For the last two years, other than being a poet, sculptor, event organizer and MC, I worked on a consultant/freelance basis as an arts educator for a few arts organizations. I worked with students in public schools, instructing poetry or art. It gave me the opportunity to use my art knowledge to educate young people, and remind myself of the power creative work has to open up the mind and let education enlighten. Gave me also, some green to cover my bills. I had days, weeks in-between teaching gigs, to work on my writing and art. Young Audiences NY was the best organization I worked for. I met poets, musicians, dancers and visual artists. We were compadres in our struggles.

The problem was that I (like a bad habit) was consistently a month behind in rent. I still can't get the adhesive spot off my apartment door from the eviction notice that was once plastered there for the eyes of all my neighbors. I had no health insurance. I have forgotten what the hell a vacation is other than understanding it is something I can in no way afford. I mean, any money I had was destined for overdue bills and back taxes. And that one time I had to go to the dentist to have a painful ,bloody, operation. (OK, I won't go all there...) The pressure caused by the anxiety of being constantly behind in rent and bills. The pressure from the swelling around my mouth and passing the time trying not look like I'd been beat up until the swelling deflated, gave me another opportunity to ruminate on how much it sucks being broke all the damn time. Further convincing me that my year long attempt to find full time work was the right way to go.

Many writers I know live like me, between the prickly cold place of dedication to my creative output, and dedication to keeping a roof over my head with my own pot to piss in. They, like me, have done part time work for sustenance and creative time. The too often romanticized starving artist myth doesn't mean that there are not those of us who are sadly scrapping by. One pay check away from falling into the welfare hole. As the debts grow and the medical needs arise the most prized work time is the first thing you have to give. Those writers and visual artists I know working full time in varied situations, from corporate gal, art installer, web designer, carpenter, to temp, have admittedly reduced their creative output. They come home tuckered out. Many poets, once they have full time work, cut down or completely stop performing, because some of the best spoken work happens at night. When 6AM is your wake up call ya can't be hanging too long past midnight.

To counter the drain on creative time and energy of full time work, many writers find the weekends sacred time. Others have hit on the grant track, applying for a numerous amount of grants that will provide a monetary award or residency grant with a stipend. They also make every effort not to take work home with them. They also socialize less because time for work is so valued.

After a long year of faxing more resumes than I got responses, a long year of really underpaid offers, and bad interviews (although I only had a good book in my bag and my last 5 bucks in my pocket I actually turned an offer down cold. Really bad interview) And now....Shazzam! I've not only found full time employment, with good benefits, it's interesting work to boot. Work which calls on my skills as a writer, sculptor, and administrator. Work which calls a lot on my time. 8:30AM meetings, 7PM community forums. I chatted with a coworker in our finance department. She is a writer who is completing her degree. This being her second degree. I also work with a programs director who is still planning to return to school to complete her folk arts degree.

I'm getting home at 8 o'clock some nights. I also come home tired. So picking up a pen or popping on the screen is not the first thing I do. Home has become a place I go to in-between work, to sleep. As my friends have mused "you got what you were hoping for. Be happy. It's a transition." One fellow artist dropped me this; "Don't forget who you are." Well yes, all true.

In February I'll be part of a reading at The Williamsburg Art Center in Brooklyn. I'm working to finish pieces for a wall installation for exhibition at the Islip Art Museum in April. I'm looking through applications for summer residencies and colonies. For now I'm working full time and finding time to work.

The following New York based organizations offer employment opportunities for writers. Check out the Earthly Matters archives for information on grants and residencies.

Poets & Writers

Bronx Council on the Arts