Fact or Perception
As an update and a gentle lead-in to the title of this post, I recently put in a job application at the Sam Ash Music Store in Cincinnati. I worked for years at a local instrument music chain a while ago (not records or CD type of music store…) and I also worked at an electronics music store called ICB Audio. I thought that and my decades of management, sales and customer service experience would make me a good candidate. I started working at Sam Ash about two weeks ago. For me, it is like being a kid in a toy store……. because I AM!
So, do I feel like the employment situation is getting better because I now have a job? In reality, unemployment rate is very low, and has been for a while now. There are people still looking for work, but there are also companies that are looking but cannot find qualified workers in their field and/or location.
Do we feel that food insecurity is a myth because we do not see it in our neighborhood or town?
Everyone we know is well fed and has no difficulty getting their next meal.
Do we refuse to believe specific facts or national statistics because they do not apply to us?
I am glad to be working again doing something I love. I will probably spend more money than I make as I have done in music stores in the past, but I will hopefully meet a lot of new talented people driven by their passion to make music for all to enjoy.
It is tough when you are unemployed. For those of you still looking I wish you well in 2017!
MidiMike 
Congratulations on your new position which is perfect to be working around ” music ” and with your years of experience, really being able to assist people! Best wishes for your health and happiness in the new year!
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Much appreciated! There are so many options and so much misinformation that it can be confusing and overwhelming for people just starting to see what potential there is out there. Music writing, performing, recording, sound reinforcement and many other areas are opening up for new and creative uses. I wish you the best in 2017 and beyond! Thank you so much.
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Heh – funny, I applied at a Sam Ash store for a teaching gig a while back. Never heard from them. No sweat though, I prefer being independent.
I think the raw unemployment rate is fairly fuzzy. 85% of the population employed at minimum wage is a different scenario from 85% of the population employed across a wide wage spectrum. My wage has fluctuated wildly over the past 20 years but I’m been “employed” the whole time.
My question is what effect robots and artificial intelligence will have on jobs of the future, even in the arts.
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I also applied to Guitar Center and have not heard anything from them so far. I prefer the family structure of Sam Ash. I am still learning and not too familiar with the teaching schedule there. I would think there are some teachers that have been there for a while, but there will also be those that do not stay long. It might be worth another try or follow up call. I wish you good luck if you want to continue that option.
Whatever the industry or service, the future belongs to those that can adapt, be creative, and hob-nob better than those that may have great skills and creative talent but no social or marketing skills. Today’s musicians need to be good looking, unique or different in some way and they also need to be their own marketer, promoter, engineer, technician, composer and arranger. They also have to find themselves standing near the right door when it opens. So many demands and so little support.
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Congratulations on finding a job you actually enjoy!
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Thank you! This is a perfect environment for me. Once I get past learning their systems and procedures I will have a great time.
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Congratulations
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Cool. Much appreciated!
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Glad to hear you’re where the music of your soul plays in perfect harmony :D<3
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It is a good place for me to continue to learn about new toys and musical possibilities, teach beginners and help inspire others to make great music and/or make music sound great!
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Congrats on the new(ish) job. I hope it’s still going well, and that you aren’t spending more than you re earnig. That would be my problem if I worked in a book store. Cheers.
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Thanks! Books are my other weakness. Thank goodness there is a great library close by!
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Oh yes – I’m a library fan and advocate.
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Hi midimike Nice to hear from you. I was lucky only out of work for two weeks in the fifty years I worked. Thank you for liking “Predicted!” Best Wishes. TheFoureyedPoet.
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Well hello! ! Two weeks in fifty years! Got me beat lol. Good to hear from you as always.
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