I wish I were Don Draper

I'm a "Mad Man" fan. Not only am I a fan, I also got my degree in advertising back when advertising still consisted of TV, Print, and Radio.

Advertising is viewed by many as a "fun" and "exciting" industry, and Mad Men has done little to dispute that. Ad men are viewed as endlessly creative, sexy, and torn between their creative tendencies and their need to "do the right thing". Trust me...its none of those things.

Which is why I think it pertains to my blog. Self employement is nothing like what you think it is. Is it true that you can sleep in till 9 or 10 and let the staff take care of things? Sure...but the reality is that you were likely at the shop until 5 or 6 in the morning, and the reason you don't come in until 10 is because you needed a minimum of 3 hours of sleep each night.

Self employement is the toughest job you will ever take a chance on. You are bound by a chain of reponsibility to your employees, your are bound by a chain of knowledge that you will NEVER be able to work for someone else again, and you are tied to your business by the debts that you needed to incure to get started. It is the main reason that most businesses never reach beyond their infancy...most people just can't deal with it.

I'd like to think that I'm one of those people. Its Tuesday here. I've just instituted a new schedule that actually mandates 6 hours of sleep per night, and a couple hours of "family time" in addition to "dinner". I am excited by this change of life...

Why? Because I'm tired of working till 5, going home for 2 hours, then working another 18 hours, getting a 2 hour nap, and then working till 4. Repeat until you can't move. I'm tired of eating out of vending machines and drive throughs. I'm tired of knowing that my kids are growing up while I'm working to pay taxes and the social benefits of the people around me. I am hoping that by putting the family first...I can get some of that magic back that brings joy and hope to my life again...

I think its worth a shot.

And to Don Draper...As tormented and torn by your inner demons as your are...I think you had it pretty good. At least you didn't have to worry about an entire political establishment that was out to steal your shiney new Caddy and turn it into a Prius. Grow a pair, kiss your kids, and be thankful we still live in the greatest country in the world!...at least for now.