For those of us who have a steady job, a steady paycheck and are in it for the long-haul: For those of us who WANT IT and don’t NEED IT, who are seeking knowledge and professional connections in an industry that can thrive on new ideas and technology, something “we”, as a young and sometimes geeky generation, have grown up being accustomed to.
Do you bring your iPad to the bathroom with you?
Some may call it “free”, but I’m beginning to believe that when delivered from a reliable and credible source, that type of knowledge and those connections are invaluable.
I’ve been in Nashville for almost two years now and have recently bought my first house. With the extra room, I’ve gone through 5 housemates who were all looking to work in the industry, all the while speaking down upon me for being a police dispatcher, something completely unrelated to my $42,000 college degree.
The difference between them and me? I’m still here.
I’m finally established enough that I can support myself, I’ve got a great group of newly made friends and I’ve got the time and motivation. I refuse to fall into a “comfortable rut”; I want to do music. I want to do BUSINESS in MUSIC.
It sounds like a win-win. Some company will be granted a hard-working, respectable and willing employee with no financial obligation. I will earn that invaluable knowledge. And I’m happy scrubbing toilets or making coffee, as long as I’m learning the business as well. I’m craving those relationships and opportunities formed on fairness, open communication and the credible exchange of information.
I don’t just want this for myself; I want this for people who are like me: people who are comfortable and self-sufficient enough to do this because they WANT to and can expect a fair trade in return. We seem to be a rare breed, but we do exist.
I have music contacts. I know a few people in the industry. So how do you draw the line between portraying your talents as a respectful, courteous and motivated job-seeker versus an overly-excited wannabe, just like everyone else? I don’t want to be like everyone else. “Everyone else” is also not getting hired and I’ve still got my dignity. And although I have seen it work, I’m not about to sleep my way to the top. Stupid morals.
I’m not opposed to sacrifice. Hell, I moved across the country with my physically abusive boyfriend who left me here alone after a week. There are people out there who work harder than I do. There are people who are smarter and friendlier. My pride rests in being a constantly-evolving combination of valuable traits including: personality, efficiency, intelligence, diligence and morality. I won’t stop trying to be the best.
And that’s why I’m asking you, online community. Because I don’t know most of you. Because as much as I would like your opinion of me to matter, it doesn’t have to. Because if you can’t help me, nothing is lost. Comments, connections and criticisms are welcomed and encouraged.
