I recently hopped in a San Francisco cab and the driver turned to me and said with palpable delight that I was his last passenger.

"Why, what are you doing, where are you going?" I asked.

He was ready to tell me his story and he did.

"When I was 21 years old," he began, "my Papa in Argentina wanted me to come work in his locksmith shop. His life was simple; he woke up late and enjoyed breakfast with his friends. Then, he opened his shop around noon and worked until 6 p.m. He fished on the sea at dusk; then joined his friends for wine before having a long dinner with his family and friends, often playing music, dancing and laughing.

Editor’s note: This article, by Inman News Publisher Bradley Inman, was originally published at BradInman.com. Click here to view the original item.

I recently hopped in a San Francisco cab and the driver turned to me and said with palpable delight that I was his last passenger.

"Why, what are you doing, where are you going?" I asked.

He was ready to tell me his story and he did.

"When I was 21 years old," he began, "my Papa in Argentina wanted me to come work in his locksmith shop. His life was simple; he woke up late and enjoyed breakfast with his friends. Then, he opened his shop around noon and worked until 6 p.m. He fished on the sea at dusk; then joined his friends for wine before having a long dinner with his family and friends, often playing music, dancing and laughing.

"I told my Papa that I wanted to see the world and do more exciting things with my life. I announced that I was going to the United States for adventure, fame and fortune.

"For 14 years, I chased the almighty American dollar. Now I am done."

I asked where he was going.

"Home to enjoy the life of my Papa."

The chase can indeed be tiresome.

I recently read the book "Game Change," the book about the 2008 election. Beyond the political intrigue, what stuck me was the commitment required to win.

The same is true of startups. Balance is not part of our language. Never letting up is not for everyone.

Click here to view the original post at Brad’s Blog.

Brad Inman is the founder and publisher of Inman News; he created and later sold online real estate lead-generation and marketing site HomeGain.com; and is the founder of TurnHere.com and Vook.com.

***

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