Just Because It’s Different Doesn’t Mean It’s Bad

       Change is about the only thing that is constant nowadays and we have the choice to roll with it or fight it. Coming from a corporate background, I am on the side of rolling with the changes in life that are beyond my control. For change that I can control, at least somewhat, I pick my battles based on the impact each change will have on me and the world around me – with the world around me (the greater good) usually taking precedence when there is a conflict.

       This topic came to the fore during our recent “Get the hell out of NJ in February” trip to the Keys. Much has changed since the new owners fully took over last year and more change is on the way as major renovations (some very much needed) are coming to the property. Other than a poorly run tiki bar and a management staff that is lackluster at best, the property is still a great place to be. If we hadn’t been there for 13 years with the previous owners, we would have shrugged off the less than stellar service. Having experienced the homey atmosphere that the previous owners instilled in their staff and guests, the changes are a bit of a letdown though.

       The shift to a more corporate mentality of running the property was a constant topic of conversation during our stay. For me, the changes were a minor nuisance but for some we spoke with, the changes are taking away the quaintness of the place. Things like replacing the room keys with a keypad lock sparked heated debate. For me, I’m happy to not have to carry a key – there are enough things in my pockets already. For others, taking away the key ruins the whole Keys experience (sorry for the bad pun). A lot of angst over that little change.

       Other changes caused more confusion than conflict. Adjusting the happy hour at the tiki bar, not publicizing it, and limiting live music to one day a week were puzzling to us as the tiki bar had always been a gathering place to see familiar faces and meet new people while enjoying drinks on the property – with the owners stopping by most evenings. I’m not sure which changes impacted attendance, but the bar was virtually empty even during happy hour. That’s something we never saw before, and we were disappointed at the lack of company at the bar. Maybe it was the nearly invisible bartender or the absentee owners, maybe it was the small plastic cups for wine (instead of wine glasses) and the lack of a good beer on happy hour (they were out of stock of the one good beer but didn’t place another beer on the list), maybe it was some of the other  things I mentioned above, or maybe it was that higher prices chased people back to their cabins to drink their own stash of alcohol.

      We survived all the changes and are already booked for next year to ensure we get the cabin we like. It’ll be different next year for sure, but we are hoping that the changes made between now and then will be good for the property and for the guest experience. Our fingers are crossed that the new owners learn the hospitality business quickly and get their focus back to the guests first. That’s what made this our happy place 15 years ago and has kept us coming back – and now our friends too as they’re booked for their 4th year.

       Change is inevitable and constant in all facets of our lives. It is necessary for growth, and it keeps life interesting. Of course, some changes are good and some not so much. Just because something changes doesn’t mean it’s bad though. Much depends on the eye of the beholder. And when you can’t control the change around you, you can fight it and be miserable or go with it and try to enjoy the ride. Surprisingly, I was the one rolling with the changes while others we hung out with were not so accepting. One thing I have come to learn (it took a LONG time though) is that life is too short to be miserable, so let go of the things you can’t control, and focus on those that you can.

ww.RetiredandInspiredat55.com  3-18-2024