Should I Stay or Should I Go?
There's an off-site event next Monday and Tuesday, organized by my work. It's a chance for all teams to discuss important topics away from the usual work environment and free from the usual workplace distractions.
The event is in another city. A city I haven't really explored before, except for brief visits to its concert hall and football stadium. But these landmarks alone don't define a city. It’s like going to Reykjavik for a sports event and only experiencing the airport, hotel, and venue.
So, I thought, why not make the most of it? It’s the perfect opportunity to extend the trip with some personal time: a full weekend of culture, food, and urban nature. Arrive Saturday morning, enjoy two full days, and avoid the hassle of early travel to the off-site on a blue Monday.
But then, the random thoughts start to creep in:
- You’ll have to pay for two extra nights at a hotel yourself. Is that really worth it?
- You’re seriously considering hotel breakfasts, too? Are you out of your mind?
- What about that coat rack you were supposed to install in your home? Isn’t that a better way to spend the weekend?
- The bedroom hasn't been vacuumed for at least four days—maybe get on that instead?
- Weren’t you planning a long run this weekend? Skipping again, huh?
And on and on it goes...
It’s frustrating. Why can’t thoughts like “you only live once, take the opportunity” take the lead? Or: “who cares what anyone thinks, just do what makes you happy”? Isn’t that what living should be about?
I guess this inner dialogue is just part of being human. It's keeping everything in balance. Of course, I can’t afford to do this every weekend—and I don’t. But having a mind that leans just a little more towards “let’s just do it” would be pretty great.