Sometimes You Bet on the Wrong Pony

In January 2018, I began a new adventure working in pharmaceutical meetings (coming from corporate meetings with earlier experience in expos and weddings). This chapter came to an end just before New Years 2020. Sometimes, you just bet on the wrong pony.

While I can't actually put my finger on the reason, I just never really connected to pharma meetings. It was my first time working in a third party planning company, so it's possible part of my lack of connection came from giving up control of the early portions of planning. For 7 years prior to beginning, I was contracting my own meetings, negotiating with hotels directly to ensure the best concessions for each particular event. Visiting each possible venue prior to beginning contracting was something I really enjoyed as it's easier for me to conceptualize when I'm walking the space, planning the flow of events, and seeing quality for myself (never trust the photos a venue posts on their sites... but you all know that).

Regardless of why it never ended up being the industry for me (I really bought into the idea that seeing medical research and drug trials would be fulfilling), I decided it was best to leave the industry in 2019. I wanted to start anew in 2020 and get back to my corporate planning roots. So just over a week into 2020, I'm still searching for my next endeavor. Sure, being down an income stream isn't a dream come true, but no longer working in an industry I lacked a passion for is a relief.

While I don't know where my next endeavor will take me, I'm hopeful that the next pony I bet on is the one to go the distance and carry me strong into the next years of my life... recharged, rejuvenated, and ready for the long-haul.