Not a fan of sharing room on business trip

QI’m going on my first business trip in a long time. I’m looking forward to attending the training, but I will be paired up with a colleague. As in roommates. That feels weird and I want my own hotel room for privacy. What should I do?

ATalk to your boss and indicate what you just told me: It feels weird and you want your privacy. It’s not clear to me if this is a new post-pandemic policy or if this always was the case, but the company may be trying to save money by spending on the travel and training while cutting back where they can with accommodation costs.

If your boss says this is the policy and you can’t get your own room, for peace of mind and your privacy, you may want to look into the cost on your own. You may want to explore the costs before talking to your boss to have them in your back pocket and decide before the conversation if you’re willing to pick up the cost of having your own space. If the company cannot change its policy, then you can say you will pay the difference. Or look into other accommodations such as a nearby Airbnb or another hotel.

This shows your boss you’re serious about what you need for yourself during this trip and if they can’t accommodate you, you are willing to pay your own way.

Anyway, once this is sorted out hopefully you can immerse yourself into training to get the most out of it.

QI’ve been interviewing a lot. Getting good feedback. In the last round they’re telling me the role is being downgraded, they can’t afford me. Multiple times, multiple employers since the new year. So frustrating! What should I do?

AI hear your pain and frustration. As for the good news, you’re making tremendous progress to the final rounds so it’s a matter of time before the right employer who’s the right match will fall into place.

It’s easier said than done, but try to be optimistic with gratitude that those other opportunities didn’t pan out — if they’re not willing to pay what you’re worth now, they most likely wouldn’t pay you what you’re worth when you’re working there.

Continue applying, continue networking, continue interviewing. In the meantime, you may want to have a Plan B like pursuing a seasonal part-time job to get money in the door, acquire some new skills and valuable contacts/references and to keep yourself occupied during the Plan A job search.

I get asked a lot about downgraded roles and if you should downgrade your pay requirements and skills/experiences. My response is no; while ultimately this is your decision, I wouldn’t shrink yourself to fit into places that probably wouldn’t let you flourish. Two words: Keep going!