Slugs and Bodysnatchers: A Means to An End in the HOV Lane

I traveled last week to Andrews Air Force Base for the new job I have decided to include in my life (more on that later).  I was with a co-worker who used to be in program acquisitions with the Air Force, who, for many years, commuted to the Pentagon from Virginia. 

Like a lot of states, the Virginia/DC metro area have lanes dedicated to those commuters who car pool (3 or more persons for the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes here).  In a classic case of a high value need demanding an innovative solution, there were different car park areas that started to function like the Home Depot in the early mornings except instead of day laborers looking for work, people like my friend Charlie would hang out looking for someone who needed another person in there car to meet the HOV limit.

Riders are called ’slugs.’  Drivers are called ‘body snatchers.’  Slugs get to ride for free, body snatchers get to drive in the  rock and roll lane.  Everyone gets to work quicker.  Apparently the protocol is such that if the body snatcher strikes up a conversation, communicating is encouraged.  If they say nothing to you, you can go back to sleep and it is understood by all that’s the way it is.

This is an innovative solution to a need with benefits to all.  Unfortunately for many people, they are both slugs and body snatchers, driving their own numb bodies off to a job they disslike and get little more than a paycheck for their efforts.

It doesnt have to be this way; that is what The Wealth Manifesto training program is about, making a connection between personal fulfillment and how you make money.  Enjoy what you do FIRST, then figure out where your expertise can generate income.

It can be done.  That’s all for now .. ‘Sluggo’ (you know who you are).