Signed up for conference, having second thoughts?

Question

My advisor suggested that I should sign up for a conference, which I did - I now have to give a 15 minute talk. However, the conference is taking place very far from me (+20 hour flight), and I am having second thoughts on whether I should go or not. Here are my thoughts:**Pro** - Meet new people/socialize - Present my work at a talk, instead of merely a poster session**Con** - Conference is only 4 days, two ~20 hours flights are **very exhausting** - The audience are not completely aligned with my field, so I have to make my presentation simpler than what the work actually is - Will not learn things that I directly need for my research because of the audience (they are in geology and engineering, I'm in math)Honestly, I don't feel like going because of the above list. But I am worried that - My advisor will think I'm being annoying by "backing" out - I can't say no now, since I have been given a talkI would be very happy to hear your opinions on this matter. Maybe I am putting too much thought into this.

Answer 1

What you're experiencing is your subconscious survival focused mind trying to rationalize you running away from the difficult task of speaking in front of the group. Just ignore those thoughts and do it. Remember that it's better to go and regret going, than to not go and regret not going. You'll grow as a speaker and professional, so take advantage the opportunity.