People Who Built Work They Like—The Pool Guy

“I’m a natural worker, not a natural do-nothing guy.”

A daily column about freedom, exploration, life in general, and creating work and a life you actually like. There are stories.

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In the past two years, I did some house-sitting for my family in Southern California. They have a pool, which means they also have a pool guy. Over time, he and I got to be friends, and we talked a lot about entrepreneurship and meaningful living.

Here’s a peek into his story—one for the dreamers and builders.

After college, Mike climbed the corporate ladder for a while, until he realized just how much it was not for him.

“I’m a self-employed guy. I’ve got to do my own thing.”

He went out on his own, buying a territory and building up a successful food distribution business.

He sold that business years ago and now runs what he calls a “retirement business” cleaning pools. He says about himself that he’s a worker, not a natural do-nothing guy.

By design, his business takes up three days a week. He loves being outdoors and likes all his customers—since he phases out the ones he doesn’t. His work leaves him ample time to spend with his long-time girlfriend and his family, play golf, and do whatever else he enjoys in his version of retirement.

His advice to other dreamers and builders is too good not to share:

You’ll never get rich working for someone else— rich, that is, in the ways that matter.”

Opt out of status-chasing, out of the ‘Look at me’ culture.

Stop defining yourself by stuff or you’ll pay a price.”

Know what matters and what doesn’t.”

And while he didn’t offer this as advice, this offhand comment feels like a fitting place to end: “Whatever I have is enough.”

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