In the seven years that I have run my private investigation business, I have come to the conclusion that I have the best job in the world. I am fairly certain that others might fight me for the claim to that title, but I would challenge (pretty much) anyone.
So why do I have the best job in the world?
That’s not to say that all my work matters. I have worked for plenty of well-to-do people who simply had the money to dig up some dirt on the opposition in a lawsuit. I have also worked on a number of white-collar criminal defense cases where the person I was working for was clearly on the wrong side of the law.
But that is coupled with helping find a biological father, helping a client avoid an embarrassing and costly mistake, or helping avert significant damage to a company’s reputation. I’m not always making a difference or doing work that matters, but when I do have that chance to alter the course of the matter at hand, it feels pretty good.
I have coached my children’s baseball and basketball teams, and when it comes to my family, I’ve been at nearly every sporting event, teacher conference and ballet recital – and have made it to nearly every single “family event.” It’s not all perfect – I was in Alaska for my son’s first T-ball game and I flew back on a red-eye from the Middle East one Christmas Eve, which did not make the family happy. I’ve also worked about 35 weekends each year and more hours overall than I like to admit.
But work is different when you can do it on your own schedule; I don’t think anyone should ever be tied to a desk from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. I work on my own terms.
Looking at my calendar as of today, I have absolutely no work scheduled a week out from now. I am sure it will come, but I’ve got absolutely nothing on tap.
That might be terrifying to some, but it’s part of the thrill. Cases come and go at a fairly rapid pace. Each and every one of them is different, too, which keeps me on my toes. And it’s rare for a case to hang around for more than a few weeks, which means that even if it’s the most boring case in the world, it’s not going to be around all that long.
I’ve laid out my case; let’s see what you got!
I truly love everything you write. Not only are you a good writer (a sad rarity these days), but what you have to say always resonates with me. Your posts are informative, entertaining and thoughtful. Having you as a member makes the investigative field better.
Thanks Marri. I can’t thank you enough for the kind words; makes it all worth it.
Great read. This profession can be the best in the world, if you know what you are doing. If you don’t… then it could very well end up the worst in the world. If you have the privileged of working in this profession, don’t blow it. Be careful, be smart, be up front with expectations and always put in 100% effort.
The Adage which Mr.Willingham had above described, Has a deep and philosophical significance to it. which i follow 100% plus tax.!
When you have some spare time sir, i am wondering if you will in the Master class have mention of process server(s) etc.?
Its never really work when you truly love what you do!
Over 10 years and I can honestly say I’ve never started my day thinking,”Oh no, I’ve x, y, and z to do today”, mainly because, as you explain, you get to pick the work you want (within reason) and rarely is it ever the same, or routine.
I would agree that a private investigator/entrepreneur is an exciting and deeply rewarding career. Yet the average PI is part-time and makes only $22,000 year. There is a long sales cycle involved and the business may take five years to really blossom. Most don’t make it that far. Be aware of the start-up issues, have reserve capital, and be persistent. If you make it, you will be very, very successful. There are only a handful of PIs this country that have gotten to this level. You can be one, too, if you want it bad enough and have the high degree of analytical ability and people skills required!
You Have to Be the Best Brian~ No One but You can fill Your Shoes, Experience , Skills, Knowledge and Talent!! Success is Earned…Respect is Earned!! We should all follow your guidelines!! How Awesome…where you stated..”But work is different when you can do it on your own schedule; I don’t think anyone should ever be tied to a desk from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. I work on my own terms. Lastly, I have nobody else to blame (or thank) but myself, which you can pretty much never say when you’re working “in corporate America.”” !! AWESOME!! You are one of a Kind Brian!! Steadfast and Strong in Ethics and Work!!
Thanks for the comment Christine!