The Speaker Lifestyle Paradox: The Raw Truth About Life on the Road

I had a breakdown at Seattle-Tacoma Airport.

Three world tours in a month will do that to you. There I was, surrounded by thousands of travelers, feeling completely alone. Exhausted. Drained. Missing my wife and wondering if this speaking lifestyle was worth it anymore.

Sound familiar?

If you're a speaker (or thinking about becoming one), you've probably seen those Instagram-worthy moments: the standing ovations, the packed halls, the triumphant poses on stage. But here's what those perfectly filtered photos don't show you: the 3 AM wake-up calls, the delayed flights, the room service dinners eaten alone, and the crash that comes after giving every ounce of energy you have to an audience.

This topic hits close to home because of a message I received from one of our Premium Subscribers, Jeff Shannon. He asked:

"What's it really like to be a full-time speaker? Do you feel like you're giving up quality time with family? I love being on stage and connecting with audiences, but I've told myself the lifestyle (airports) that comes with it isn't worth it."

Jeff nailed it. This is the speaker's paradox that nobody talks about—until now.

Welcome to the Speaker Lifestyle Paradox—a world of extremes. The highest highs. The lowest lows. And a constant question lurks in every speaker’s mind: Is this lifestyle really worth it?

Luckily, you don’t have to take my word on this one.  Huge thanks to Marcus Sheridan, Jay Baer, and Kim Campbell for sharing their insights.

Their raw, honest insights might surprise you (and they definitely don't sugarcoat it).

Let's break down both sides of this paradox—the incredible highs that keep us coming back for more, and the gut-punch lows that make us question everything.

The Highs: Why We Can't Quit This Crazy Life

The Stage Rush (It's Better Than Coffee)

Picture this: You step onto that stage. Hundreds of faces staring back at you. The lights. The anticipation. Then... magic happens.

Marcus Sheridan puts it perfectly:

"In many ways, it's better than I imagined. I live my calling every day on the job. That's an incredible thing to be able to say. The energy on the stage is incomparable... I speak to people and years later you hear the stories about how you changed their life. It is one of the greatest jobs on the planet. Not easy, but it's great and VERY rewarding."

Kim Campbell's journey mirrors what many speakers discover:

"I didn't realize how much I would enjoy it! I have met some incredible people, made lasting connections, and also learned a ton about myself. I love how much I'm learning, seeing improvements in my delivery and performance, and continue to remind myself that being vulnerable is what helps me connect with an audience. I still have nerves (which I think is a good thing because it keeps me on my game) but now I'm having much more fun. Every time I get on stage, I tell myself to relax, be in the moment, and enjoy the opportunity."

That rush? It's addictive. And unlike anything else you'll experience in your professional life.