I just finished another week at an Area learning Center...covering for the director. I teach whatever they need.

It's a school for kids that struggle with emotional/social problems...many of those problems due to their circumstance in life...I'm 67, been working with kids like this since I was 21...one way or another...even when I was a mgr in industry.

My wife also works with kids with these issues. It wears her out as well.

Like all things though, there's a silver lining.

Last night both of us came home beat...only to realize we were to play at an Assisted Living . We packed up and headed out to the gig...both wishing we could just stay home.

When we got there folks showed up early. They were excited. The energy was infectious...even with the average age being 80...maybe more.

We had a great time. The experience was energizing. We came home pumped up and this has happened more than once.

The point being that playing music for $$$ has a lot of downsides...but regardless of all the hassles and low pay, music often gives back as much if not more than it takes...not true of all professions.