As I wrap up 6 weeks worth of training courses I realized I hit the "I just want to go home now" point about a week ago. For people who travel a lot they hit their threshold at about the same time the first TSA agent says "sir/ma'am step over here for your enhanced pat down." Here's some thoughts on fighting the burnout.
#1: Always take the right gear. Make sure your electronic warfare suite is good to go, smart phones, headphones, ipads, laptops etc. If you're going camping disregard electronic advice and stock up on sleeping bags and extra socks. Pack for expected conditions. Having the right gear will keep you productive and comfortable even if you are away from your home base.
#2: Workout. You won't be able to keep up your normal workout routine but doing something, even if it's quick, is worth the time. I recruit other people to workout with me to stay motivated. And saying "there is not gym here" is not an excuse. You have a floor, you can do push-ups, squats, and burpees (Wikipedia it). That's plenty.
#3: Call home regularly. Self-explanatory.
#4: Do something different. Whether this is the mountains of Afghanistan or downtown New York, try and get out and do something you can't do at home. Smoke some cigars with the guys on top of a mountain or check out the National Mall, whatever. Every place has something you can't do at home. Plus it'll make you sound interesting at your next cocktail party. Helps with topics for #3 too.
#5: Do something regular. When I'm at home my wife and I eat out at Chipotle on weekends. When I travel I eat at Chipotle to feel a little more at home. In Iraq I had to replace Chipotle with "Chicken Sandwich Mondays" but the point is some measure of routine is healthy on long trips. I've done some world travel but I still only pick vanilla ice cream and steak burritos. Helps you feel at home even when you're not.
What's your road warrior routine?
#1: Always take the right gear. Make sure your electronic warfare suite is good to go, smart phones, headphones, ipads, laptops etc. If you're going camping disregard electronic advice and stock up on sleeping bags and extra socks. Pack for expected conditions. Having the right gear will keep you productive and comfortable even if you are away from your home base.
#2: Workout. You won't be able to keep up your normal workout routine but doing something, even if it's quick, is worth the time. I recruit other people to workout with me to stay motivated. And saying "there is not gym here" is not an excuse. You have a floor, you can do push-ups, squats, and burpees (Wikipedia it). That's plenty.
#3: Call home regularly. Self-explanatory.
#4: Do something different. Whether this is the mountains of Afghanistan or downtown New York, try and get out and do something you can't do at home. Smoke some cigars with the guys on top of a mountain or check out the National Mall, whatever. Every place has something you can't do at home. Plus it'll make you sound interesting at your next cocktail party. Helps with topics for #3 too.
#5: Do something regular. When I'm at home my wife and I eat out at Chipotle on weekends. When I travel I eat at Chipotle to feel a little more at home. In Iraq I had to replace Chipotle with "Chicken Sandwich Mondays" but the point is some measure of routine is healthy on long trips. I've done some world travel but I still only pick vanilla ice cream and steak burritos. Helps you feel at home even when you're not.
What's your road warrior routine?
Margin-not always an option on a government schedule but trying to do more than a normal human being does will always lead to burnout. Give yourself some room, when you can, to re-engage with relationships from your normal life. Do the laundry as a mindless task that needs to be done but doesn't require the high level thinking, you get to check it off the to-do list anyway.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to report that I am NOT a road warrior. I respect those of you who can put up with the rigors of that lifestyle. The older I get, the more I like my own bed, my own pillow and my own time zone. Happy traveling to the rest of you! I will give up the above comforts in order to see my children, however.
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