I’ve made it no secret that I have a travel problem. An addiction, some have called it. In this blogpost, I will explain why I wholeheartedly believe that travel is not just a frivolous pastime of those adventure seekers who like to blow their hard-earned dollars exploring new places. It’s also a great way to hone life skills that can be genuinely beneficial in the workplace. It is truly an investment in our professional development.
I preface this by recognizing that as a voice actor, producer and on-camera corporate spokesperson, I am capable of bringing my work along with me. This is a blessing and a curse. Of course, the ability to work from anywhere allows me to be, well, anywhere. However, it also means it can be challenging actually getting to the part of travel where one might relax. It has also proven an adventure in itself to create an environment that’s quiet enough to record audio for voiceover when I have no idea what the environment will be like ahead of time.
Beyond the relaxation and the adventure that it offers, travel has the power to transform the way we think, how we interact with others, and how we deal with day-to-day challenge in the workplace.
The five ways I believe travel can make us better at our jobs:
Sparking creativity
This may be the most obvious way our work stands to benefit from our travel, but to expand further, it’s the exposure to new sights, sounds and sensations that (according to experts in brain science) is linked to neuroplasticity. In short, the neurons in your brain are impacted by your environment, so significant changes in your surroundings can actually affect mental change. Forbes, The Atlantic, even Psychology Today have reported similar findings showing that stepping outside what’s familiar stimulates our brains and encourages fresh thinking. Even while working from home, I find that a walk outside will help solve a writing block I’m having. Imagine what a mountaintop in Hawaii might do? Or a glacier in Iceland! Having a newly sparked creative mindset can be a game-changer at work, enabling us to approach challenges with innovative solutions and think outside the box.
Cultural Intelligence
Experiencing different cultures is a crash course in empathy and understanding. Learning different customs and perspectives is not only a great way to appreciate those co-workers who may have different ways of tackling a project or approaching conflict, it’s also invaluable in today’s globalized workplace. You don’t have to be negotiating with international clients to learn how navigating cultural nuances and might benefit your business. In the world of voiceover, our clients come from all around the world. I find that the best way to connect with a new client in a different country is to share my own travel experience (if one exists) to their part of the world and to ask what it’s like to live there, gaining a better understanding not only of their culture, but their way of thinking. It gives me a greater appreciation for different perspectives, customs and ways of thinking and might make it easier to immerse myself into a corporate narration project or an explainer video. In a busy office or workplace, the ability to navigate cultural nuances can set us apart as effective communicators and leaders.
Problem-solving, resilience and resourcefulness
Without a doubt, travel makes us better problem solvers. Rarely does a trip go 100% according to plan. Last summer, my two months of well-planned travel to Europe kicked off with United Airlines losing my luggage, including my travel audio booth. I had only my carry-on (that thankfully included my recording gear, a toothbrush and one change of clothing). It was two full weeks before our luggage would be returned to us. We’ll just say I built lots of pillow forts to create a more sound-proof environment, I learned how to put pressure on the airlines, appeal to my travel credit card for insurance coverage and figure out what my correct pant size is in another country’s department store. From missed flights to language barriers, travelers are constantly confronted with unforeseen obstacles that require quick thinking and adaptability. The ability to be resilient, resourceful and adapt with grace and agility can help us thrive in any professional environment.
Networking and New Opportunities
Travel opens doors to new connections and networking opportunities that can enrich our professional lives. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler on the bullet train, or attending a conference in a foreign city, travel provides countless chances to meet people from diverse backgrounds and industries. These interactions can lead to valuable insights, collaborations, and career opportunities down the line. There are constantly companies around the world needing English VO talent. In my line of work, building a global network of contacts can lead to new clients.
Stress Relief and Renewal
Burnout has become a pervasive issue in the workplace. Travel offers a much-needed escape from the daily grind, allowing us to recharge and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. Whether it’s lounging on a tropical beach or exploring a historic city, travel provides a break from routine and a chance to disconnect from work-related stressors. By prioritizing self-care and mental wellness through travel, we return to our jobs with renewed energy, focus, and productivity.
Conclusion
In short, travel equips us with invaluable tools for navigating today’s globalized professional landscape. It also instills in us the resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability needed to thrive in the face of adversity. Aside from that, getting away from my regular workspace always makes me grateful for what’s waiting back home, including the ease of walking into my audio booth and hitting record without worrying about adjusting for the environment.
So, the next time you find yourself itching to explore a new destination, remember that it’s not just a getaway—it’s an investment in your professional success. Embrace the journey, as it may hold the keys to unlocking your full potential, both personally and professionally.
Recent Comments