We are living in unprecedented times, the likes of which I can only compare to the hours and days I experienced after 9/11. Sadly, this is far more widespread and will touch and potentially harm a far larger group of people. However, this will not prevent me from enjoying day to day life. Yes, we all need to make changes to our daily norms, through social distancing, and giving each other the virtual “Fist Pump” or “Elbow Tap” instead of a handshake, a hug, or god forbid a kiss on the cheek, and we are all doing that now out of fear of contracting this virus.
My March (which I have counted on as my most lucrative month of the year) has completely fallen flat. I have lost every gig that I had planned on performing, as well as my Soundman gig at a local church. Since I’m a musician and Soundman, I am a contractor, and we aren’t considered employees of any one company. Thus, I may not be able to partake in the unemployment assistance that is being proposed. Does that concern me, absolutely it does, because I am definitely not alone, there are many, many contractors out there in many different professions. Now, simply because we get our income from multiple sources and not a single employer we may be left out of any proposed benefits from the State and Federal Government. That seems a bit harsh doesn’t it.
This ties directly back to Assembly Bill 5 in California that was passed without any input from the people, because it was said that it was an emergency. What it really was, is a pro union bill that forces companies who hire contractors to stop that practice and hire them as employees. Well that sounds great until you actually look at what types of careers are primarily contract based, and have been for decades. Then all of a sudden, this bill needs a ridiculous number of exceptions written into it which after it’s all said and done makes this an absolute farce. Not an emergency, but a critically huge mistake in how it was written in regard to the affects it’s having on the economy. Had the writer of this bill used even a modicum of logic and common sense before pushing this through, she wouldn’t have to add all these exceptions, and risk potential repeal of the bill. Anything worth having is worth taking the time to do it right.
I am going to close on a positive note highlighting why I’m going to continue to enjoy my day to day life. I needed a push to start teaching private lessons in addition to the lessons I teach at the school, and this is allowing me the opportunity to focus very strongly on that. So please excuse me while I go record my first lesson video. Bye for now, and let’s try to stay positive, healthy, and happy.