Prologue 

A gentle tap on my shoulder brings me back to consciousness. “Ms. Adams, Ms. Adams, we’re landing; I need your mattress back.” My mind, dulled by fatigue, gradually registers that I am aboard a plane returning home.

The life of a buyer entails frequent international travel—an often-touted benefit in job advertisements. However, reaching this stage has required significant effort and resilience. Air travel during certain seasons almost inevitably leads to encounters with familiar faces, even at 38,000 feet.

On this flight, a group of buyers—including myself—returning from an extensive business trip. The collective exhaustion is palpable. 

Our journey began in Shanghai and continued through India, Taipei, and Bangladesh, with each airport arrival marked by efficient transfers and luggage filled not just with laptops, but also with essential documents. Despite the digital age, there always remains a need to carry physical files as a precaution against unforeseen circumstances.

Travel brings sensory memories unique to each location. By the end of each visit, clothing absorbs the distinct scents of the city—unless one has utilized hotel laundry services, which can ease the burden of post-trip chores. A tip for any wannabe buyer, always get this negotiated into the hotel package.

As the aircraft descends, I reflect on another successful negotiation. A mixture of pride, fatigue, anxiety, and contemplation accompanies thoughts of the future. The demanding nature of this profession is evident; it has traditionally been perceived as requiring youthful energy and stamina. This prompts consideration of longevity within such a role and whether experience compensates for physical endurance.

Now that’s the job advert extract the real feeling was that you could no longer string together a sentence without speaking in pigeon English. You had no idea what time it was, and you had flash backs of night outs and who had slept with who!

Extended periods of travel inevitably lead to deeper reflection on career progression. I recall my formative years as a trainee in Manchester in 90’s at BR Spence—this period marked by both challenges and growth, laying the foundation for a 25-year career. Encountering many bitches along the way.