I haven't had a day off in eight days. Am I complaining? Ab-so-lutely not. There are people that go twice as long, and longer I'm sure. Then why am I running my mouth?
Because I'm, once again, understanding more and more about what it means to be an owner. And it's an honor! Listen. Last week, my father Bill couldn't perform the weekend duties around here, so I covered for him. He's my dad, and he's my co-worker. I would have done it for anybody, and twice over for him. There was no-one we could trust to do it, so it came down to me working a very long week. And you know what? It was difficult, and one of the greatest challenges in my life.
And I was happy to do it. Stressed, tried, and worn out, but happy to do it. I know I helped make a difference here at Budget, like my parents, and the countless employees before me that actually give a damn about this place and where its going. For the first time, I really truly felt like I was a valuable member to this company. Personally, this week meant a lot to me, and I am know that'll I'll be able to run this business when I get in the saddle.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Long Week and Hard Work
I was never afraid of hard work. That is, I do all that I am able to within the confines of my mortal limits. Last week was one of the hardest weeks I have ever had in the working world. I now know why being short handed is so crippling. I now know why my father, Bill, was so tired when I was growing up. I now know why small business owners are some of the hardest working people on the planet.
We all work hard. Well, people that are functional members of society. And this isn't a pissing contest as to who works the hardest, no. This is...well I guess a monument? Tribute? Post to those who work until there is nothing left, and then put in a few more hours before going home.
As my job description grows, I have less time in the day to do everything that I need to. Complaint? No. I want more responsibility, I want to grow and learn more. But, when there is no-one to do a job, you have to do it yourself. I mean you don't have to, but you have to be ready to accept the consequences of your lax attitude. I've been on multiple estimates, did multiple carpet cleanings, one completely by myself, and then do my regular job on top of it all. I was completely burned out from two Saturdays ago all the way up until Sunday of last week.
Personal problems, along with a massive workload, drain anyone. But last week? I thought I had reached my limit long ago. Now? I truly know what that limit is, and what I need to do to get past it and improve it. As hard as last week was, I am glad for it. I am glad that my muscles are tight, my mind was fried, and my hands ached. Each moment of discomfort was an affirmation of adulthood and leadership. So as hard as your job may be, relish that challenge, move past it, and evolve into a better human being. Am I enlightened? HA! No way.
But I wanna try to be.
We all work hard. Well, people that are functional members of society. And this isn't a pissing contest as to who works the hardest, no. This is...well I guess a monument? Tribute? Post to those who work until there is nothing left, and then put in a few more hours before going home.
As my job description grows, I have less time in the day to do everything that I need to. Complaint? No. I want more responsibility, I want to grow and learn more. But, when there is no-one to do a job, you have to do it yourself. I mean you don't have to, but you have to be ready to accept the consequences of your lax attitude. I've been on multiple estimates, did multiple carpet cleanings, one completely by myself, and then do my regular job on top of it all. I was completely burned out from two Saturdays ago all the way up until Sunday of last week.
Personal problems, along with a massive workload, drain anyone. But last week? I thought I had reached my limit long ago. Now? I truly know what that limit is, and what I need to do to get past it and improve it. As hard as last week was, I am glad for it. I am glad that my muscles are tight, my mind was fried, and my hands ached. Each moment of discomfort was an affirmation of adulthood and leadership. So as hard as your job may be, relish that challenge, move past it, and evolve into a better human being. Am I enlightened? HA! No way.
But I wanna try to be.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Lonely at the Top
Okay, before I continue, I realize Budget is a small Mom n' Pop. I have no delusions of grandeur, or anything like that.
That said, this phrase applies to owners of any size company, I don't care how many, or how few. Bill and Jacquie (the owners and my parents) are on vacation this week, leaving me, the General Manager, and our Receptionist/Field Manager all by our lonesomes. This is okay, I can deal. But the last time this happened, the week they took off was pretty quiet. Now?
I've never had to do so many different things in such rapid succession in my entire life, and while it feels great to do this stuff, help run the company, have the owners trust me, I understand why my 'rents were always so tired when I was growing up. There is a lot to do in order to run a business, and when you're the only dude that people go to for the final decision, it's. Well?
Scary.
In spite of this, I enjoy the challenge presented to me this week. I've done estimates, carpet cleanings, repairs, gas refills, employee pick ups, troubleshooting, marketing, deposits, phone estimates, follow ups, and a whole SLEW of different things this week in addition to my regular job. It's daunting, but I go home ever day very satisfied. And egear to get back to work the next day.
What about you? Ever been in a position like mine? What's it feel like for you to be at the helm for a while?
That said, this phrase applies to owners of any size company, I don't care how many, or how few. Bill and Jacquie (the owners and my parents) are on vacation this week, leaving me, the General Manager, and our Receptionist/Field Manager all by our lonesomes. This is okay, I can deal. But the last time this happened, the week they took off was pretty quiet. Now?
I've never had to do so many different things in such rapid succession in my entire life, and while it feels great to do this stuff, help run the company, have the owners trust me, I understand why my 'rents were always so tired when I was growing up. There is a lot to do in order to run a business, and when you're the only dude that people go to for the final decision, it's. Well?
Scary.
In spite of this, I enjoy the challenge presented to me this week. I've done estimates, carpet cleanings, repairs, gas refills, employee pick ups, troubleshooting, marketing, deposits, phone estimates, follow ups, and a whole SLEW of different things this week in addition to my regular job. It's daunting, but I go home ever day very satisfied. And egear to get back to work the next day.
What about you? Ever been in a position like mine? What's it feel like for you to be at the helm for a while?
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