Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks everyone for your input and advice. Seems like a resounding "Hell no, don't go" across the board.
I wish I could say your resounding consensus swayed Lancelot the Loyal. I've shared the wisdom of the DCUMs with DH; alas, he's still going on the trip. The plan is to put the estimated expenses in writing and get them approved beforehand. No benefits until May 1. Sigh.
To answer a PP, it's a week-long trip with airfare, hotel, car rental, landing fees, meals, etc., so it adds up in the thousands pretty quick. I wish I could say I have faith the company will reimburse him, and I hope having the expenses approved in writing helps, but I can't shake the uneasiness. It's not like I haven't put work travel on my personal credit card before, too, but I just had more confidence that my employer was good for it.
DH refuses to shirk his responsibilities as long as he holds his position; while I'm worried we won't see that money again, I can only hope his commitment will have some sort of karmic influence and all will end well. I never thought I'd say this but I totally won't get any pleasure out of saying "I told you so"! Wish us luck, I guess.
Thanks again.
Oh, OP. DH needs to get an education about the real world. Looks like he's about to get it. Hopefully it won't cost you too muchmore than the few thousand you'll lose next week.
You need to look for a job, stat, so that he can feel like he can quit this job before it eats him alive. So sorry, although perhaps as I said a little less naive would probably not be the worst thign for your DH.