A Whole Lotta Nothin'

Bad Title Bad Title...........

Whassup folks? Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. Been trying to keep a roof over my head, as usual.

I've been blogging over at Blogher and even though I enjoy it, I'm struggling with trying to keep up with posts. So much to say, so little time.

And in theory I have the time, but have been preoccupied with trying to make money, which has been incredibly stressful. Freelancing is a pain in the ass, and the stress of trying to figure out why my life has been a mess has me feeling like I am missing out on alot of things. I missed posting something  about Martin Luther King Day (which we don't officially celebrate in Canada) but figured that the American folks would have more relevant topics to come up with, anyway. I also gave up on contributing to the Pazz and Jop music critic's poll and Matos's poll (whom I adore), which I will probably regret. 2006 was spent managing and editing other music writers and as I mentioned previously, I realized that I only purchased a handful of albums last year. Why? Because I was broke.

I'm realizing that the stress of being underemployed has negatively affected aspects of my life in ways that I never imagined. You can't come up with story ideas if all you do is listen to TV (I keep my back to the screen) and never venture out. You also can't keep abreast of new music if you are fixated on job-hunting sites or doing research, instead of seeing live bands - which I missed a ton of great acts that came through the T-Dot. 2006 was primarily spent at the gym or alone in my apartment, writing, pitching stories, worrying or job-hunting, instead of networking, travelling, spending more time with my friends which meant that I if I want to be rid of my single status - which I haven't yet decided is an area where I should direct any time - I have to get out more!

So what's up with 2007? Well, possibly a post-grad degree (what do y'all think? I'm afraid of being even more in debt). SXSW - panel is shaping up nicely - and branching out to doing more print work. I might also follow some of my comrades over to VOX but haven't decided yet.

Okay, I'm tired of whining. See ya!

Comments

[lainad]

Yeah, the corporate thing isn't for me either but my student loans are adding up! Jimi, I checked out Quibian's site and yes,he is hustlin.' Ain't nobody going to do shit for you unless you do for yourself.

[the izza]

step up the hustle. holla at my boy quibian. he got that work. he also got that hustle. dude stays in print. he keep money in his pocket. it really is about the hustle.

[Diane]

Oh sweetie, I hear you loud and clear. I freelanced for seven years (movie/tv/print makeup) and it went pretty well, but I went through a huge dry spell this past summer and had to get a regular job. It took half a year to find a decent one, and now I'm playing catch-up with all the bills. I understand the tremendous oppression of being poor: my credit stinks now, so my auto insurance rates went through the roof, and it's nearly impossible to even consider getting a less expensive car (couldn't get even a reasonably decent loan) or a cheaper apartment (that old credit problem). I've been without health insurance for half a year, and here in the U.S. the pickin's are quite slim when it comes to finding decent healthcare without insurance. What amazes me the most is that I am charged MUCH more for services now that I have way less money, and I understand why people feel so desperate in this situation. I will get past this, but some will not, and it sucks, doesn't it?

[Lester Spence]

I was looking at blogher for my wife and ran across your blog. Although because I'm not a freelancer I don't have the same exact issues you do with getting loot--I'm a professor so I have a JOB job. But because my family is so big (there are seven of us) I feel similar pressure. Trying to make ends meet is no joke....damn I am feeling you.

[j. brotherlove]

"Freelancing is a pain in the ass, and the stress of trying to figure out why my life has been a mess has me feeling like I am missing out on alot of things."

I don't even know where to start, Laina. You need to get out of my head. The ups and downs of freelancing is like some sort of cruel joke. However, I can't picture myslef in a typical corporate environment. And yet, bills have to be paid.