So Much to Learn, So Little Time - 1Q19

My first Turnaround (TA) with the new company was a BLAST. After we came back from holiday break , we went straight into 7/12s for the first 2 months. Travelling for TA is an entirely different kind of travel. You need to be prepared for just about anything, living wise. Sometimes it's a hotel, sometimes it's an apartment. If you're lucky, you get furnishings and a real kitchen. Most of the time, it's whatever you can find for cheap so you can save all your per diem money. Per diem is a daily living stipend given to those who are traveling away from home for work. It is the reason we all commit ourselves to the long days and being gone all the time.

When I came back to the job site, I met some new friends and we decided to find a place together. This was a HUGE blessing because the cheap hotel I had found for myself was AWFUL. I booked it ahead of time yet when I got there, they couldn't find my reservation. It gets worse. I go into the room and there is a trail of glitter from the front door to the bed. Yeah, THAT kind of glitter. A pile of dirt was in the corner in front of the chair and the bathroom was trashed. NO. THANKS. Smelly bed sheets, dirty bathroom, no kitchen... I was so ready to get out.

The new place we found was a cabin with a loft. Washer and dryer, dishwasher, full kitchen, patio that looked over the pond... So much win. My friend and I moved in and invited others to get cabins of their own. Can we say party?!? My roommate was an incredible cook and we ate like royalty. When we weren't at work, we made the most of life on the road. Dinner house parties, cooking classes, painting, bowling, and so much more. Memories we won't always remember with friends I'll never forget.

Focus

Things I Learned

Lesson One: reserve a place to stay for ONE night (just the day of arrival) and ask coworkers where the best place to stay is.

Lesson Two: Look at the costs of ALL possible living arrangements. Sometimes a the little extra cost is TOTALLY worth it.

Lesson Three: Roommates are great but get ready for whatever they bring. Food, friends, kids, etc...

Lesson Four: Have the best time but remember it won't last forever. TA is short and sweet. Guard your heart but also let it burst.