We all need money to survive. Most of us have to earn a living in one manner or another. (personally, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have to earn money) Some of us have the benefit of education. I say some of us, because when I was in high school, college was a casual option – not an expectation. I started but never completed community college.
My very first job was at the brand-new Amboys Cinemas multi-plex in South Amboy, NJ. I had a couple of warehouse jobs after that. In the late 80s, I was the folk music director at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Keyport, NJ. When I was a young mother I worked part time as a cashier and as a pizza maker at a ski resort in the Poconos. I’ve worked in a tie dye shop. I’ve planted bushes, taken down trees, installed vinyl graphics on buses, ambulances, tractor trailers, even cement trucks – yep you should have seen me on top of those giant mixers.
Amidst all of that, I’ve spent my entire adult life as a professional graphic designer. I’ve worked for small businesses and large corporations. And I’ve been independent, servicing my own clients. I’ve worked for jackasses and sweethearts.
I’ve also worked as a professional musician. Worked. When I leave the house I say “I’m going to work.” It sounds like an oxymoron, because when I meet people on the street they ask, “Where are you playing?” I think I can explain it this way. Playing the gigs – that’s fun. (most of the time, anyway) Even songwriting is fun. Learning new cover songs, rehearsing, making connections, researching venues, booking gigs, marketing, loading in and loading out, driving to and from – that’s work.
So, every morning I get up ready to work. Whatever it is that day, I’m ready for it. Rock on.
DINA HALL 