Yes, I Even Drove a Bread Truck – Mid-Life Crisis

byhsgoad

2.3K followers

Updated 5 years ago

The Crisis

Have you ever hear about the mid-life crisis, where the man or even woman runs off and does something really, really foolish. Yep, it can happen to the best of us, even to me. I retired a second time in 2011 and tried in vain to start a Social Media consulting business.

Yep Social Media – what could be so hard? Five years after sending much more money than I ever wanted to, I found myself in dilemma. It simply was not working, and even worst I had lost faith. No one saw my vision of what it could be. To make things even worse, the bills had begun to outgrow the retirement income. In business terms – a negative cash flow.

Taking Action

So, what did I do? No, I did not run off and buy a Harley, and I did not try to divorce the wife to find another. That was a definite NO and besides, I have kind of have grown use to the one I that I currently have and it takes way too much work to start over at my age.

What did I do to clear my head and soul ? I took a job stocking produce at a Walmart. Yep that is right you are reading about a proud former Walmart Produce guy. The funny part is I liked it – it kept me mindlessly busy and I really got a kick out of helping people finding the right fruit or veggie for their table.

What really went sideways, was while I enjoyed the work – it frankly did not pay enough. So, one thing led to another, lo and behold I decide to become an independent Bread Distributor. Yep delivering bread – what could go wrong?

From Crisis to Downright Crazy

The Life of Bread – you leave the house around 3 AM Monday – Saturday so that you can get into the warehouse to receive and load up inventory. On the road by 5 AM – make rounds and if you’re lucky finish up by 5 – 6 PM each day. On a slow day Sunday – you send six hours running back and further to make sure that the local Sams Club and Walmart shelves were stocked.

Check That Box Off!

I did this for six months – made a six-digit figure as a business – took home a much lower five-digit figure after company expenses. (Business Revenue minus Expenses = Net Income) Caught up with the bills and when my wife and life partner asked, “Are you sure you want to do this, for another five years?” With a clear head I said NO and sold back the business. Mid-life crisis done – check that off of the list and set about building something new.

I wish I could say that I had not made more missteps since then, I have. What I have learned is that it is amazing on what can be accomplished if you put your mind to it.

There Is Hope

So that is why I joined WA and slowly and surely building a business of my own, thanks to you and this wonderful community, Have I and will make mistakes along the way? That is a big yes, but at least I am having fun and guess what? I am still doing social and much, much more.

Here is to you, wishing you a great and successful WA, day.