The Business That Wasn't a Job: Would I Go Back?

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When the gig is done, the gig is done. At least, that's always been a big part of my philosophy when it comes to working for someone. I never look back and never have. I suppose in a way it is part of my idea of self-preservation. In other words, never allow yourself to even remotely feel that you need anyone other than yourself to get what you want out of your life. Going back to a former job leaves you vulnerable, I think. At the same time, when it came to my last job before I retired, I never considered it a job, really. It was more like a business partnership of which I was an independent partner in the "group." I managed my own accounts. I had specified territories which were mine to manage and grow. No one gave me sales goals. I made those on my own. When I had to do business trips, I managed where I would go and when, and who I would see and what accounts I wanted to focus on developing. In my own corner, it was my own little business, and I was mostly paid based on how well my business did through unlimited potential commissions. I made very good money, and while there were always things I took issue with about the job as a whole, it was mostly rewarding, and certainly the challenge was something that interested me as well. So, if asked, would I go back is the question? Several times I have tooled around with the idea of going back to work in some capacity. Perhaps part time. Maybe full time if the package was right. Not at my former workplace, though. But considering I have different interests now, and different needs, the job I'd want to do if I did go back to my last job would not be the same as the job I did before. I am not interested in managing accounts or growing my side of a business. Could I take calls and write orders? Sure. Could I handle some of the administrative duties of the business? Absolutely. Could I operate in sort of an "inside sales" capacity? 100%. If the package was right, say, just a fair hourly wage and some flexibility regarding vacation time so I could still pursue camping and other travel interests? Maybe. If I were asked. If I felt I could help in some way to still support the business. What would that look like? I don't know. Maybe $25 an hour since I am not seeking commissions anymore. No requirement for travel unless I saw a need for it and it was something that made sense. All expenses paid if I did including hotels and a lunch and dinner. 8am to 4pm with a paid lunch. No responsibilities in the warehouse whatsoever, including approving orders. I'd want unlimited open vacation approval as well—but I'd allow it to be unpaid. I never took advantage of our vacation policies before and wouldn't in the future. Of course none of this would ever happen. I am not even sure I'd want the offer to be made. But the question was, would I consider it? And the answer remains to be maybe. If my help was needed. Because again, this wasn't a job to me. It was a partnership. I enjoyed the interactions with my customers and with everyone else's customers. And all that means is that what makes it different from my when the gig is done, the gig is done mentality is that it was a business to me. It was different than other jobs I'd had before. And would I feel vulnerable? Not really. Because it would be them acknowledging that they needed me. It's just something I roll around in my head sometimes. And I have my reasons for rolling them around. If I were asked, I'd roll that around and not just immediately say no.