travel isn’t the ho-hum parade of boring hotels that it used to be. In the past few years, work travel has evolved, and we’re seeing some great shifts in a positive direction.

 

Most of us need to do some work travel

Around 46% of workers planned to travel for work in 2024, making it an integral part of many jobs​. This might mean attending meetings, visiting clients, or even relocating temporarily for a project.

 

On average, professionals take 6-7 business trips each year, although some roles require travel much more frequently, with the top 10% of business travellers spending around 88 nights away from home annually​. Whether you’re working in sales, consulting, or management, you’re likely to need to travel at some point in your career.

 

Bleisure is becoming more popular

A growing number of professionals are extending work trips to explore the destination or simply to unwind. Around 60% of work trips now have a leisure component, where employees add personal days to relax or see local attractions​. For many young professionals, combining work and leisure is seen as a major perk, because it gives you the opportunity to see new places while someone else picks up the tab.

 

Hybrid meetings and travel are the new norm

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual meetings have become the go-to option for many businesses, reducing the need for frequent trips​, which makes sense; why pay to fly around the world when you can get a good chunk of the work done via Zoom?

 

However, in-person meetings are still essential for building relationships, closing deals, or managing projects. As a result, hybrid models are now the norm, with employees often alternating between online meetings and occasional business trips. This combination is expected to continue growing, particularly as companies seek to balance travel needs with sustainability goals​.

 

5 signs you’ll be okay with work travel

Not everyone enjoys frequent travel, so here are five signs that can help you decide if you’d be ok with it:

 

You enjoy trying new things

If you’re the kind of person who’s excited to try a new café, visit a new place in your city, or explore a new hobby, you might find the adventure of work travel appealing. People who enjoy change and new experiences often see travel as an opportunity, not a challenge.

 

You adapt well to change

Work travel rarely goes exactly to plan – flights get delayed, meetings change, and things don’t always go smoothly. If you’re the type to ‘roll with it’ when plans change or when things go wrong, you’ll probably handle the unpredictability of work travel better than most.

 

You don’t mind being away from home

Think about how you feel when you’re away from home – maybe at a camp, a friend’s house, or even on holiday. If you enjoy the change of scenery and don’t feel homesick easily, you’re likely to cope well with regular work travel.

 

You’re good at staying organised

Do you plan ahead for school projects or keep your backpack tidy? If you’re naturally organised, you’ll probably find it easier to manage the logistics of work travel. This can include packing efficiently, keeping track of tickets, or managing your time between meetings.

 

You’re happy meeting new people in unfamiliar places

If you’re confident starting conversations with new people, whether it’s at a social event or in a group activity, you might enjoy the networking aspect of work travel. Building professional relationships is a big part of many jobs, and work trips often offer chances to meet new colleagues, clients, or partners in different settings.

 

Jobs that require frequent travel

When it comes to jobs that require frequent travel, some are pretty obvious – think pilots, diplomats, or sales reps. However, there are many other roles that involve regular travel, even if they’re not as widely recognised for it.

 

Let’s look at both the more expected roles and some that might surprise you.

 

Understanding these can help you consider whether frequent travel could be part of your own career plans.

 

Frequent travellers in well-known roles

While some careers practically define work travel, it’s still worth highlighting them, as they often set the standard for what frequent travel looks like:

 

Sales representatives

Often spending weeks on the road, sales reps regularly travel to meet clients, attend industry events, and close deals in person. This role involves managing schedules, travel arrangements, and working across different time zones to stay productive and effective.

 

Flight attendants and pilots

As the ultimate travelling roles, these professionals are constantly moving between cities, states, and even countries. The job involves a fast-paced lifestyle, varying shift patterns, and the need to adjust quickly to new environments.

 

Politicians and diplomats

National and international travel is a core part of these roles, with trips ranging from meetings with officials to attending international summits. Time away from home can be frequent, and the schedule is often determined at short notice.

 

Journalists and reporters

Whether covering breaking news or reporting on events from the field, journalists frequently travel to conduct interviews and gather first-hand stories. This kind of travel can be unpredictable, with trips sometimes lasting for extended periods.

 

Consultants

Often working across various industries, consultants travel regularly to client sites. This can mean flying between cities or countries to provide strategic advice, conduct training sessions, or support project implementations.

 

Roles with unexpected travel demands

Not all jobs that require travel are immediately obvious. Some roles involve a lot of travel, even though it might not be the first thing that comes to mind:

 

Project managers

While many assume project managers work mostly in offices, those in construction or engineering often need to visit multiple project sites. This can involve travel across cities, states, or even internationally to supervise progress, meet with teams, and ensure work aligns with project plans. These trips can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on project needs.

 

Researchers

Researchers – whether in science, academia, or business – often travel to share their findings at conferences, seminars, or workshops. These events allow them to present their work, network with peers, and collaborate on new projects. Depending on the field, researchers might also conduct fieldwork in diverse locations, adding more travel to their schedules.

 

IT specialists

While IT roles are often seen as desk-based, specialists working in on-site support regularly travel to troubleshoot issues, install systems, or train staff at client locations. Travel can range from day trips to lengthy assignments where specialists may need to set up and manage large-scale technology implementations.

 

Environmental consultants

Environmental consultants often need to travel to various sites to conduct assessments, collect data, or advise on sustainability projects. These trips can involve visiting remote natural areas, urban development sites, or government offices, with travel plans changing based on the project’s requirements.

 

Recruiters

Recruiters, particularly those in large organisations or recruitment agencies, travel to meet candidates at universities, job fairs, or professional events. This kind of work travel is focused on building relationships with potential hires and scouting talent, with trips varying from local visits to interstate events.

 

Could you see yourself travelling for work?

Work travel can be exciting, offering new experiences, career growth, and the chance to build professional networks. However, it also comes with its challenges – time away from home, long hours on the road, and the need to adapt quickly to new environments.

 

As you think about your future career, consider whether the idea of frequent travel energises you or whether it feels like it might be a challenge. Whether you love the adventure or prefer the stability of staying put, there are plenty of roles that can suit your personal style.

 

If you want to find out more, we have lots of other blogs on the world of work for you to read.

How to use the school holidays for skill building 

School holidays are the perfect time to relax and recharge, but they’re also a great opportunity to build new skills that could help you in the future. Whether you’re thinking about university applications, preparing for work, or just want to try something new, here’s how you can make the most of your break without overwhelming yourself.

 

Why use your holidays for skill building?

While it might seem tempting to spend your entire break watching Netflix or gaming (and there’s a place for that!), setting aside some time for skill development can:

  • Give you something interesting to add to your resume
  • Help you figure out what you enjoy doing
  • Build confidence in your abilities
  • Make you more prepared for life after school
  • Give structure to your holidays

Skills worth building over the holidays

Not sure what skills to focus on? Here are some valuable options that could serve you well in the future:

 

Digital skills

We say it all the time, but tech skills really are more important than ever. Consider building some of these skills:

  • Learn basic coding, which can be done through free platforms like Codecademy. Even if you don’t want to be a programmer, understanding how code works can help you in many future careers.
  • Become familiar with common software like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. These are essential tools in most workplaces, and knowing how to use them early can give you an edge when applying for jobs.
  • Take an online course in digital marketing or social media management. Lots of businesses have an online presence, so these skills are becoming more valuable.
  • Learn about cybersecurity basics. Understanding how to protect yourself and others online, whether at work or at home, is really important.

Life skills

No matter who you are or where your future might lead, these practical skills will always come in handy:

  • Basic budgeting and money management. Start by tracking your spending for a week, or learn how to create a simple budget using a spreadsheet.
  • Cooking and meal planning – begin with simple recipes and gradually work your way up to more complex dishes. Trust us, you’ll be thankful that you don’t have to eat instant noodles every night!
  • Time management is always important. Practice creating schedules and to-do lists, and experiment with different productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method.
  • Basic car maintenance. Learn how to change a tire, check oil levels, or jump-start a car. These skills can save you money (and stress) in the future
  • First aid certification – many organisations offer holiday courses, and this looks great on your resume while potentially helping you save lives.

Creative skills

If these technical and practical skills don’t excite you, you might like to look into more creative skills instead, such as:

  • Photography or video editing. You can start with your phone using free editing apps, then progress to more advanced equipment if you enjoy it.
  • Graphic design – learn the basics of color theory and composition using free tools like Canva or GIMP.
  • Creative writing might be up your alley. Start a blog, write short stories, or try your hand at poetry. This will improve your communication skills while also letting you express yourself.
  • Music production – jump on YouTube and follow a tutorial to learn a new instrument, or explore free software like Audacity or GarageBand  to create your own tracks.
  • Drawing, either traditional or digital – start with basic sketching techniques and branch out into different styles and mediums until you find one you like.

How to get started

Now that you have a skill to aim for, all you need to do is start! But how? Here’s some advice to help you make the most of your holiday time.

 

Set realistic goals

Remember, you’re on holiday – you don’t need to become a master in the short time you have. Instead, pick one or two skills to focus on and set achievable goals. For example, instead of “become a professional photographer,” aim for “learn three new camera techniques.”

 

Create a flexible schedule

Balance is key during your break. Try dedicating specific times of your day or week to skill building while leaving plenty of time for relaxation and fun. Even just 30 minutes a day can make a difference.

Find free resources

You don’t need to spend money to learn new skills. Take advantage of:

  • YouTube tutorials – there are countless channels dedicated to teaching everything from coding to cooking.
  • Free online courses – platforms like Coursera and edX offer free access to university-level content.
  • Local library resources – many libraries now offer online courses and digital resources in addition to books.
  • Community workshops – check your local council or community center for free holiday programs.
  • School holiday programs – many organisations run free or low-cost workshops specifically for students.

Make it fun

Learning new skills doesn’t have to feel like work, especially not when you’re meant to be enjoying some time off. Try:

  • Learning with friends – create a study group or skill-sharing circle where everyone teaches something they’re good at.
  • Setting up friendly competitions – challenge each other to keep learning or create projects.
  • Rewarding yourself for reaching milestones – set up a reward system for when you reach a milestone.
  • Sharing your progress on social media – document your journey and connect with others learning similar skills.
  • Teaching others what you’ve learned – explaining concepts to others helps reinforce your own learning.

Keep track of your progress

Consider keeping a journal or digital portfolio of your skill-building journey. This can help you:

  • See how far you’ve come
  • Stay motivated when things get challenging
  • Have something concrete to show future employers or educational institutions
  • Identify areas where you might need more practice
  • Feel proud of your achievements

Final thoughts

Whether you’re building your resume, preparing for further study, or just want to try something new, building skills during the school holidays can be both fun and rewarding. Just don’t forget to leave plenty of time for rest and relaxation too!

 

Want to explore more ways to prepare for your future? Check out our other blogs about building skills and planning for life after school.