My new favorite tribe. The doggies come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and personalities. I love them all. This was undoubtedly a full-fledged “out of my comfort zone” endeavor. Working at a doggy daycare – what will people think? – who cares! I want to keep busy. There are always things to do and people to meet.
I thought, how fun. I love dogs – this is perfect. I work part-time two to three days a week – and keep driving Uber. I get to talk to dogs and people. But what became most interesting to me is that once I am done driving or finish my shift with the dogs – I am done. Nobody calls me to say the dinner was not served promptly at the restaurant I dropped them off at, or their kids have not done homework – that Gracie has not eaten her food, or Oloff will not stop humping Penny (who is 20x bigger than Oloff). It’s just over for the day. With each Uber drop-off – it’s over. A nice person enters their job, home, restaurant, and bye-bye. They don’t call me later to say they are having a rough evening – Can I help? I never have to gladiate for the doggies or my passengers. No gladiating is needed.
And that, my friends, had not been my life for the past 27 years. There is something to be said for just going home. Shutting it down and not thinking about again till the next day.
In the legendary words of Troy Trice – “we are in a 24/7 business”, and he was serious. To be a Gladiator in the trade show industry is not for the weak or the lazy (just saying); we are a unique group of individuals, and when you have the best of the best, watch out – fire!
My relationship with Spence suffered due to my work. Although I love my industry and look forward to my new chapter. (Which might be in a different sector – stay tuned). Don’t get me wrong, I love Spencer more, and despite my busy life, he has lived a life of travel and fun, spectacular events. Things that were available to him because of my work.
Spence can navigate an airport like a pro and has seen more concerts than most – heavy metal in Germany – come on, how cool for a 17-year-old, can carry on a conversation with my adult tribe and sing in German while teaching himself the language.
But a one-parent household took its toll on him and me.
There were so many times I was away or in meetings and could not be present for him. That is why this gap year has been a gift. To stop, get quiet, reprioritize, and determine what is essential for me in the next phase of my life, what is not, and what I won’t tolerate.
I now wonder how different my life would look if I had done this gap year thing (on my own accord) in my thirties or forties. Waiting for retirement has never been something I have looked forward to. Fortunately, my career has such a vast social and travel component. It is a mix! I do like the idea of several mini retirements. A break every 7-10 years to rest, reevaluate, restore have some fun before you are too old to enjoy. This is an alternative to waiting for a certain age. I like it.
I know we do not do that in America, but it’s an exciting concept, and I am sure most of you are young enough to try it and make a change. Or old enough to impart new and exciting wisdom to the younger generation.
No matter what I do and whether it shuts down at 5pm or it’s another “you are on 24/7,” – I will do the best I can, as I always have. From finding a pinwheel in Peabody to rushing a woman to the hospital because her mother is about to pass away or keeping Oloff away from Penny – I will do it with 100%+ commitment because that is who I am – a (new and improved) gladiator for everyone.
Be amazing today.
VC
They Call Me VC 
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