LM, Episode 1105, (Rewrite Episode 10), And Give Up Show Business?

There is an old joke about a guy who spent 30 years shoveling elephant dung for the circus. He complains incessantly until a co-worker says, “Why don’t you quit,” to which the guy responds, “And give up show business?”

I am convinced social media is causing us stress. Studies show social media has caused people to feel lonely, anxious, depressed, and envious. It is because we are seeing the best aspects of other people’s lives and, in comparison, makes you feel like your life stinks.

And speakers, entertainers, and comedians are among the worst, with posts like, “The view from my office today.” I can see how people think, “Look how cool his job is.” Performing is by far the best part of show business. The rest is as difficult as any other job.

Four times in the past 21 years I have checked into a hotel between 5-7 am because of travel glitches. I’m checking into a hotel in Louisville at 5 am because, apparently, no one at American Airlines owns a watch, and the kid asks, “How’s your day.”

“I’m checking into a hotel at 5 o’clock in the morning, how do you think my day is? I don’t know how today is because yesterday hasn’t ended.”

Last fall I’m flying from Madison, WI to Knoxville, TN. At 6 pm I’m through security and at the gate in Madison when they cancel my flight. I now have 700 miles to drive before the following morning. Checking into my hotel at 5.30 in the morning, all I can think about is getting to bed for three hours sleep before having to speak at 10. Apparently the desk clerk didn’t know how to handle such a situation and she needed to call her supervisor. I asked, “Can you just give me the key and you sort everything out later?”

She apologizes and says, “Yes,the only time I had this happen, a group of guys were partying at a strip club all night.”

That put everything in perspective because I’d rather drive all night than spend it in a strip club. Walking to my room, I couldn’t resist the urge to say, “And give up show business?”

Although I don’t look at Social Media much, one resolution I have for 2023 is to reduce my Social Media use even more. I am sure it will help reduce my own stress. Have a great week and always remember laughter matters.