One More Last Day

I have worked a lot of different jobs in my rotational experience around the sun. And because each job had a starting day it also eventually came to an end providing a last day on the job. Now I never thought that I would have quite so many last days but as it turns out sustaining a musical career takes a lot of non-musical jobs. So from job to job I have weaved in and out. In this process I have learned a few things.

There is always a job to be had; it’s just a matter of whether or not you’re willing to do said task. At times it may seem that there are no jobs anywhere but the truth is you just gotta get down and dirty or creative in how you’re looking or simply what you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to do anything to accomplish a life goal.

The one most important thing that I've learned in my many and various jobs is the process of learning. As much as we take learning for granted because it is very much a part of nature and happens almost seamlessly for most; it couldn't be more overstated that we need to continue to understand the process of learning within ourselves and work to improve our ability to learn quickly. We need to work on the skills that cannot be quantified by tests and resumés (i.e., social interaction, work ethic, adaptability, etc.). The technical knowledge in any job can be learned by anyone simply because 1+1=2, but a horrible work-ethic plus an anti-social personality does not equate to a marketable or hirable employee.

Especially as drummers and percussionists, we are not likely to have a career where we are at the top of the hiring tier. Mainly we will most likely be working for someone else as a session musician, hired side-man for tour, or in a band with other musicians so it is important for us to be fully aware of how we interact with everyone around us. Basically, every step you take should be toward being a better person and learning as much as you can. There is an infinite amount of knowledge to be had especially in the realm of drums and percussion.

“I am doing everything I possibly can to achieve my goals every single day, for if I die tomorrow I will have no regrets.” This is something I think long and hard about almost every day. I constantly focus and re-focus on what I’m doing and where I’m headed because life has a tendency to throw curves at you and if you don’t pay attention those curves can send you sailing in a completely different direction than where you want to be. Not to say I don’t take those changes in stride and incorporate new information into my current plan, but I have a vision of where I want to be.

Although the last day at this internship will not likely be my final last day, if I cease to exist tomorrow I will know that I have done everything within my power to get accomplish my goals and earn a little bit of happiness. Thanks for the opportunities. Here’s to the future, come what may!