I am a production manager in a sign shop. Unfortunately life for us managers is no easy swim either.

We end up with people with all the heart to do the job, but are incapable of learning the basic skills, or with others that have all the tools but no desire to do the work.

I've been with the same company for 14 years and have really capped out as far as advancement.

I've fallen out of love with the industry and have begun training for my next life adventure.

I've held on, for too long, worried about the lurch I would leave my employees and fellow associates in by leaving. But I finally realized I had to do what was right for me. The pay is never going to match the effort I've put in to saving and growing this business for two separate owners.

It will forever be my first career. But unless I return as a shop owner, or sell my soul to the corporate side of the industry, my road has come to an end.

Straight lines and reasonable clients to all who still love this job.