The Worst Performer I Ever Saw Taught Me The Best Lesson

All creators could learn a thing or two from “Open Michael”

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I recently visited a local music venue with two of my girlfriends to see an act I had never heard of. I didn’t even look up the performer’s names before agreeing to buy tickets, I was just excited to have a night out and decompress.

I had recently quit my corporate job with no clear idea about what I was going to do next. The fast-paced job I once loved was no longer a fit for me, a new mother. As much as I tried to avoid becoming the stereotypical woman who quits her fulfilling career to focus on motherhood, it happened.

The show was in a tiny theater, maybe seating 30 people at a time, tops. The venue’s website endearingly calls it a “listening room”. Upon entering, one is greeted by a modest counter selling coffee, tea, and homemade baked goods. It is an extremely homegrown, casual operation.

It is a darling little place.

My group picked up a 4-pack of craft beer from the store across the street, as the spot is BYOB. We sit and sip and I try desperately to ask my friends questions about themselves, and harder still to listen to their replies. I am completely in my own head about my choice to quit and my lack of direction.