Ghosts of Jobs Past: 930 Club, Freelance Writing and Temporary/Part-time Work

Before I handed in my resignation letter at the health publishing company, I started working at 930 Club. I decided to work there because I still had vague aspirations of a career in the music industry, but mostly, I think I just wanted to experience life. The plan was to do freelance writing during the day and to work at 930 Club at night.  After experiencing the misery of my previous job, I wanted to be inspired . . .and to have fun, I guess. I simply wanted to feel alive. Little did I know, I’d be broke and the freelance writing gigs wouldn’t pan out as planned, but, all in all, I’d be insanely happier. I couldn’t imagine things going any other way.

Adrienne as Doorstapher, Box Office Assistant and Barista

I worked at 930 Club (also known as “the Club” or “930”), a popular music venue in Washington, DC, for a little over two years. I can describe what I loved about the place, but unless you’ve worked there, you really won’t get it. I can even try to paint this beautiful picture about how fulfilling and eye-opening this experience was, but you still won’t understand. I think the easiest approach is just telling you what I enjoyed most about my time there:

• I learned the meaning of hard work, long hours and feeling like what I did every night sort of mattered. 
• I worked with a group of people that I liked and respected. 
• I learned how to be tough. 
• I learned how to not really give a fuck about what other people think. I just did my job, just as as we all are just doing our job here on this earth. No one is better or more important than anyone else. 
• I met my boyfriend and learned how to experience true love. (I’m still learning about that every day.)

I started at 930 as security or, as it was called there, "doorstaph" (not a spelling mistake). Everyone has to start as a doorstapher, which adds to the familial feeling that exists there. I checked IDs, I cleaned, I took out the trash, I swept cigarettes off of the pavement and made sure patrons followed the rules. This position was okay for a little while, but I soon grew tired of late nights and babysitting drunken patrons. I wanted to try something new.

About 6 months after I started, I began working in the box office. About 6 months after that, I started working at the coffee bar. My favorite position at the Club was barista because it was the most autonomous and I could hear bands play every night. I also liked chatting with coworkers and patrons as I served them coffee. 

I worked with creative and talented people at 930. I figured out life there. I was exactly where I was supposed to be at 23. 

I said goodbye to this job when I moved to NYC for graduate school.

Adrienne as Freelance Writer

Freelance writing proved to be much harder than I anticipated. I wrote for a few online publications successfully. I sent queries to magazines, but I was never published. I suppose I could have tried harder to make a living as a freelance writer, but I did the best I could have done at the time. I'm proud of every cent that I've earned, but sadly, I could never even fill my gas tank once a month with the money I made writing. All of this leads me to the next section . . .

Adrienne as Temporary/Part-time Employee

From 2007 - 2009, I had the following part-time jobs:

• Office Assistant for Matthew Lesko (Yes, it’s true! I worked for the “Free Money” guy!)
• Gym instructor for children (Soooooo not the right fit for me!)
• Receptionist for an embroidering company (Mindless, but okay. Really loved the people that I worked with!)
• Temp for various companies via an employment company (Treated like an idiot, but a good way to make some fast cash to pay the bills.)
• Marketing/publishing intern for a small self-publisher (Not ideal.)

So, as you can see, I have had many professional experiences. Life with an English degree would have been easier if I had just decided to become a teacher, but I don’t prefer the easy way. Can you tell?

Adrienne as Daughter of Devonia Miles

I cannot write about all of these jobs and different work experiences without acknowledging my mother. Throughout this time, she supported me and she believed in me. She allowed me to live with her while I struggled financially with student loans, car payments, and insurance. She never made me feel like I was doing the wrong thing and she never pressured me to be anyone else. While I am sure she had her own opinions of my aspirations and dreams, she never pushed those opinions on me. She gave me the comfort and support that I needed while I figured things out. I believe she did the right thing because she never broke my spirit. 

People have judged me for living at home during this time, being too dependent on my parents and for not understanding the “real world” by just “getting a job” so I could be on my own. Despite all of the noise, I don’t regret a thing and I consider myself lucky. My parents were/are always there for me . . .unconditionally. No, my mother didn’t force me out of the house or suggest that I grow up, but she didn’t pay for all of my expenses or let me be irresponsible either. I always had a job and I was always striving for something.

For all who have had their opinions and questions, know this: I am extremely independent and I was raised to always make my own decisions. To that, I am eternally thankful. All of this has made it possible for me to walk away from situations that weren’t good for me personally and professionally. 

Yes, I am spoiled. I am spoiled with love and positivity. There are far worse character "flaws" to acquire! In fact, I probably have one or two of 'em.

I’ll live my life how I want and I wish for you to do the same. Life is hard enough without added pressure. Devonia Miles always understood that. Thanks, Mom!

Next up: Queens College and My Last Big Mistake