So, here's the thing about my job (one of my jobs). The musician one. People tend to think it's not a job. And, that's okay, I mean, there are lots of jobs that aren't really jobs (dog walker? pro poker?) but there seems to be something about mine that people think it's okay to belittle it to you, right to your face, while you're there, doing it, doing your job.
Not in mean ways, usually, but, usually, by asking, "So, are you guys students, then?", at EVERY STRING QUARTET GIG EVER.
Dear reader, dear observers of string quartets, it has been nine years since I graduated from my music degree. I am in my 30's. I. Am. Not. A. Student. Do you go to the doctor and ask them this? Do you ask this of your lawyer? Don't you think, maybe, it sends a message of unprofessionality? Don't you think your doctor might, just a bit, especially if they were quite a good doctor, having been doctoring (yes, professionally, even)for more than a decade, be belittled?
So, for the record, no, we're not students. Yes, this is our job. Now go eat your canapés somewhere else.
2 comments:
Well, boo to those people. Perhaps, like the tantrum-throwing child I recently saw/heard in a grocery store wearing a T-shirt clearly stating "Yes, I AM two years old" you need a small sign for your gigs "Yes, we're professional musicians, we are NOT students"
yes, boo indeed. people are dumb, often, when it comes to the arts. like, no matter how many times i explain that i am a STYLIST and NOT a designer, they keep asking me to make them a dress....
but that's less offensive than the student thing. you could just reply with the same question back. like it is a general question you ask everyone. like saying 'how was your day?'.:
'are you a student?'
'no! i've been doing this professionally for 10 years. are you a student?'
bam!
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