Grateful Dead My Gainful Employment

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What is it that you do, anyway?

and as for my clean and sober friends

God bless 'em and their right to make that choice for themselves!

thanks for the blessings marye

but do you really feel this way about people who don`t smoke pot ? lame, slow, uninformed, no passion for their work On February 24th, 2010 marye said: and also a stunning lack of critical thinking skills and horror of people who display any. thats a pretty vicious attack against people who choose to be clean.

no, and I didn't say I felt that way about people who don't

smoke pot. A group that includes many of my good friends, a lot of musicians whose work I like, etc. etc. I also heartily salute those who decide a particular substance is not their friend and commit to staying away from it. The subject at hand with that description was the qualities of companies that required drug tests as a condition of employment. While those terms may be a bit over the top, I do think a company that makes a point of its drug-free workplace is probably going to be into mindless conformity and unquestioned authority on other fronts. It's the unquestioned intrusive authoritarianism I've got the issue with, and not just with regard to drugs. Also I think what you do off the clock is your own business, but that is a can of worms for another day. A writer at the Chronicle famously got fired for marching in a peace demonstration one time, because journalists aren't supposed to do that stuff. And so it goes.

I Fish

I'm a semi-retired tyedied MBA and I spend most of my time doing stuff related to fresh water fishing.

Thanks Marye

I've been off site for a while and wasn't here to help Marye defend my post ie "say no to drug tests"First off, I want to appoligize for offending Stuman, gee Stu, I didn't say YOU were lame, slow etc... and thank the stars there are some drug free workers out there who are not lame, slow, uninformed. What I was referring to is that there are quality drivers, mechanics and even astrophysics who smoke but can't get a job due to drugtests. And even the best drug free mechanic can forget to tighten a bolt. I, personally, don't even consider pot smokers as "drug users", I wouldn't want a "drug user" to fix my car, but pot smokers, that's another story. Pot smokers aren't gonna rob you for a joint. I think lumping these two together is where the entire "misinformation" begins. It's like comparing apples to oranges. Stu, pot smokers do deliver cd's and dvd's, and most rodies I've ever known were smokers. I realize by rereading your many posts on this subject that you got p/oed, but you are very critical of smokers and completely closed minded about it. And, please tell me what is NORMAL? I agree with Marye and thank you for clarifying what my point was, you must know someone in the same boat who could not get a job due to non conformity, what I or anyone does off the job is no one's business and should not have anything to do with job performance PERIOD, if I screw up, then do what you must and I will accept the consequences, but to judge me, even before I have been hired, is insane, closed minded, and "slow, lame and misinformed" Marye said it best, it is these workplaces and limited education that is in question. Who wants to work for (or with) a bunch of mindless conformists? It is these companies that hire the "clean and sober" even if "slow and ill informed" just because they don't partake over the sometimes better, more qualified smoker that I am referring to. This is a personal observation that I have witnessed in the past 23 months. Once again, thank you Marye for being the voice of reason on this site, and Stu, keep on truckin on that straight and narrow road. Peace

Whoa horse!

I have to hop off this merry-go-round .You all make valid points,some more clearly than others.Best wishes landing that job unkle sam....

23 months of observation ?

ok unklesam, well that explains a lot . your a bitter 17 old working at Mc Donalds. keep flipin burgers and I`ll keep my secruity clearence and enjoy watchin the bank acct. grow. best wishes to ya kid .

nannerpuss don`t smoke

nannerpuss eats pancakes ! nannerpuss loves pancakes ! yummy yummy pancakes !

Job Drug tests in Germany

are unconstitutional and illegal, thank goodness. If someone has a problem with substance abuse that affects their job, it is dealt with by the employer, WHEN and IF such work disruption occurs. It is not considered to be the employer's business what employees do with their free time.********************************** By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity -- another man's I mean. Mark Twain

Thanks for the love

eltoro, I knew I'd get some here on this site. As it should be Tigerlilly, I guess the "land of the free" ain't as free as some think. I remember when I was 17, in the long, long ago, before drug test, when you could get a job based on your qualifications, instead of the way it is now. Ah, memories, we shall enjoy them. Actually, I'm kinda excited about working again, being retired is kind of a drag. Peace, everyone

sam and stuman

cut it out. I am nuking the preceding posts and returning this topic to people talking about their jobs. I do not want to block you, but the last half dozen posts at least are seriously out of line. Just stop. Thank you.

okay

offending posts nuked. Back to your regularly scheduled topic. Thank you.

Thanks

to YOU Marye.

Sage advice, career- and other-wise

feed your face.

...thats what I do! My work ends up all up inside yo' mouth and you love it! haha... funky recipes, italian and asian preference with a slight bend towards the healthier side, nothing too healthy tho cuz than it wouldnt taste so good! i work as a cook and i enter a place, telling them to let me speak to manager, i say give me a day in your kitchen and u can send me packin if you don't like, i've worked at about 20+ resturaunts, pizzerias, delis, cafe's and don't stay in one place for too long. i don't make much money but my life is never boring and if they don't let me crank up my tunes on the kitchen radio i'm packin my gear and onto the next. i can usually land in a new town and get a job in the first week. i can pay my bills, go to shows, and smoke herb while @ work. its all fine by me! haha. i think i keep movin around until i find mah magic mama tho, gonna take my food skills on the road eventually, a lil vending action legit on the festie circuit, make booku bucks feeding heds and staying away from the more illicit stuff you can do on the road for money. i'd like to one day get my own cookin show goin where we jam, puff, cook and eat! haha. anyone wanna join forces on the road vending food?

Before I lost my health

I was a sign language interpreter...just a few months ago. Don't worry for me. Once the docs help me get control of my new-found seizures. I WILL work again. Send me some love, Friends!

yikes!

seizures-begone beamz!

yikes!

thanks. i went to the doc yesterday, and he had a diagnosis. i will become healthier than ever! :D

IT

I am a weary IT guy and loathe it! I write back end code for web applications. It's very competitive, long hours, little satisfaction, etc. But, on the side, I fill my remaining hours coaching/playing soccer and making beer. Now, if I could find someone to pay be to coach and/or brew, then things would be very good! -Dave

What I do

I write fiction and non fiction, dj and produce music, write travel documentaries, travel and music reviews on a freelance basis and for Arbon publishing who are very generous. Isratrance has helped me a lot with my mind. I can make a good living out of it so I can travel and spread positive vibes and have a family.Basically I die everyday for art :)

Mixing some music, creating

Mixing some music, creating new tracks, recording stuff with my guitar and keyboard, resting by watching movies or go outside to the streets.

I hate my job

Working sucks

I try not to do much of it lol

Health & Happiness

I can honestly say that what I do today The seeds were planted some almost 30 years ago in the parking lots of Grateful Dead shows. Discussions on vegitarianism and alternative/natural health. Everything from herbal medicine,energy healing to fasting.... It became a passion of mine and in 1990 when I moved from San Rafael back to Montreal I oppened a small health food store and called it the Health Tree. It was a struggle for the first few years but my passion and love of the field helpped pull me through. Then in 1994 magic happened and a local radio station made me the co-host of a call in radio show on natural health. Through the years I was fortunate enough to interview so many amazing people like Sam Graci,Udo Erasmus,John Robbins and so many others. I learned so much and became a local celebrity of sorts(15 mins of fame).Today Health Tree has grown to almost 8,000 sq ft. and is a full service health food store offering a grate selection of organic foods. We employ almost 40 people. We support many local/third world charities. I am very lucky and to think it all started from a dicussion in the parking lot of a rock concert. Or was it! The grateful Dead and its Scene was where I became educated on so many levels of life. I am thankful to all my teachers/friends/strangers. That's my story. I hopped you liked it. Today I live a healthy life with my wife of 13 years and our two children. We have so many animals I can't count. I still see shows when I can. Health & Happiness Allways.

sounds...

just lovely! good for you!

Shifting Consciousness

After getting my degree in the history of religion, I had to make a choice -- to plug into the whole academic system or try to take the nuggets I'd come across to the wider world, to make them accessible in a way that people's (third) eyes might get opened. Given where we're at, both as a planet and a species, I opted for the latter. For the last five years I've been working for a non-profit (Transcendent Nation Foundation) and a for-profit (Project Restoration) focused on shifting consciousness and the question of how to save the world.

People seem to be grooving on the content we're putting out -- from videos with spiritual elders to a psychedelic graphic novel (that begins with Ken Kesey in 1964). On the slate are a series of films and games, to take it into more of the mass culture. The goal is, as more and more people all around the world find out about Project Restoration, to create a movement. A critical mass, where if enough people wake up we'll all wake up.

Perhaps the most rewarding thing is to see what kind of people resonate with the message (and what clans they join when they visit projectrestoration.com, each clan having its own approach to saving the world). It's insanely ambitious, of course. And totally bootstrapped. And way more than a day job. But hey, someone has to shoot for the moon...

Albion M. Butters, Ph.D. Chief Creative Officer Big 'I' Group

I work at a country food

I work at a country food market. It pays the bills and I like my job, so no complaints. I want to start getting into the veterinary technician field, or taking some courses on homeopathic medicine if all goes according to plan, but I guess at 22 I still have time tofigure what's best suited for me.

Hi y'all from Atl GA

My first post as a new member. Been a Deadhead since my first show in 1973 in Atl GA when I was 13. Saw about 126 shows before Jerry left us. I even met Bob Weir when he played with Bobby and the Midnites in a now defunct venue called the Agora Ballroom, which was across the street from the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street. I look forward to wandering around here and getting to know y'all, especially longtime Deadheads. You know, there was even one red-headed dude with a beard I swear I saw at every show, from Red Rocks to RFK with Bob Dylan, and the Omni and Fox shows and everywhere else. You guys have probably seen him too.Nothin' left to do but smile, smile, smile!

Job

Counseling.Over 20 years now..kids and families.

My gainful employment

Has announced that we'll be getting back the pay cut we got hit with 2 yrs ago. Good news! Maybe we've survived this "business downturn" (sound of knocking on wood) after all...or at least some of us have. We're a much, much smaller work group than we used to be. Of course, the pay cut came with 13 furlough days off from work/yr. Honestly, I enjoyed the time off more than the money, but at this point, it'll be very nice to see the cash again.

Currently working for a

Currently working for a charity, very rewarding work when you see the difference it can make to people. detoxify

I have been teaching

I have been teaching kindergarten and early elementary since 1993- the same year I saw my last Dead show. No real conncetion other then the fact that I moved to Texas and had a real job for the first time. I also run the poetry slam PuroSlam, in San Antonio. If ever in soutth texas, stop by the slam and let's talk Dead. J.T. Gossard http://thehallucinogenicbible.blogspot.com/

Jill of all trades

I make soap, candles, Knit, garden, cook, demolition, paint, tile, woodwork, restoration, daycare, elder care, behavioral health, banking, foreign exchange, Student and Now I work with at risk youth while I am in school for psychology. I would love to add, That I have raised a beautiful, confident son and maintained a long and loving marriage to a NON-Head. I love the things I have done in my life because in the 80's and 90's I really fed my head ;) I had a struggle with addiction to powders and I am happy to say that I am powder free today. I talk about my growing experience at work and sometimes I worry that the kids don't heed my warnings, I try to tell them that not everyone is lucky to come out unscathed. But I have to be truthful when I say that as I get older I really want something to clean the cobwebs from my brain.

hate my job

I do mail and data entry for Prudential Retirement,,, I have never worked a job I hated, but it pays my medical insurance,,, funny thing is I didn't used to feel unhealthy till I worked at this place... I plan to get out real soon, I would rather be poor than feel the way I do now,,,,I am thinking of taking a year off and hitting the road and see what happens,,, I need some inspiration (~);} Have a GRATEFUL day (~);}

Cause I am the Taxman

..Don't be a 'player hater'. I am enjoying helping american's pay that ohh so elusive tax debit. Honestly, I am in Collections for the IRS but "..let the story teller speak.." that you are far better calling the IRS yoursrlf and seeking assitance than paying a agency $1000- $10,000 plus to do something you yourself can do for free. Everyday, people say or write, "... if I had know it was this easy I would have not have paid such such....". You ask who is such and such, well, "....no man among you have no sin upon his hands... before playing in the band...". The most intresting part of my job is working with poeple one on one working out a reasonable payment plan that they can afford and feel comfortable with.

Hey Taxman- I would

Hey Taxman- I would assume that the majority of us- i.e. at least 51% of us- are liberals/democrats/progressives here...so we appreciate what taxes do for our society. I want my roads safe and my bridges not collapsing and my schools strong...heck, I even want my health care single payer so I'll pay what needs to get paid to get that done. Don't apologize. Taxes are necessary in a functioning, caring society. That being said, I love my rebate check! Welcome!

Make my living as a

Make my living as a purchasing agent in the steel industry. Also spend nights and weekends as a Locksmith. If you were at a festival and a happy locksmith helped you out is was most likely me ;) Been a huge deadfan since I was about 12 (25 years ago). Everyday they seem to brighten any dark skys that come my way, even after all this time! Life is good!

fans

How's the hardest workin fans in rock and roll doin?

I am a nanny

I am a nanny for Olivia who is three years old. She loves the Greatful Dead, in December we were at a mall buying arts and craft stull to make presents for her parents. She started jumping up and down all excited. She saw Santa Clause and thought he was Jerry. I explained that Jerry was a angel now up in heaven and that was santa claus. She has grown up listening to the music of the Dead,Pink Floyd, Beatles, Led Zepplin, etc. She is pretty cool for three and I feel children are the hope of this country.

Okay, I have to say

that is a cool story.

Very cool story:

Indeed!!!!

I am hairdresser and I

I am hairdresser and I really love my job! And I guess my friends do so as well... ;)

vacation over

Two weeks of vacation, back to work tomorrow.

oh well

it was nice while it lasted!

Stereotypically speaking, I'm being serious lol

I work for a company called Cedar Rapids Janitorial in which I work with my Father, My older Brother and my Uncle cleaning a medical office. So yes I'am a janitor. And sadly alot of the stereotypes you hear about janitors are sadly true in someways lol. (PE(A)CE)

some of the other things I get to do

various work for the Rex Foundation ditto for DogTrekker and currently, helping out with Dead Letters, about which you'll be hearing more in these parts in due course I'm sure...

writer

I'm primarily a writer. That's the thing I really like to do....granted it doesn't pay much lol I have a few sites that I run where I write some of the articles, as well as some other people. Nothing overly interesting......

Medical Educator

I manage medical communications and medical education activites for a small firm based in Milan Italy that makes and sells contrast agents used in medical imaging tests. If you've ever had an MRI or an angiogram or a CAT scan and they squirted some dye into you then you've had a contrast agent. Mostly I work with doctors, do some writing, some design and production, and some management of educational programs. The work is self-directed and it feeds my family (and lets me go to shows). Oh, and in my spare time (what spare time?) I do work on my house, which is a crumbling pile of boards that needs a lot of TLC. Nothing left to do but smile smile smile.

--------------------------(----@

Spam related comment removed, 1/26/12.

Trees, man

I work in the field of Tree and Yard maintenance with a company called Eco Tree Service out of Colorado Springs, CO. We are a two man operation. My boss and friend close enough to call a brother is the Owner, Operator, Estimator and Climber and I am Grounds Tech. I am a glorified grounds keeper. My job is to clean up all the brush that comes down, get it cut down to a manageable, stack which goes by loads into our truck, all logs cut down to firewood size and a "no trace left behind" manner of cleaning it all up when we are done. We do contract work for the city and county but more residential work than anything else.For the record, I did a dead tattoo on my boss that reads "Me and My Uncle" in red above a SYF he already had in place. It is always nice to work with other deadheads. We never show up on a job without his iphone with either dead radio or our san francisco pandora station playing. Let It Grow! and for side income, I write freelance for a few different publications, play a few open mic nights here and there and my wife is a chef, although she is currently in school pursuing her degree as a social services technician.

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May 27, 2007 - 9:24am

406 replies

izzie

Joined:
May 26, 2007

What is it that you do, anyway?

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May 31, 2025 - 5:04pm

#1

JungleGhost

Joined:
May 31, 2025

wash dishes

kitchen utility @ KFC but its not paying the bills...
November 23, 2024 - 1:55am

#2

yaffstone

Joined:
July 27, 2014

After 25 years as Chief of…

After 25 years as Chief of Clinical Physics (treating cancer) I took early "retirement". I'm now a professor of engineering and medicine. Recently I resumed work at the hospital to start a medical physics residency program. So - failure to retire syndrome...
September 7, 2023 - 11:42am

#3

abmterrapin

Joined:
November 8, 2014

Looking for Work

Previously a Billing Program Manager with Quality Improvement & Mgmt. training from both Xerox & GE. Looking for a new gig that is DeadHead Friendly!
August 31, 2023 - 4:33pm

#4

rreich_69

Joined:
August 18, 2023

Engineering. First five…

Engineering. First five years out of college was civil/construction in Eugene, OR. Since 1997 it's been software/internet/web in Boulder, CO. What a long strange trip it's been.
August 4, 2023 - 6:59am

#5

iGrateful

Joined:
June 5, 2007

Trader Joe's

So I just started my post-retirement gig with Trader Joe's
I love this place! The people, the employees, the food... all good!
If you have not been to a Trader Joe's in your area, go check it out and tell me what you think. Either way, I feel good about myself helping people find and prepare quality foods they'll enjoy at a reasonable price.
July 31, 2023 - 12:07pm

#6

GratefulTreadHead

Joined:
July 31, 2023

Hello from a Sydney House Painter!

Hey everyone in this awesome forum! 👋 I thought I'd introduce myself and share a bit about my day job. I'm a house painter based right here in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia! 🇦🇺

I absolutely love what I do – transforming homes both inside and out with a splash of color and a touch of magic. From giving exteriors a fresh new look to adding personality to interiors, it's all about creating spaces that truly feel like home. 🌈🖌️

Currently, I'm part of a fantastic team at "Australian Painting and Maintenance Services Pty. Ltd." 🏢 Our crew is a bunch of skilled painters who take great pride in our work. We're all about delivering top-notch results, using high-quality materials to make sure our clients' visions come to life! 💪

If you're curious about our work or just love to see some impressive before-and-after shots, you can check out our website at australianpainting.com.au. We're always excited to showcase our projects and inspire others with our passion for painting! 🎉
Oh, and before I wrap up, I have to mention that besides my passion for house painting, I'm an avid Grateful Dead fan too! 🌹🎶 Their music has been the soundtrack to many of my painting sessions, creating a groovy and inspiring atmosphere. Some of my all-time favorite Grateful Dead songs are "Ripple," "Sugar Magnolia," and "Touch of Grey" - they never fail to lift my spirits! 🎵✨

Speaking of Australia, the Grateful Dead did have a memorable live show here! 🇦🇺🎤 In 1981, they graced the stage at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, which was broadcasted live on the radio, reaching Deadheads worldwide, including us fans in Australia. Although they never performed a live show down under, their music and influence have certainly traveled far and wide, touching the hearts of many grateful fans across the globe. 🌏🌈 Keep on truckin', fellow Deadheads! 🚚💀🌹
July 29, 2022 - 1:44pm

#7

jwheku

Joined:
April 17, 2019

Short Personal Comment

Hello, my name is Josef from Stuttgart, Germany. I'm working at an publishing house and I have to say, that my english is not very good, so excuse me, but I'm proud to join the community.
Stay safe!
July 12, 2022 - 8:11am

#8

Heilpraktiker

Joined:
July 12, 2022

Homeopath

Im self-employed as a homeopath in Berlin. Glad to be here, great community. I love my job and it's amazing to treat patients from all around the world!

More about me and my job:
naturheilpraxis-homoeopathie-berlin.de
May 26, 2022 - 12:24pm

#9

elenahaper

Joined:
May 26, 2022

The best tutors to complete the task on time.

Get online homework help, assignment help, essay writing services, and many more from anywhere in the world. With the live 24/7 support chat available. Tutor Champs offers an expert tutor for your help in your coursework.
May 24, 2022 - 11:04am

#10

Forensicdoceleven

Joined:
June 17, 2008

I'm an ordinary guy with an extraordinary job......

Forensic pathologist............

Growing up, never would have imagined that......................

Rock on,

Doc
A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better........