What is it really like to run a VTC, work full time & have Game Moderator responsibilities?

The below is the musings of a 30-something dude who's got an idea in his head and wants rid of it.

Time and time again in my previous VTC's, I have wondered how fun would it be to actually own a VTC. Now, well over a year into being the owner of Nightwish Trucking, a successful, Validated VTC, I believe I finally have an answer to this.

It's alright, actually.

I work full time, 12 hour shifts, days & nights on a rotating basis, weekend, holidays, Christmas & New Year, on the railways in the UK. It is a very responsible role, which I can summerise easily enough by "keep the public and the trains separate from each other". In the quieter moments, it gives me time to catch up on some light VTC duties, such as activity checks, or adding divisions bonuses, or keeping in touch with the other management. But it is hard work sometimes, sitting at work, seeing everyone else having fun by driving, attending convoys, and having a laugh with each other, whilst I am set aside from all this, keeping the country moving. Do I feel resentful. Sometimes. Do these feelings go away at payday? Definitely.

Another thing is, my absolute main passion in life, is traveling. I travel a lot. Almost 50 flights last year, for example, 45 before that, 40-something before that.You can leave your green agenda at the door. Luckily, a lot of aircraft are fitted with wifi these days, at least, those decent airlines are. sideways glance at Ryanair. A new side effect, discovered around October, if planning how to keep on-top of Game Moderation work. I can't disclose too much here, but this has needed a lot more planning than I could ever have predicted.

Traveling, owning a VTC, being a Game Moderator....hard work.

Oh, look, another ping. Another issue to sort out. Lets have a quick meeting to discuss what to do. Agree, talk about it. Sorted.

Oh, another ping. A new application. This is one of the more enjoyable events, actually. Meeting someone new, talking with them, accessing them, and seeing how they fit in with the rest of the VTC. A positive feeling that I never knew could be possible until I witnessed 10+ friends all driving in the color scheme I had helped create, using the VTC name I had a hand in creating. Funny, really.

I certainly wouldn't have got to this stage if it wasn't for the awesome team I have along side me, every day.

• Stappat, or bossman to be precise
• Stance, or technical man, who's job it is to make this old man understand how things work, technology wise
• Gummy, our straight-talking, no nonsense Event Manager
• Foxxy, our HR & Recruitment dude who helps us only take on the very best
• And finally, all of our amazing, friendly, brilliant drivers (There is too many to link here)

To that end, working 12 hour shifts, coming home, doing TMP Staff, chilling with my VTC members, having some damn good laughs, attending convoys, enjoying life.....yep, definitely worth it.