The old adage that someone who quits a position actually “checked out” 6 months before leaving the building is so true. I have known for sometime that my disinterest and apathy is palpable and is likely becoming more obvious each day. When discussing future customer strategy with colleagues I remind myself to present a positive face and remain as neutral as possible. I worry that the patience of both customer and salesperson will be tested to the limit. A sales geography that includes 3 states will be covered by a mere three people—good and capable each, but not superhuman. My soon to be former employer appears either naive to the situation or so focused on profit they won’t change anything until absolutely necessary. My soon to be former boss has been very accommodating of my ever-shrinking schedule. I suppose he is a realist too. I am gone so what point is there to push me? My compensation is minor and as long as the customers continue purchasing it is likely viewed as the perfect scenario. Honestly, I think he is approaching the exit as well. If true, it would interesting to know if it gives him courage or pause.

Another cold dose of affirmation hit as I assembled documents for our tax attorney. As I reviewed the bank statements, I couldn’t help but look at deposits. Lisa has paid the bills for twenty plus years so I rarely check, especially since everything is online. It reminded me how difficult 2020 was and how grateful I am for her. It also pissed me off. I have invested the better part of my adult life in this industry and it has come to this. But this also energized me! I saw this future rapidly unfold last spring/summer and chose to take action rather than hope things work out. Reflecting back now, I’m not sure where I thought I would be at 66 but truthfully, I am happier now than I have been in recent memory.

There are a lot of us “Boomers” still in the workforce. What I am curious about is how many of them are actively starting over. In talking with my peers, I get the feeling many are content to play out the hand they have until they retire and not try anything new. Maybe they don’t need to or perhaps they don’t want to; that answer is rarely shared. Genetically, I’m a lucky guy. I’m still fit and don’t dress like I’m heading to the park to feed the pigeons, so my options are greater than many. My demeanor and gray hair appear to be a powerful ally too. It can show experience and maturity. As important as those traits are, they pale in comparison to my primary objective—being relevant. So hopefully, as long as I don’t do something stupid, I will get an extra minute to prove my worth to a potential client. Client. Customer. What is the difference? One definition I found: Simply put, a client is one who wants professional support/service from the company. Whereas, a customer refers to a person who purchases products or services from the company. I am retraining myself to say client instead of customer—I actually think it sounds better…

I am not a fan of everything our new President is promoting but will give him high marks for his vaccine effort. Watching the daily numbers fall is most encouraging and offers a hope not seen since the outbreak. Also, as important as his COVID response has been, the most tangible change has been the lack of drama, or should I say bullshit coming from the Whitehouse. I find it amazing how much more there is to talk about when the entire universe isn’t revolving around twitter. I have been having an email battle with Lisa’s uncle. Nice enough guy and reasonably intelligent, but for some reason he has decided that everyone whose email address he has should receive his vision of politics. It had started prior to the pandemic; he offered medical advice to his sister (my mom-in-law) on how to treat some skin issues on her feet. He provided the ointment and she applied it. He is not a doctor and she ended up in the ER. Even with that result he continued to promote his research regarding COVID, generally mirroring whatever Trump said. I would respond and say thanks, deleting it and never passing on the advice. This continued throughout the pandemic until I received his latest email, this time promoting his political agenda. He pleaded with me over the email to show it to his sister. I glanced over the copied content of the letter and responded. “Please tell me what benefit there is in showing this false apocalyptic message to a 93-year-old woman in declining health?” I continued with I don’t hold his same opinions and frankly find them appalling. We volleyed back and forth with him not backing down but finally agreeing his sister would not benefit from viewing his email. I got more angry with every exchange until I finally acknowledged he wouldn’t change and neither would I, so why continue putting all this emotional energy into a lost cause. We ultimately “agreed to disagree” which is probably a win on both sides. I wish this type of dialogue could happen at our highest level of government. Try to find a thread of potential commonality and more forward. Or not. I can always hope right?