Peteyboy said:
Turning something you love into a full time, must do proposition, usually doesn't end well.
Just the opposite, in my experience, turning what you love into money... what's not to like?
I've had 3 successful careers in areas I just loved and making the money on top of it, icing on the cake!
I have worked in the hospitality industry for several decades in my former career life. It's not easy! You have to love people and the public, be willing to be a "can do" and a "can do with a smile!" You have to deal with some unhappy people and make it a goal to somehow some way make them happy after all. Some cases are hopeless, but in most cases, you can cater to the tyrants and get them back to a happy place. Not always, but most times.
When one becomes bitter... then it's time to get out of the hospitality industry.
I find that owners, operators, managers and staff can readily set the theme for a place by starting off smiling and in a positive mood to make the transaction a mutually satisfying event.
I am currently in a very happy RV park. Sure I've met a token few unhappy campers who were on their way out. But everyone else seems plenty happy and relaxed. When I arrived, the owners treated me like a long lost treasured friend, honored to have me turn up. They seemed to go out of their way to make sure I was happy and comfy. With that kind of attitude, it does seem 99% of the campers are quite happy to be here.
As a camper, I try to arrive with a big smile on my face and remain very patient and enthusiastic while we finalize the transaction. It seems I always end up with fabulous sites, and meet some very nice folks who seem eager to accommodate me.
On the other hand... I've been to some places where I felt the staff was a bit cantankerous and it seemed to reflect in the general mood of the campers. I've crossed them off my repeat visit list.
Besides LOVING hospitality, when you own the business, you need to have a pretty good skill set at managing even if you have to go back to college to learn management and accounting skills to achieve your final goal.
Owning a business is very hard work and the hours can be long, the pay low until you get a good rhythm and reputation going.
In my opinion, the happiest parks have the shortest rule list. Those with the lengthy list of rules and regulations seem to be unhappy affairs. Not sure how or why that is, but if the rules are posted on the website, I like to read them over first to get a feel for the attitude of the management.