Parking Life is a Journey

Life is a journey and in the Parking Industry the journey can take you in many directions. It is filled with many celebrations of success, hardships, and lessons, which will ultimately lead you to your destination. The road will not always be smooth or forgiving. Throughout your travels, you will encounter many challenges. Some will test you and others will bring purpose to your life. How we handle these trials and tribulations will determine how the reminder of the journey will go and what path you will take.

Working in the parking industry is very similar to a long winding road which takes you through mountainous areas with sharp turns and high cliffs. Sometimes there is not another vehicle in sight. Other times you are in a traffic jam, surrounded by others just trying to get to their final destination, the perfect parking spot. Parking people are amazing people. You can always reach out for direction, opinions, and shared experiences. Working on a parking garage? You know a consultant, your counterpart knows one, or someone you met at conference is one. All you need to do it pick up the phone and make a call to someone in your network. Looking to replace your technology or upgrade? Chances are there is someone already in your parking network to share their experience with you, share data, or provide you some sort of direction. Parking people are always there for each other.

Are you new to the parking industry? First time attending a conference? Feel like you are the one on that lonely winding road? Well, you are never alone in the parking industry. Attend those conferences, join that association, network, meet people, make friends, take that ride and make the journey. The road to success is usually not any easy one, but you can always count on your parking family to come through when you need it. So celebrate those successes. Learn from each other, become involved in a parking industry committee, run for a position on an industry board, share your experiences, network. Chances are there is someone out there who feels the same way, is new to the industry, is looking for the same guidance and mentoring opportunities. We are all looking for that perfect parking spot in life and when we find it, we will know.  Remember, you are always just one decision away from a completely different life. Parking life… well, “It’s a parking thing” and if you are not in parking, you just wouldn’t understand. “Life’s a journey, but don’t worry, you’ll find a parking spot in the end” (Isaac Asimov, 2023)

Not a Southwest Parking and Transportation member yet? What are you waiting for…start that journey and become one of the cool parking kids now!

Maria Soto, CAPP, MBA

SWPTA Social Media Chair

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