I have worked hard since a very young age. When I was 31 years old, I was flying business class between Australia and the United States for a conference which changed my life. After that conference, my online business took off. As a result, when the pandemic ended my day job because all staff members of that organization were made redundant due to the economy, I was able to rely on my online business as well as investing. I’m not extremely wealthy, but I’m comfortable. People have asked me whether the business class is worthwhile or not, so I’d like to offer some helpful ideas here.
It’s worthwhile if it’s an international long flight.
When I was flying business class in 2016, I had a bed, a desk, a light for reading, a blanket, a pillow, a set of pajamas and delicious food & drinks prepared by a celebrity chef – these were all provided by the airline.
Therefore, I was able to sleep at night & read a good book whenever I was awake. I don’t like watching movies, so I didn’t even look at the screen in front of me.
Basically, the business class flight was like a combination of a bedroom and an office.
Because of my positive experience, I recommended business class flights to my parents when they were preparing for an exciting holiday two years ago. My parents were tremendously impressed by their business class experience as well. They need it because they are older.
It could be worthwhile when it’s a short domestic flight if you can make the most of the networking opportunities.
If you fly business class for a relatively short domestic flight, it might be worthwhile because this is actually a networking opportunity – you are able to meet some high-value people with high-profile jobs while flying business class.
For instance, you might meet a potential client in the business class lounge when you are waiting for the flight departure. Or you may find a new client while chatting with the person sitting next to you on the plane. Remember: Usually, high net-worth individuals are typical members of the business class club.
Interestingly, I rarely pay for business class when it comes to domestic flights, but last week I did it & I met an ex-colleague of mine. She was made redundant by our employer during the pandemic as well, but she immediately found a new job in the same industry (just with a different and better employer) because her husband has some good connections in that industry. Then she gave birth to a boy and got a promotion, so her employer paid for her business class flight last week.
“I really envy you because you have a lovely husband, a beautiful son and an amazing job,” I told her exactly how I felt, “But after the redundancy, I’m only a freelancer. I’m divorced and childless.”
“Here is something that you don’t know – In fact, pregnancy and childbirth were traumatic experiences in my life as it was just too hard and too painful for me. Now looking after a small child makes my life very stressful because lack of sleep is very challenging to deal with & meanwhile, I have to do lots of work on my laptop at home because the new job title gives me extra responsibilities,” My ex-colleague told me what’s actually been happening, “All of these have made my marriage less sparky. Frankly, I don’t even like my job as sitting is the new smoking – I sit at my desk for too long every day & I think I’ve used my brain too much!”
In the end, she told me that she envies my lifestyle because I have more creative freedom in terms of my current work & my peaceful life is best characterized by meditation and Pilates.
Well, I have had my share of challenge/stress in life, so it seems that we don’t need to envy anyone. No wonder my mentor at the 2016 conference said, “Everyone’s life is painful. Be kind!”
I hope my article has brought some new ideas and more kindness to your life.
Life consists of various experiences. Make sure you fully savor the experiences that you create!
