I started a new job 2 months ago, my first ever remote job. Since the company is based in a different state, I asked about travel requirements before I signed my offer letter. HR told me it would be maybe 1-2 times per year, max. That sounded good so I signed.
Now, two months into the job, I’m already being asked to travel out of state twice in July for two different 2-day presentations (seminar type things, educational)
When my boss told me he wanted me to attend, I told him that was fine and I asked him if I should just book travel now and submit it for reimbursement. He said “we’re on our own for travel. But it’s not that far for you, right?” I don’t remember what I said but I think I just told him how far it was and he moved on.
The cheapest option is a 4.5 hour drive each way, so having to travel twice in July would mean 18 hours of driving and two different hotel stays all on my own dime.
I don’t want to pay that, I don’t want to drive that much, and I don’t want to pay for a flight for a stupid educational seminar. What should I do? Can I refuse?
TLDR – boss asked me to attend two different 2-day educational seminars in a different state on my own dime. What do I do?