tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post9003040225746901915..comments2024-03-03T15:01:00.402-05:00Comments on Joanne Mattera Art Blog: What Jobs Have You Had?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-3157986432366372722010-05-21T20:33:08.269-04:002010-05-21T20:33:08.269-04:00landscaper, baker, cashier convenience food stor...landscaper, baker, cashier convenience food store, stuffer of envelopes in bank, legal secretary (twice, fired twice) plant watering, gopher in screen print shop, receptionist, secretary, clerk, retail clerk, medical transcriptionist. i too, like another commenter, am finding it difficult to concentrate on making art after working all day for so many years. used to get up at 4am, draw until Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-64091840268646427902008-12-01T02:05:00.000-05:002008-12-01T02:05:00.000-05:00Joanne, you are remarkable but I certainly never p...Joanne, you are remarkable but I certainly never pictured you as a go-go dancer! You are full of surprises.<BR/><BR/>I've had a lot of jobs - mostly part time since beginning art school at age 40, but I've reached my golden years now, and at 62+ have started to collect Social Security. It's not enough to live on but is the equivalent for me of a 20 or 25 hour a week office job. I supplement it Nancy Natalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03325421420384484035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-63034264964341343682008-11-26T21:41:00.000-05:002008-11-26T21:41:00.000-05:00One more:English Teacher in the Czech Republic (Ho...One more:<BR/><BR/>English Teacher in the Czech Republic (How could I leave that out? It was 6 months of fun and traveling through Europe).<BR/><BR/>PeterPeter Arvidsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01999377026933592432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-27001325306553467502008-11-26T21:35:00.000-05:002008-11-26T21:35:00.000-05:00Burger FlipperDishwasher in Seafood restaurantSpor...Burger Flipper<BR/>Dishwasher in Seafood restaurant<BR/>Sporting Goods Store Clerk <BR/>Laundry-mat attendant<BR/>Law Office Clerk<BR/>Landscaper<BR/>Stone Mason Assistant<BR/>Grocery Store Stocking Clerk<BR/>Building Manager<BR/>Recreation Leader<BR/>Social Worker<BR/>Concession Stand Manager<BR/>Art Gallery Assistant<BR/>Blood Donation Scheduler<BR/>Furniture Refinisher Assistant<BR/>Telephone Peter Arvidsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01999377026933592432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-84129880321330051632008-11-26T12:43:00.000-05:002008-11-26T12:43:00.000-05:00Although I had brief stints working in a departmen...Although I had brief stints working in a department store as an assistant manager, in an art supply store, and as a reservationist for People's Express airline, they were all short-lived jobs. Since then I have found a long-term job that has served me well: for the last 26 years I have worked as a waitress in the evenings. This job has fit in well with my lifestyle: I have been able to make moneylisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01438282508299206670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-42279210193094902752008-11-26T09:56:00.000-05:002008-11-26T09:56:00.000-05:00You wouldn't be the first person to tell me I brou...You wouldn't be the first person to tell me I brought back bad memories DM. I left many of my work experiences out of my first comment because I didn't want to becloud the comment thread with my negativity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-4384995412604307502008-11-25T23:19:00.000-05:002008-11-25T23:19:00.000-05:00Joanne I did not intend to be one of those "anonym...Joanne <BR/>I did not intend to be one of those "anonymi" I tried to sign it but I could not locate the paper where I wrote my password. I did not want to loose my commentary so I clicked on Anonymous. I will therefore sign the above commentary with my this signature DM/North Jersey. BTW Eric Gelbers comments brought back way too many memories. Although we had different retail experiences Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-69862047088806659602008-11-25T22:53:00.000-05:002008-11-25T22:53:00.000-05:00I worked at several full time retail jobs and one ...I worked at several full time retail jobs and one office job over the past few decades. These jobs left me drained and depleted. Over the past few years I have had the time to paint that I need but I am not able to quiet my monkey mind .I am working on that which it isn't easy. I am also dealing with the usual monetary stuff that every artist goes through. My so called art career which never Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-42339207537395994202008-11-25T22:41:00.000-05:002008-11-25T22:41:00.000-05:00S. Rebecca said, "granted my list is puny compared...S. Rebecca said, "granted my list is puny compared to others but i'm only 25 and i know it will only grow over time."<BR/><BR/>I hope it doesn't! I hope you will be able to realize financial success from your art sooner rather than later. (Granted this current economy doesn't create the climate for immediate art success, but that's what I would hope for you anyway.)Joanne Matterahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564594823192456546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-8869270922242981372008-11-25T19:49:00.000-05:002008-11-25T19:49:00.000-05:00first job was as a temporary tattoo artist at an a...first job was as a temporary tattoo artist at an amusement park. after that worked as a server, then waitress, then bartender at a country club all through college. worked a few falls as a percussion instructor at some high schools. got out of college and worked at a non-union 60hr/week welding job assembling and welding aluminum bakery racks. completely freaked out and had the "is this goingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-38196923154925233292008-11-23T20:27:00.000-05:002008-11-23T20:27:00.000-05:00Seeing Ken's post about waxing nostalgic about his...Seeing Ken's post about waxing nostalgic about his dishwashing days reminded me that I too held a job for a while as a dishwasher. I loved it. I could listen to the radio and smoke cigarettes. Alice, the short order cook liked me and used to braid my hair when things were slow. I often had to chase off the busboy with a knife. The waitresses all wore pancake makeup and pink and black uniforms. I Pamela Farrellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14892384331947566237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-77965202653264258152008-11-23T12:21:00.000-05:002008-11-23T12:21:00.000-05:00I'm probably forgetting something, but:Clay tennis...I'm probably forgetting something, but:<BR/><BR/><B>Clay tennis court sweeper</B> and <B>racket stringer</B>.<BR/><B>Dishwasher</B>.<BR/><B>Prep cook</B>.<BR/><B>Sandwich maker</B>.<BR/><B>Bookstore clerk</B>.<BR/><B>Adjunct professor</B>.<BR/><B>Museum gallery gaurd</B> (Cranbrook Art Museum).<BR/><B>Stripper</B> (not what you think-- worked in a design and printing office, setting up pages for*https://www.blogger.com/profile/08241577590277573030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-68740640214355199232008-11-23T00:40:00.000-05:002008-11-23T00:40:00.000-05:00Wow, I love this post and the responses. I think a...Wow, I love this post and the responses. I think a part of being an artist is that you must be good at a lot of things-- to get by financially, to stay interested and grounded in life, etc.<BR/><BR/>A short list:<BR/><BR/>telephone interviewer for market research (first job at 15)<BR/>insurance sales over the phone (also at 15)<BR/>cashier at nursery and crafts store<BR/>swimming pool attendant<mel presthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01635893174282368533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-70891089676554597442008-11-21T15:47:00.000-05:002008-11-21T15:47:00.000-05:00I worked in an art store, great for learning what ...I worked in an art store, great for learning what the alkyd resin actually is, and it always came with a few freebies, not to mention the mat cutter, etc. <BR/><BR/>I also worked in a sign shop, this alone has had more impact on my work then anything else. For one the owner was a stickler for craft, it had to be perfect or it was done again. I kept the scraps of vinyl we used and made numerous Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-83701250581170191832008-11-21T09:46:00.000-05:002008-11-21T09:46:00.000-05:00other odd jobs- home depot sales clerk, advisor to...other odd jobs- home depot sales clerk, advisor to high school glbt group, college radio station dj, volunteer in a shelter for homeless cats and group leader for teenagers on camping trips in the wildernessDonna Dodsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17068704959733467515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-54934468841892082352008-11-21T08:56:00.000-05:002008-11-21T08:56:00.000-05:00caterer's assistant/waitressbabysitterwarehouse pa...caterer's assistant/waitress<BR/>babysitter<BR/>warehouse packer/shipper/order picker<BR/>hotel front desk<BR/>retail <BR/>phone sales...lasted one day<BR/>drove an ice cream truck<BR/>customer service (various)<BR/>recreation assistant/youth worker<BR/>deli worker<BR/>clerk in a drug manufacturer's clean room <BR/>assembly worker at a cosmetics/perfume manufacturer (2 different ones)<BR/>Pamela Farrellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14892384331947566237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-38201224378216703212008-11-21T02:00:00.000-05:002008-11-21T02:00:00.000-05:00Jeez, my parents might read this so I'll keep it c...Jeez, my parents might read this so I'll keep it clean.<BR/>My first job was as a Congressional Intern for Shirley Chisholm, teaching me boundless respect and awe for hard working, idealistic but practical politicians - truly public servants.<BR/>I sold ties at Saks 5th Ave and skis in Denver, never having tried on either of those. A stint as a copy editor at the Boston Globe polished an eye Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-56636864840307104862008-11-21T01:11:00.000-05:002008-11-21T01:11:00.000-05:00You know - I should add that my many years in Medi...You know - I should add that my many years in Medical Administration gave me priceless experience in dealing with prima donna doctors, demanding patients and psychopathic supervisors. I could smile at everybody, jiggle all the problems, get the job done and not go postal. I think that I certainly qualify for a Survivor team; I'd be the one who could pull it all together and act as a lay therapistNancy Ewarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12116290968007398337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-43443352729073610122008-11-20T23:55:00.000-05:002008-11-20T23:55:00.000-05:00While I am in total awe of everyone's jobs--I mean...While I am in total awe of everyone's jobs--I mean that; we would be one dementedly resourceful team on Survivor--so far I three oddball favorites:<BR/>. Collating pinball machine manuals. (I'm assuming that's to set them up, not to play.) <BR/>. Making a pyramid-shaped display of lightbulbs, and then walking off the job. (I guess the light bulb went off, eh?)<BR/>. Winning a Daytime Emmy for Joanne Matterahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564594823192456546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-53872414101490558842008-11-20T19:32:00.000-05:002008-11-20T19:32:00.000-05:00I was a waitress during college at a tiny Italian ...I was a waitress during college at a tiny Italian place on Boston's North Shore, a high-end place with tuxedos and bow ties. We brought out all of the nightly specials as we described them, even the thrashing live lobster. The boss fancied himself a world-famous chef and kicked people out if they complained about the food. He was crazy and angry. It was the hardest job I've ever had and I Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-79299315117712050232008-11-20T17:25:00.000-05:002008-11-20T17:25:00.000-05:00Your post comes at a perfect time. Thank you! I'...Your post comes at a perfect time. Thank you! I'm about to head out the door to a training session for my latest part-time job- telephone research. It's great to be reminded that's what artists do because sometimes I forget. Just this week I've babysat and taught GED English classes all for the sake of my art. How does all of this impact my work? That's still a work in progress...<BR/>Best,Colleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13726583676063393817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-86505286471565867272008-11-20T15:17:00.000-05:002008-11-20T15:17:00.000-05:00Oh, another thing about makeup as regards what I d...Oh, another thing about makeup as regards what I do now. You gotta communicate. You have to talk and find out who that person is. And those skills I took with me when I started doing radio and interviewing artists. Same thing really.Evahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04526963554623770078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-61726857697880525762008-11-20T15:16:00.000-05:002008-11-20T15:16:00.000-05:00I've been a bartender and a waitress, was an au pa...I've been a bartender and a waitress, was an au pair, sold shoes (Ferragmo - at least they were good shoes) and clothes (Saks, Chanel, St. John). I sold records and eventually became the import buyer at Aquarius in SF. I've ran galleries and was actually paid to curate a public art project. <BR/><BR/>But the job I held the longest and the one to undoubtably influence my art making was being a Evahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04526963554623770078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-90066058831771857232008-11-20T13:52:00.000-05:002008-11-20T13:52:00.000-05:00I worked in Waldbaum's behind the deli counter. It...I worked in Waldbaum's behind the deli counter. It is a grocery store chain on Long Island. I got fired when they caught me playing with the announcement system which we had access to from behind the deli counter. I whispered "Stay away from appetizing". The store manager had apoplexy and fired me on the spot. I worked at TCBY, The Country's Best (most vile) Yogurt. I didn’t make yogurt cakes Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832682.post-80545522134496556152008-11-20T13:29:00.000-05:002008-11-20T13:29:00.000-05:00Hey, Everyone--These are great responses. Talk abo...Hey, Everyone--<BR/><BR/>These are great responses. Talk about multifaceted! Thanks for responding.<BR/><BR/>Keep 'em coming, folks. At some point, I'll list all the jobs in the main post so that we can have an at-a-glance look at our vast diversity of experience.Joanne Matterahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564594823192456546noreply@blogger.com