Have you ever imagined what life would be like without your boss? Would you take a risk and do things your way, or take it easy?
The staff at Irish tour company, Paddywagon Tours, has this once in a lifetime opportunity in the first episode, of series two, of Life Without Me on RTÉ One.
In this six-part series, a person is removed from their workplace or family and sent on a week-long retreat to the picturesque Life Without Me Villa, in the south of Spain.
While the person is away, we will see how those left behind cope without them. Will they sit back and relax? Will they be brave and make changes? This week business owner, Cathal O’Connell, will put the Paddywagon team to the test.
Cathal started his company on St Patrick’s Day nine years ago, with one tour bus. He dubbed himself ‘High King’ and now the Paddywagon clan has grown to include over 50 staff, 15 tour buses, 6 hostels and a pub. He admits he is a complete control-freak and micro-manages everyone from the office staff to the cleaners.
His two senior staff, Stephen and Gabriel, have joked with the workers about volunteering to pay for a holiday – to get the boss off their backs. But this King has never been out of touch with his beloved business. Even on his honeymoon he was in contact with the office – ruling from afar!
So how will Cathal cope without being able to email, call or text his staff to tell them how to do their jobs? He’s leaving his two main men in charge, but it’s the busiest week of the year in the lead up to St Patrick’s Day, and the King is nervous.
Will Stephen and Gabriel be able to organise 20 tours, co-ordinate accommodation and get the special Paddy’s Day green t-shirts printed in time?
Will Cathal’s time in Spain be a chance to learn that he can trust his staff to get the job done?