I work a day job.
This is actually not terribly uncommon. It's pretty standard in the industry for FLGS owners to have another job during the day, and then come and open the store on evenings and weekends as a "second job". That's why so many stores are only open evenings and weekends... or just three or four days per week, dependent on "real job" schedules, home life and so on. I see a LOT of stores that are not open Sunday or Monday- it seems to be the industry standard.
I have yet to meet an owner that didn't at least start with a job in the corporate world and a "side venture" as a shopkeep. The phrase "don't quit your day job" actually has merit when you won a small business- because you are not going to make money right away. Anyone that quits their job before they have 2 years of savings for the bills at home is an idiot.
Guess what? TheDude and I are idiots. A few years back, TheDude was working a "day job" with 5:30am -2pm hours. He'd then go and open the store at 3pm and work to 11pm. To say the man was a walking basket case is an understatement.
We decided that his sanity was pretty important, and he quit his physically grueling job to become his own boss. There was no safety net of "if it doesn't work out, can I come back" as TheDude does not believe in doing things "partially". He's an "all or nothing" guy. (IE that bridge is burnt to a crispy hull.)
He's a much saner, happier guy now, but running the store is just as physically grueling as his previous job was, but in different ways.
My "job" is to have a day job with regular hours that offers benefits. I do a lot of other things that are needed and helpful, but when it comes right down to it, bringing home a benefit package is kind of a big deal.
I also work at the store a minimum of one day a week. I run errands that help the store operate more smoothly. I make a LOT of phone calls because I am "the phone lady". (I love talking on the phone and I'm really good at it. I made a killing as a telemarketer before the National DNC list.) I do tons of research. I find people, information and resources we might not have access to otherwise.
And lastly, I provide support to TheDude. I wasn't really aware how crucial this job was until very recently- but it's a big deal. When the place is 2 or 3 people doing enough work for 10 people, having a support staffer becomes what keeps it going.
I've said it before that I am best at helping others become their best selves- but I have recently forgotten to apply it where it matters most. I'm more aware of how important this job is, but it's one that is easily overlooked.
Maybe your store is the same way, or perhaps it's different. Every shop has it's own organization and division of labor, and every place has its own strengths and weaknesses. Many of the strengths at your local place may be due to things or people you don't "SEE", but influence operations regardless.
I'll be looking for ways to talk about this more completely another time. Please drop me a line or ask questions if you have something you'd like for me to address.
My "job" is to have a day job with regular hours that offers benefits. I do a lot of other things that are needed and helpful, but when it comes right down to it, bringing home a benefit package is kind of a big deal.
I also work at the store a minimum of one day a week. I run errands that help the store operate more smoothly. I make a LOT of phone calls because I am "the phone lady". (I love talking on the phone and I'm really good at it. I made a killing as a telemarketer before the National DNC list.) I do tons of research. I find people, information and resources we might not have access to otherwise.
And lastly, I provide support to TheDude. I wasn't really aware how crucial this job was until very recently- but it's a big deal. When the place is 2 or 3 people doing enough work for 10 people, having a support staffer becomes what keeps it going.
I've said it before that I am best at helping others become their best selves- but I have recently forgotten to apply it where it matters most. I'm more aware of how important this job is, but it's one that is easily overlooked.
Maybe your store is the same way, or perhaps it's different. Every shop has it's own organization and division of labor, and every place has its own strengths and weaknesses. Many of the strengths at your local place may be due to things or people you don't "SEE", but influence operations regardless.
I'll be looking for ways to talk about this more completely another time. Please drop me a line or ask questions if you have something you'd like for me to address.
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