GTA, Somewhere Off The 400, Day Off
Hotel rooms. I’m more comfortable in them than most people. I’ve spent the better part of my adult life in them and have formulated a ranking system of sorts.
On days like today, when I’m in transit between two cities, it’s always best to remain outside of a city center, such as Toronto, because it’s hard to find bus parking and, in truth, a waste of money when it comes to rooms. Sure, there’s more to do in downtown Toronto, but days off are commonly spent sleeping, laying in the bathtub with the lights out drinking beer, watching films (please let someone around here have the new Ken Burns documentary), and catching up on things like email and the news. Sometimes days off are filled with press, which I’m not a fan of as it tends to detract from the ability to relax. But for the most part they pass pretty quickly. You sort of fall into an unconscious state of mind given how busy things are otherwise.
This hotel is what I call ‘new sheets’. It’s one of those highway mega-court hotels that are brand new, the rooms are brand new, so it’s comfortable and serves the purpose well. A ‘pass out’ hotel would be, for example, The Opus in Montreal. It’s the sort where you tend to spend the day in a bathrobe, eat room service, and stay in bed most of the time. Another type, and probably the most familiar, would be an ‘old faithful’, typically Fairmont’s and the like. They’re the sort that you have a long standing relationship with so you tend to get highly reduced rates for nice rooms because of your continued business and the staff are always prepared when you check in – meaning that your credit card is on file, everything is done, and they just recognize you and hand you a room key. Lastly there are ‘shit kickers’, or hotels that were at one time nice, or at least comfortable, but have, over the years, fallen into disrepair. In smaller towns they’re the norm.
I’m not an ostentatious man, but when it comes to hotels I believe that they represent the last true bastion of customer service. Of course, you get what you pay for, but in a world in which service has massively declined, and people’s pride in their work is at an all time low, it’s an experience to stay at, for example, The George V in Paris. When it comes to hotels of that caliber, nowhere in the world will you find dedication to customer service at such levels.
There used to be a time when you could pull into a gas station and the attendant would wash your windows, check your oil, check your tire pressure, and fill up your car all at the same time (I speak from vast experience). But those days are gone. Considered menial, such occupations are now viewed by many, especially young people, as beneath them, which is rather telling. In a day and age in which so many cling to the belief that they should automatically inherit a decent living, the apathy displayed by those that find themselves doing something that doesn’t reflect that expectation is vastly apparent.
I didn’t learn how to play the guitar until I was 20. At the time we were in a recession and work was extremely hard to come by. Many, myself included, were forced to go on welfare while we hunted for whatever we could find to get by. After three months in college I dropped out because the prospect of having a paycheck was more important than trying to scrounge for cash to remain in school and afford the supplies needed to paint. So it was back to full time work and writing prose on paper towels between gassing up cars.
I’ve been lucky in life, no question about it. I have also worked my ass off and paid a pretty hefty personal price for where I am today, which is sitting in a ‘clean sheets’ waiting for the day to pass before going to Bala tomorrow.
Were all of this to end tomorrow, I would, in truth, be qualified to do absolutely nothing, and that is something that has never been lost on me in all these years – and is the reason I spend up to an hour in some cases signing things for fans after shows and taking pictures with them. Besides an over abundance of self-education, I have no formal education beyond that of high school – three months of art school doesn’t really count. I suppose this is where I say it’s good to be a hot, young girl that can use her wiles to secure a future, which seems to be a trend on the rise in many urban centers. Perhaps, if I hit the gym every day, I might be able to land some lonely cougar with enough wealth to support me because she happened to love Beautiful Midnight nine years ago and was lucky enough to screw some other poor bastard out of his hard earned cash. But as it stands now, after some thirteen years of playing and recording music professionally, I don’t even own a home. When the band broke up, its debt was transferred to me alone, which means that even though everyone else got their equal share of monies over the years which helped accumulate that debt, I was stuck with it and thus forced into a position of having to accept less money to record and live because of the inevitable negative backlash at my label and the unwillingness of many there to properly work my solo efforts.
I guess, when all is said and done, it’s no wonder I spent a year puking and subsiding on Boost drink, apples, and nutrition bars. That and, of course, passing out because of panic attacks. The added pressure of having to care for another person was a huge factor as well, and one that ultimately landed me in the position of having to try and make up lost ground so that I might be able to actually look at finding a place somewhere to put down some roots.
But you see, everything happens for a reason. And no matter where you find yourself, be it pumping gas or the head of some giant company, your integrity is what is of the greatest import. Because once you abandon it, there is no way to reclaim it. Once it is lost, it is lost forever, because inside you will always know that you allowed it to be sacrificed.
It may be a rather antiquated notion, but in this world your integrity is all that you really have. In the end, it is the only part of anything that you accomplished that will be remembered. Because any fool that wants something bad enough, and is willing to get on their knees to get it, can make their dreams come true. But in doing so, they will have to spend the rest of their lives a prisoner to that moment when they allowed themselves to be sacrificed in the name of their ambition.
There is no dishonour in pumping gas for a living, working at a fast food joint, or picking up other people’s garbage. There is only dishonour in it if you allow yourself to believe that it is dishonourable because you would willingly sacrifice your integrity for something deemed better. In this world there is always something ‘better’, there is always ‘more’ to be had. But it is how we go about defining those things that is the real test of ourselves.
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October 6th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
My parents always said that they would be happy with whatever I chose to do as long as I was happy. If that was working at a gas station for minimum wage, then so be it. Support from your family can make all the difference in the world. You just have to do what makes you happy and gives your life meaning.
October 6th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Wow Matt, one of the best entries I have ever read. Completely moving. It is exactly what I needed to read today. WOW….hands down, that is all I can say.
October 6th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I worked at Esso and Subway. I worked the car wash in the winter, which was an absolute zoo the first sunny day after a month of rain/sleet.
But at least I got to steal bags of chips.
And Subway… well, let’s just say I did the summer night shift down at White Rock beach when there was a Subway down at White Rock beach.
Oh the drunkards… how I miss them.
Got a good chuckle on the lonely cougar bit. I think Discovery channel should produce a show called the “Lonely Cougar”. Get a dude with a British accent to host and have him go around the world looking for veteran love.
October 6th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”
I love that quote.
There are brilliant, witty, kind and loving women out here that earn their own paycheques too. How much wealth do you require to be supported?
It must be an occupational hazzard why you’re not coming across any of them.
I hope you find each other one day. And it won’t be because she loved Beautiful Midnight 9 years ago, but because she enjoys your company, your conversation and shares your view of the future.
October 6th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
At home, near the 400.
On another dull day wondering what to do with my life - reading that made me smile.
Thank you.
October 6th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Another great post for sure.
Enjoy the day off.
I went to the Kee one night a few years ago. My job in London used to bring me to the Gravenhurst area a few times a year. A few co-workers took me out there on somethign they referred to as ‘resort night’. Oh the scenery……………..
I think people are more qualified to do things they never dreamed of. In your case, all these years dealing with the dirty end of record companies. do you think you could do it better, or do higher morals such as yours get put down in that world? Only the crooked survive?How about promotion? Artist development? I know it’s all music industry related, but I think your resume would get to the top of the pile. Or you start your own gig.
You write your resume every day. Have fun in the shiny new hotel.
And theres always the Cougar theory……….
October 6th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
To me, a hotel gets that 5th star if I can see the TV from the toilet. Ya oughta try the W chain sometime.
October 6th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Everyone except the tiny handful of people in my life that I love consider my integrity to be a condescending sermon, even though I never speak. I sit in my classes wearing worn clothing that hasn’t been replaced in years, but apparently that means I must be saving my money for a shiny high horse. Is sacrificing integrity such a bad thing if you do it to alleviate loneliness instead of poverty?
October 6th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Those are some fine words Matt.
Were all of this to end tomorrow then surely, someone’d let you teach. You’re doing it here already.
October 6th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Wow! that was an amazing entry. It is my first time here in the site and I am glad I came. Just like your songs your entry spoke to me but I most agree with what someone else said early there are brilliant, kind women out there who work for their paycheck. I for one consider myself to be a woman with many good qualities and I have worked very hard to be were I am;however, I have paid a high price for it. The worse thing is that I am lonely and still poor :(
October 6th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
The new Ken Burns documentary, The War, is great. I’ve only caught a few episodes on PBS, but I cannot recommend it enough. Having never seen any of his work before, I am now very interested in all of it.
October 6th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
I was in a place where I could stay for the money & security. Althought that wasn’t my motivation in the first place. It just evolved that way. Leaving means finding a job with decent pay in a city where my measly 2 yr degree is virtualy meaningless either that or “use my wiles to secure a future” aaah no, that will never last. So F it. What will be will be and it will all work out. maybe I’ll run away to the peace corps. thanks. i needed that today
btw the show last night was amazing. except i wanted to elbow the duche next to me who kept yelling “air conditioning!” Have to kind of agree. But it was sweaty lovely time none the less. thanks for the great encore!
October 6th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
nice entry
October 6th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Great entry for sure.
You’re right though; It’s amazing how some people will think of such jobs being beneath them, as we have countries with citizens all over the world who would stand in line for such jobs. I know down here in middle Tennessee, there’s an incredible amount of immigrants (some legal, some not) who are willing to do anything job-wise. I think that in itself shows how spoiled North America has become these days.
October 6th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I’ve slept in tank tracks during a downpour…mosquitoes buzzing in my ear all night. Humid. Sweaty. Same clothes for 2 weeks.
It was cozy.
and ciavarro still works at Subway - he’s hoping those cougars at the gym can manage to give him a 6 inch or foot long…good luck with that ciavarro.
October 6th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
oh i forgot to add, forget the cougar, i will be your sugar mamma…i just quit my job at the Ministry of Health, i feel liberated let me tell ya, but hey, we can live off kraft dinner for awhile…
October 6th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
beautiful post-
*yeh- yeh yeh- you should teach!!! don’t know much about the canadian educational system- but baby jesus knows we need great teachers down here- and there are tons of programs to get your teaching license or- just put aside a few years to become a professor …of history or literature- i dunno???. what eva your heart desires.! which leads me right into…
*Hope you get your hands on THE WAR. it’s incredible!!! the unseen footage is unreal ,esp with the clips in color.
*speaking of those days gone… been addicted to old i love lucy reruns as of late- cant get enough!!!
ps- don’t forget to take your VITAMEATAVEGAMIN (sp???) after each meal- heheheh, hope that reference isnt lost! -geek i am ;)
October 6th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
holy cheese and rice, i just noticed, someone has named themselves Galvatron!
I’m not the nerdiest on here anymore!
Transformers did rock even when it sucked at the end though…Galvatron was one crazy mofo…basically Megatron with PTSD.
oh yeah and Matt have you considered setting up a deferred annuity?
October 6th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
lmao “holy cheese and rice”, hilarious….
October 6th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Hi Matt.
I’ve been sitting in my apartment listening to Hospital Music all day and reading your blog. Well, I did take a break to bake some banana bread; the banana I had taken out of the freezer was threatening to go bad. Anyhow, thank you for keeping your integrity. It shows in your music and your art (I was moved by the drawings you did in the hospital). A Single Explosion brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
I like the environment of hotels. There’s really a sense of community, and a real need to make our guests as comfortable as we possibly can. I work in a hotel actually, though far far in the back of house.. in our little room tucked away from guest interaction (pastry shop), but even in such closed quarters, there is still such a huge emphasis on appreciation. I don’t think a single person hates what they do there. There are of course, stressful moments.. but you have to go through the paces to really appriciate the satisfaction that the guests get. :)
There are always meetings going on between different departments, just to make sure that we are all on the same page! And of course, we are told time and time again, this is all for our guests.
Anyways, I just thought i’d share that useless bit of information to just emphasis the fact that hotels really are the place to go these days for when you really want top notch customer service. :D
(all the hustle and bustle about guest service at our hotel actually paid off recently. We went from a 4 star hotel, to a 4.5 star hotel! I suppose that really doesn’t say much, considering where i’m currently living anyways.. but hey.. it counts.)
October 6th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
The War was good. I could listen to the fighter pilot talk for a few more hours. But the best story was the Native American’s.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Considering most Vancouverites are renters (for obvious reasons- I think I sent you a link not too long ago about what the purchase price of the loft you rent can get you out here?) I wouldn’t consider that any sort of failure. I think the last time I saw any demographics data, the GVA was around 60% renters/40% owners- ?
Renters, at least, have it a bit easier when it comes to moving - no lawyers, realtors, banks/credit unions, etc. Just find a new place and give notice to your current landlord, deal with the damage deposits, pack your crap, and off you go.
My hotel-fu is weak; I’ve not stayed in many. I don’t particularly like being catered to, though. The basics of new towels and a refreshed tea basket is fine by me, but I don’t expect people to make my bed and pick up whatever I may have left on the floor/bed and put it somewhere all neat’n'tidy looking. I realize it’s the room attendant’s job, however, I can’t help but feel I’m letting my Mom down.
This epiphany occurred when I was in Regina for Amnesty’s 2nd annual Youth College for Human Rights back in 2001; I’d gone to a record shop and bought an assload of LP’s and and strewn them all over the bed to admire their artwork. I’d left them there after leaving for the day’s activities, and came back to discover that the attendants had stacked them on the corner of the bed, and had also dealt with my clothes, which initially looked like they’d been puked out by my suitcase that was resting on the floor beside the bed.
I wrote them a note apologizing for the natural disaster I’d left them, and instructed them not to worry about my side of the room for the duration of my stay. They, likely most relieved, obliged me. :)
October 6th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Thank you for the good read I really enjoyed it.
And if you ever did quit then I’ll recruit you to teach at the U of A I’ll be the first one to sign up for that class.
Have a good day off
October 6th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Thank you for this double feature today, Matt.
They let me into grad school without an undergrad degree, based a writing sample, references, and work experience in my field. Then they threw money (and benefits) at me AND gave me teaching experience. Something to think about for later - your resume is certainly more impressive than mine…
Senor Pitt - please no more talk of Mucho Burrito until they either a) open a location near me, or b) I get a car. You’re killing me!
October 6th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
mirror over the work desk reminds me a lot of a Comfort Inn I stayed at in Barrie. another great, open post. can’t wait for the waterloo show.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
My life has been pretty non-typical to say the least. One thing I’ve come to realize is that if a person isn’t comfortable in their own skin it doesn’t matter how much money or fame they have. Wealth can be a trap if you let it be.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
My lowly story.
I am 42 years of age. I currently reside in a small basement in dirty surrey, have two university degrees and a professional career which I am still paying through my ass for, have a combined family of 4 children, another on the way. About to have a second tumor removed from my brain, but am still very thankful for what I have. I won’t even go into what types of work I did while slugging hard through school all those years only to be financially less off than I was before I started.
Life’s good :-)
October 6th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
monkey i’ve gone two days in a row…this place is awesome.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Thank you for writing this.
I worked hard from the time I was 15 and had amassed a nice little “stash” for myself by the time I hit 21. I owned property in the US and had nearly $15,000 saved in the bank. I’d been with my ex since 14 so, when we married, I had no concerns re “money” and automatically put everything in both of our names (by that time I’d sold the US property to put a d/p on a condo here).
When we separated some time ago, he left me with a $25,000 debt that (mostly) he’d accumulated (lawyers fees for DWI’s, etc). His drinking/drug use had escalated out of control and it wasn’t a good situation.
I’d been out of the workforce for some time at this point, as I’d wanted to remain home and raise the kids.
It was tough to have to “start over” again. Despite the fact that I’d held a fairly decent job, I found myself in the position of having to take menial jobs as I hadn’t any “current” experience. I worked three at one time to try and make ends meet. You do what you have to and no one is above working hard to pay the bills. I take great pride in my work and love my job, despite the fact that at one time I made 3 times what I make now. Age is a cruel thing.
I watched as some other women my age took a different route when their marriages ended. They latched on to a new guy (usually at the bar) and didn’t worry about the bills. Some of them now have been through 3 or 4 men and the kids have seen their share of “uncles” come and go. And I know it hasn’t been about “love”, it’s been about being taken care of.
You’re so right Matt - integrity is everything. At the end of the day, I might be driving a piece of shit car (that broke down yesterday) and buying my clothes at the thrift store, but they’re mine and I earned them. And one day I’ll be back on my feet again - until then, I’m not willing to compromise who I am. That isn’t always the easiest route, but even in my “poorest” moments I know that I’ve stood firm in who I am and what I believe in. And somehow that makes me richer than rich…as you’ve said, that never goes away. I haven’t sold out to make life easier and have no regrets in “slugging it out” on my own. My ex was the one for me and, when our fairytale turned into a nightmare, my heart stayed with him. So did half of my assets, but life goes on.
This post made me feel really good (and somes days I don’t). I wish, on a daily basis, that I could provide more for my kids. The keeping up with the Jones’ is getting really hard here in this city - the kids are spoiled brats with EVERYTHING. But the one thing I HAVE given them is a sense of appreciation for what we do have and they’ve turned out to be decent people because of it.
Again, thank you (so much) for writing this.
On this rainy day, I feel good about who I am after reading it.
Sorry I blabbed so long. It’s been a rough week and this post did me wonders and put it all back into perspective for me. ;)
October 6th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
I want to give you a hug. =)
Just cause.
October 6th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
easily one of the best entries and one in which allows me to be at ease with why I am a fan and supporter of you. “rockstar” is not something I associate with you. Although we’ve never met nor probably ever will you’re indeed one of those people I’m proud to support.
I’m a Rec Therapist, but have worked many a job that paid nothing ….wait I still am paid nothing but I love to work. I love making a difference to others, and at the end of the day I can pop in one of your albums or listen to my ipod shuffle and sit with my better half as she and I laugh at our flatulence…not too shabby for 30.
October 6th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
I spent six years delivering beer right out of college. Hardest work I will probably ever do. I hated every single second of it but would not change it for the world. As a teacher the heaviest thing I lift now is a book. When I here my coworkers bitch about how hard teaching is I just tell them they should try delivering beer.
On the east side of Buffalo.
In January.
That always seems to shut them up.
October 6th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
You fucking rock man. Yet another great though-provoker.
October 6th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Hey Matt, do you hang around after your shows? How would I go about getting a pic of you and I together, like so many I see….???
See you in Bala!
October 6th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
i agree with some of the others…one of my favourite entries of yours.
also…i hope you got your hands on “the war”…i was lucky enough to watch four out of the seven episodes on pbs and am now going to buy it. absolutely magical documentary filmmaking. i hope you enjoy it :)
October 6th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Makes me want to quit College and go back to University for that theatre degree… But I want to be able to support myself.
October 6th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
ambition is a tricky thing…
October 6th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Great words, Matt. I enjoyed that… all so true.
October 6th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
If you have a chance, go for a walk under the bridge in Bala, I’m sure its beautiful this time of year. Enjoy all that this change in season brings with it. Great entry, just what I need to cap off my day.
October 6th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
great words of wisdom,
i started off working in a lumber yard,not knowing what i wanted to do with my life,i’ve managed to work my way up in the company,now i work part of the head office of the company,selling lumber,drywall insulation and stuff like that, and selling house packages
October 6th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Thanks for that Matt, definitely got me thinking.
October 6th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Matt, I dont think that you understand how much you inspire ppl.
Over the years your music…..as real and truthful as it is, has gotten me through tough times.
I wanted to thank you personally at your show in London…but I am not sure I will make it there.
So Im writing it in your blog….call it rude or impersonal. but Thanking you is all I can do.
You are truely my hero.
~Jessica~
October 6th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Very true. I once read a book on “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” By Joseph Murphy, and it talked about how you can use your subconscious to get anything you want or dream of. Having done so, I proved to myself that it really does work. And it all comes down to what you just stated; if you believe it, itll come true. And the more you beleive and envision it, the more confident you get. Look into the book; its very intreguing indeed.
October 6th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I’ve worked shitty jobs before. Mostly retail, because I’d heard from my older siblings that fast food was not much fun, and I didn’t want to get involved in that atmosphere. I have a very low tolerance to resisting fast food, sadly. Imagine my working in a MacDonald’s. Yikes, where did all the Big Macs go?
I’m fortunate enough to have landed a job where I actually enjoy what I do, I’m good at it, and I didn’t have to sacrifice any of my integrity to get there.
Having said that, I see nothing wrong with working the “menial” jobs. There is nothing degrading or demeaning about them, unless, as you said Matt, you allow yourself to believe that there is. I worked in grunt-level retail for four years, taking shit that no one should ever have to take from people with far less appreciation and kindness than they should have had. As a bit of an aside, getting angry at someone who is trying to help you is only going to make them not want to help you anymore, so it’s in your best interest not to do it.
But the truth of the matter is that people need money to live. Sad, perhaps, but true. And when you’re sixteen, eighteen, twenty years old, the honest truth is that people don’t want you in the jobs that start at $30,000 a year. Because you’re young, yes, but also because you honestly don’t know a damn thing. The only way you’re going to learn is to get the hell into the workforce in an entry-level, shitty job, so get the hell out there and don’t be afraid of it. Because otherwise you’re going to have a hard time later.
Of course, what do I know? I’m just another guy.
October 6th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
While you say there is no dishonour in:
“There is no dishonour in pumping gas for a living, working at a fast food joint, or picking up other people’s garbage.”
Apparently there is dishonour in being a middle aged divorced woman:
“I might be able to land some lonely cougar….”
Enough dishonour that you would label her in such a manner.
Shame on you.
October 6th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
But “cougar” doesn’t necessarily refer to all middle aged, divorced women…I think it’s reserved for the maneating kind. Or at least that’s how I understood it.
October 6th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
My first “Job” was at the Molson Amphitheater as an usher with some of the best people you could ever work with. I’d prefer never to go the route of grocery store clerk or flipper of burgers, leave those jobs to the kids that want/need them.
October 6th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I love how women are so frequently accused of getting all their wealth through men.
October 7th, 2007 at 1:20 am
This was a rather interesting read, especially since I just got home from work.
As a yougin of only 22 years of age who didn’t make it through one year of college (wouldn’t you know it, Paxil/Ativan/Seroquel/Risperdal/Epivalve/whatever-the-Hell-I-was-on just don’t mix with 8am classes, part-time job and volunteer work…), the reason I feel jobs at the mall and Micky D’s are below me is not so much the fact I think everything should be presented to me on a sliver platter, but because anything less than what I’m doing now despite what’s gone on in the past few years is an insult. I didn’t expect to drop out of college like I did and be forced into working for establishments where the turn around rate is so high, employers just don’t give a shit anymore, and the employers who do give a shit, want experience. All I know is that I got myself a steady position, making a decent wage with benifits on a high school education. Yes, my job is Office Space* meets Bombay Calling (a documentary about telemarketers I saw a few months ago) with Paul McCartney’s Another Day as soundtrack but it’s work with pay above minimum wage that’s helping me pay for the personal essetials.
(*We even have our own Milton!)
Of course, now I’ve found myself in a new interesting position…I’d give just about anything right now to leave and find something new, but where else can I work without worry about your fucking medications? Damn you dead end jobs! Damn you to Hell!
Mind you, if I didn’t have to support a doctor-recommended drug dependency, than I’d probably have no problem working at a couple of the places I’ve been through. I mean, who doesn’t want to leave their $9/hour job of convincing parents why the Game Boy SP is a good buy, and why they NEED to buy their 7-year-old Super Mario Bros. 3 to go with it? Ah, Toys’R'Us, how I miss you.
Ah, I’m rambling now…as I said, I just got home from work. Can you tell? I feel better though. Thanks for bringing the subject up. :)
PS: Matt…you look very good in the mornings of your day off…or whenever you took that picture.
October 7th, 2007 at 2:53 am
Interesting you mentioned the mentality of instant high standard of living expectations. I’ve noticed this where I work when I interview people (Telecoms industry, usually computer science or engineering types), and also in the first year a new employee works with us in a non-shitty, well-paid white collar job.
It used to be that the new person in a work place understood that they were the “new person” and that they had to work hard and accumulate time and experience to gain the same respect and benefits as senior people. When I started in new jobs, I understood that I’d have to work holidays, and that I would not get the best business trips, and that I was being paid less because I had less experience.
This is not how people think any more. Now, newly employed young people expect the same salary as senior people who know more than the new person ever will (historical knowledge doesn’t transfer well), who have put in years of work and are just reaping the benefits of experience themselves. They expect the same days off, the same work opportunities, and when asked why they expect all this, they usually reply: “we’re doing the same work”. While this may be true in some businesses, where I work the newbies are NOT doing the same work, since knowledge can only be accumulated over time, and it is not possible to do the same level of work as a senior person. Somehow, some people coming into the work force today have completely missed some important life lessons.
Studies have shown that among current university students, most think they will make over $100,000 within a couple of years of graduation, and many are certain they will become millionaires.
Where do these ideas come from? Is TV really that powerful, selling unrealistic expectations and fantasy ideas so easily? Do they really think they are living in “The OC”, or some other imaginary land where everyone is beautiful and rich? When did people suddenly start believing that they are “owed” everything, regardless of whether they are qualified to get the same (speaking purely in a work environment scenario, not in reference to humans in general where of course everyone should be entitled to the same general opportunities)?
If anyone knows what has changed in the last few years, please fill me in!
October 7th, 2007 at 3:38 am
Thank you.
October 7th, 2007 at 6:48 am
[quote comment="28596"]But “cougar” doesn’t necessarily refer to all middle aged, divorced women…I think it’s reserved for the maneating kind. Or at least that’s how I understood it.[/quote]
As I woman in that age group, I can tell you that the term is thrown out often at women out socializing, even at something as innocent as going out for dinner. It is a demeaning term, evidenced by the fact that there is no corresponding term for middle aged men cruising for younger women.
.[quote comment="28604"]I love how women are so frequently accused of getting all their wealth through men.[/quote]
Yes, absolutely true. There still is no equality between men and women.
October 7th, 2007 at 7:31 am
I love cougars.
October 7th, 2007 at 8:41 am
[quote comment="28612"]
…It used to be that the new person in a work place understood that they were the “new person” and that they had to work hard and accumulate time and experience to gain the same respect and benefits as senior people….
…This is not how people think any more. Now, newly employed young people expect the same salary as senior people who know more than the new person ever will (historical knowledge doesn’t transfer well), who have put in years of work and are just reaping the benefits of experience themselves.
…where I work the newbies are NOT doing the same work, since knowledge can only be accumulated over time, and it is not possible to do the same level of work as a senior person. Somehow, some people coming into the work force today have completely missed some important life lessons.
[/quote]
Hey B, I so agree! This is exactly what I’ve seen in my office.
Funny how people without the paperwork (degree) worry they don’t have it and the people that do have it have unrealistically high expectations.
The paperwork only takes you so far. The ability to think/analyze AND the knowledge from hands on experience carry far more weight when the rubber hits the road!
October 7th, 2007 at 10:55 am
That Matt, is a well written blog entry. I understand and agree with what you have to say. Isn’t it great to have day off to relax and not have any place to be ?
October 7th, 2007 at 11:03 am
I really hope i get to meet you tonight!….Excellent point of view Matt. I have been working on the railway scince May 18th with no time off…i chose to take the next week off to come stay in Bala and see you live for the first time..head home Monday to catch up w family and friends…i hope your boo boo doesn’t effect your performance….what a beautiful place this Bala is…..wish you could play omissions of the omen….best wishes Matt!!
October 7th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Thanks for this post, Matt.
Now I don’t feel so bad about selling donuts and coffee out the local Tim Hortons.
October 7th, 2007 at 11:45 am
[quote comment="28591"]
Apparently there is dishonour in being a middle aged divorced woman:
“I might be able to land some lonely cougar….”
Enough dishonour that you would label her in such a manner.
Shame on you.[/quote]
How can you get upset over a comment about “her” when “her” is a hypothetical person, one that takes advantage of people and their money. They’re out there, they exist.
He never labelled any group anything. Don’t be so ready to jump down people’s throats.
By the way, Matthew, this was my favorite post in a while.
October 7th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Seems to me that Matt has hypothetical plans to take advantage of the hypothetical cougar and her money.
At issue is the label, and how easily it is tossed about. Replace “cougar” in that sentence with any other label, ie-retard, rich fag, squaw, raghead, it is unacceptable, rightly so. Not so with cougar. It is a derogatory term, which as I said, is not applied to similar behaviour in men.
October 7th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
WOW .. needed that… Thanks… I could go on about my life in what you said… but I will keep it to myself…
October 7th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Love the 7 oclock shadow dude. IT TOTALLY SUITS YOU.
October 7th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
When I say this, know that I am actually saying it with a great deal of respect; truly. I hate you at this very moment. Not exactly you, but the fact that you’ve made me focus on something I’ve been trying to come to terms with in some mixed up way for some time now. I’m on the edge and don’t know how to jump and can’t understand how to simply step down. When other people (you, in this case) sneak up and unknowingly get me to examine things, I get so edgy. But just like you, I know that there are many things to be grateful for even if they aren’t the run-of-the-mill things. At this moment, I hate perhaps not ‘you’, but the fact that I have to focus again and risk failing in finding an answer. Or maybe I hate the fact that you are ok without a concrete answer and I still struggle to find one. Better yet, I could be jealous.
I respect those that have the ability to make me think and examine when I’m least expecting it. To identify with a portion of their outlook even if it may be a circumstance different than my own. Believe it or not, I only have this rsponse to those that I admire and respect. Perhaps I think they have the courage to so vividly see the truth where I still seek idealism.
And by the way, crispy sheets suck. They moosh your toes. See, I can’t really ‘hate’ you if I’m concerned about your toes in the hotels, right? Right! ;)
October 7th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
I agree.i’m not saying for one minute that i didn’t beat myself daily a few years ago while i sat in my rented house with my kids and husband,working the graveyard shift at eagle ridge hospital while all my girl friends were buying their gigantic houses with the assholes they convinced themselves were great because they were financially well off.I on the other hand met someone who was broke,had hefty child support and treated me as well as i could ever have asked for.Yes 10 years later,we still rent,still pay child support and i still work at a job as a nurses aide were i may not always be treated with respect but you know what….even on my worst day,my life is so much more than a brand new car and a prada purse.my friends may have all the stuff but i have a husband who loves me and kids who aren’t spoiled.I’m over it now and happy where i am.
October 7th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Good lord. What kind of self-proclaimed progressive resorts to cheap stereotyping of women as money-hungry ripoff artists waiting to take advantage of hapless men?
As a 41-year-old woman who is frequently hit on by men in their 20s and is sick to death of being characterized as a pathetic predator for *their* *conduct*, a hearty “fuck you.”
October 7th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
And by the way, since we’ve determined that I didn’t really mean ‘hate’ in the earlier post… finally got to see you (after years of missing shows) in Buffalo the other night. It was worth the wait; thank you. When you commented about going to visit Nancy Pelosi I almost piped up that we should all take your bus after the show. ;) Perhaps I’ll attempt the proverbial ‘beg, borrow and steal’ to get to London for the 16th…
October 7th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Hi Matt,
I too travel for work and feel hotels are cold and lonely, no matter how opulent they are or how much they cost.
You have your family and you know who your friends are now……..maybe buying a house with a yard that you can call your own……to let your puppies run around in. Simple things.
Meeting you after the show in Buffalo reconfirmed my thoughts …that you are gracious.
Love from Buffalo,
M.
October 7th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
there is a lot i could say about this entry. i’ll stick to the one thing that hit me when i opened it in its own window.
… you’re smiling. it’s been a while since i’ve seen that. it’s nice :) i hope it coninues to happen more and more often.
October 7th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Interesting…kind of baring it all…you are right there where we want to see you…don’t blame you for being off the 400…was in Toronto Friday night for a show…grew up there but happy not to be there…I think it sad that you are more “comfortable than most” in hotel rooms, but you live the life you choose I suppose, like you said. “lucky”…I have tickets to see you in Sarnia with my Son and his Grilfirend…looking forward to it…
your honesty to yourself is refreshing, and reflected in your “new” art…
October 7th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
If women are in it for the money, what are men in it for? Is a cougar a not defined differently by each who would judge? Could a cougar to one man not be the most beautiful woman in the world to another? What is worse, the tears from letting go of the little fingers clinging in trust to go off to earn money or risking forever being that child hoping the hand grateful enough to take care of you won’t let go? Money in hand becomes power or safety, which ever you choose. Do those who pray many times a day, pray more for the same things or do they pray for more things? No women ever feels secure when it is the man’s money. The young girl who advertises the sexy picture is no less pathetic than the cougar in any definition. I believe at the end of the day we all want love and yet so many don’t understand the loss of value in themselves in the desperate attempt to find it. Men, if a woman is in a fake breast stage of life she cannot possibly love anyone else. Of coarse you knew this and at the end of the day you make the choice. Also if a women is hot by taking a genuine care of herself she will remain hot. If she does it the easy way she will not. It’s all about energy not measurements. Cut your losses, there are losts of genuine beautiful women out there.
October 7th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
[quote comment="28676"]If women are in it for the money, what are men in it for? Is a cougar a not defined differently by each who would judge? Could a cougar to one man not be the most beautiful woman in the world to another? What is worse, the tears from letting go of the little fingers clinging in trust to go off to earn money or risking forever being that child hoping the hand grateful enough to take care of you won’t let go? Money in hand becomes power or safety, which ever you choose. Do those who pray many times a day, pray more for the same things or do they pray for more things? No women ever feels secure when it is the man’s money. The young girl who advertises the sexy picture is no less pathetic than the cougar in any definition. I believe at the end of the day we all want love and yet so many don’t understand the loss of value in themselves in the desperate attempt to find it. Men, if a woman is in a fake breast stage of life she cannot possibly love anyone else. Of coarse you knew this and at the end of the day you make the choice. Also if a women is hot by taking a genuine care of herself she will remain hot. If she does it the easy way she will not. It’s all about energy not measurements. Cut your losses, there are losts of genuine beautiful women out there.[/quote]
There’s a lot I could say about what you just said, but I’ll just narrow it down to two words:
Thank you.
October 8th, 2007 at 6:39 am
[quote comment="28676"]If women are in it for the money, what are men in it for? .[/quote]
….Men’s Tshirt: “In it for the trophy wife” ;)
supply and demand.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:38 am
First post on the site, Im from Vancouver island.
im a fan.
Wow!
I liked reading this.
its funny, I work at a gas station right now. It actually really easy work, graveyards tend to be .
When you told me about you having worked at gas stations, it reminded me of something. Every day when I work, i bring my guitar in, and if it gets REALLY slow, I play and sing for a while. I actually write more songs at work than at home.
Thanks for the post, and my initial reaction to reading it was to give you a BIG hug.
please dont ever stop expressing yourself, Matt
October 8th, 2007 at 11:11 am
yes definitely a very good entry. nice smile too.
October 8th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Incredible entry, Matt, really moving.
I currently work in a store full time, it’s nothing fancy and i deal with people from all walks of life every day. And I love it. Obviously, you will get the occasional idiot, but for the most part I love interacting with people, getting to know the regulars and talking about what’s going on with their lives, whether it’s music, the news or anything.
I always get so annoyed when I go into a store and the people working there act like they’re killing time and you are nothing more than a distraction to them. The way I look at it, it’s not the customer’s fault you’re working there as it was your choice to do so. And of course, being a jet-setting playboy would be cool, but it’s not really on the cards.
My point is, I chose to work where I do, in the job I do, and when I’m there I’m damned well going to do that job the best I can. And every so often that little “thank you” or “you were very helpful” makes it worthwhile and more enjoyable for me — so everybody wins!
October 8th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
It simply made my day to read this entry… In a round about way it was exactly what i needed to hear…. I am constantly terrified of failure…or that i am never going to get to the place i truly feel i need i should be. What is certain, is I know what I don’t want and in this moment- I feel like I spinning my wheels and not being the “successful” woman i want to be…I assume i will most likely have to start from nothing and work my way up- i guess i wouldn’t hve it any other way…..But what is defined as successful? To me, it’s not a million dollars in my bank account or the two or three degrees i might have under my belt- for these things should only be the consequence and trade off for my HARD WORK. I n other words- i only want to truly earn my way to the top from a result of my hard work….To me that is success…Setting goals for yourself and having the ambition to follow through and accomplish those goals…Even if they are unattainable- you have to try to the best of your ability to get where you need- in an HONEST manner. There is something to be proud of in anything we do. Where’s the honour in batting your pretty little eyelashes at the big wig above you in order to get premoted?? You might as well get down on your hands and knees and service him-, really it’s the same thing- both hold little room for dignity and neither require much brainpower. Having everythign handed to you is hardly honourable.
Going back to why this entry made me feel so good. I am always so hard on myself (we are our own worst critics) and though I am going to school right now and working my ass off- i am unemployed (just moved so). Yeah, somedays i feel like a loser- i even feel like a failure somedays when i think about having to get a job at the effing starbucks down the street. But i look at some of those people who work there and know they are just like me…working hard, to get to where they need to go. It’s not what they wanna do forever but it is a stepping stone to where they might go. These people evn make my whole day at times: I feel like shit- go in and get a coffee and i get this doll behind the counter smiles and or brings it over… she gave me the best service with a smile on her face… and in turn put one on mine.
So no matter what you do…be proud..if you’re working hard find honor in that.
Your writing made my day again Matty…. Keep them coming:0)
October 9th, 2007 at 8:03 am
“….In this world there is always something ‘better’, there is always ‘more’ to be had….”
I don’t look at Life that Way….
October 9th, 2007 at 10:46 am
This entry is brilliant! Were you staying at the HIlton? Looks familiar.
October 13th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Hey Matt,
While I think it’s awesome that you sign autographs after shows (I think more artists should, so many fans either idolize artists or just absolutely love their music or whatever, and getting to meet them for brief moment just to tell them they rock or have their CD signed can mean so much to someone. you’d think they’d have experienced the same when they were younger), and think you should keep on doing it, there must inevitably come a day where you’re not going to put out records for a short or maybe long while.
You might want a break from it or who knows, maybe you’ll end up a house husband and raise kids? Whatever it may be, I think that you have enough talent as a writer, be it fiction or journalism, to earn money writing if you wanted to. In my current state of unemployment, I’ll admit, I’ve been reading this blog a little too much lately, and recently read some of your short fiction, in addition to your politics-related blog posts, and I am really impressed with your different writing styles.
I, probably like many others, found out about your blog while trying to find matthew good album information, and then discovered that your site was a nice, convenient source of news articles (I enjoy the other authors as well). I think it’s good to get your news from various sources, but sometimes when you work an 8-5 job or are in school full time you just can’t make time to browse your regular news sites everyday but don’t want live in a bubble. So that’s why I like the site. But I can’t speak for all the hundreds of people that read your blog regularly. Surely they must also enjoy your writing as well? They can’t just be matthew good band fans or crazed teenage girls in love with you, right?
I can also say, that if you want a job nowadays (and I mean career, like in the corporate world, doing something you love, not doing something just to pay the rent) it’s still about networking. I graduated from university last year, and of my friends or classmates that are now working, very few actually got a job by applying online. I was amazed (and somewhat jealous) that a couple of guys in my class that had been kicked out of the program for a semester after being on probation for failing too many classes happened to meet someone high up in a company and ended up landing jobs for after they graduated!
That being said, I think that if you decided to write for a magazine or something (it seems as though you like to write!), I don’t think the fact that you don’t have any post-secondary education will prevent you from finding a job. A friend of a friend and some writing samples would be sufficient. Especially with your ‘over abundance of self-education.’
Those are my (lengthy) two cents.
January 26th, 2008 at 11:05 am
This post is a gem. Uplifting, inspiring words. That they might come to you more often.