My friend JillMarie Wiles was the first auctioneer I had ever heard say it.
She suggested she had a “hangover” from bid calling.
I suspect most auctioneers know this same feeling.
There was no alcohol involved. I have an auction ‘hangover’ fueled by adrenaline, excitement, suspense all combined with helping people spend their money along with a late night and limited sleep. As an auctioneer, I love what I do for a living! How many of my fellow auctioneers experience that feeling of ‘adrenaline drain’ the next day after an auction or several auctions back to back?
JillMarie is right. For the most part, bid calling is a vigorous physical and mental activity. Auctioneers are the center of attention and their energy, attitude, attention to details, sense of humor and overall manner are paramount in order to maximize their seller’s position.
What follows such a performance can feel like a hangover. I’m feeling this same sensation — to some extent — as I write this following an early morning arrival to our auction yesterday, and just over 4 hours of bid calling.
Similarly, some performers (actors, public speakers, teachers, politicians …) report distinctly disparate feelings post-big-performances — exhaustion, depression, gloom.
But is hangover the right word? It appears so. The word hangover can be traced to the late 1800’s where it suggested “survival” from the night before (usually, but not always from drinking.)
For auctioneers, it seems a common feeling follows sustained bid calling — physical tiredness, but mental unrest. Most auctioneers report that they are tired, but their minds remain engaged; this imbalance appears to be the cause of these dissimilar sensations.
As well, bid calling and a resulting busy schedule can have displeasing effects, as eating and hydrating are often delayed or postponed. Not only is hours and hours of bid calling exhausting, but it leaves little time to eat or drink properly.
JillMarie points out something many auctioneers have felt, as well as notes that she loves what she does for a living. That’s another feeling most all auctioneers are familiar with as well.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at: Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, Keller Williams Auctions and Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Adjunct Faculty at Columbus State Community College, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School and Faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University.
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