Jarrett's Update

Whereas last year was easily the most financially successful year of my adult life, 2012 has forced me to constantly worry about money. When Marissa’s illness caused us to cancel the remainder of our shows for the year, I was forced to look for another job immediately upon returning home. I found an interesting opportunity within a few days, which would have me working in the upholstery department of an incredibly high-end furniture manufacturer in Philadelphia, PA. I got the job off of a few home projects I’ve completed, including sewing projects and my toilet sink (picture below). I was excited at having the opportunity to learn a trade with my time off from Screaming Females.

Quickly the job took over the entirety of my life. Factoring in both commute time and work hours, I was away from home for well over 12 hours a day Monday through Friday. One co-worker told me early on, “This job is the definition of a grind.” Pulling raw twine and leather thread for eight hours a day was starting to take a toll on my hands. Sores and wounds started to open up on my fingers. In the mornings I would awake to stiffness and incredible pain in my fingers and palms. I started to worry about the long-term effects with regards to my ability to hold and manipulate drums sticks effectively. A fellow worker smashed his hand in the elevator door. We would need surgery and many metal plates to piece it back together. I started having nightmares that I would accidentally ruin my hands while working and force a permanent end to Screaming Females.

Then Hurricane Sandy struck NYC. The furniture company sells all of their products out of one store front in SoHo. Apparently their clientele (aka the 1%) had just up and left New York, going to other homes and apartments around the world until the City was put back together. Their sales hit an unexpected seasonal low and I promptly got laid off. I’m starting a new job as a part-time prep cook tomorrow. Hopefully this one lasts for more than a month.