I try to write about my jobs—past and present—to help me work through the challenges that crop up from time to time in the workplace. It might bore some folks, or maybe someone will find a nugget of truth they can use. Either way, it helps me get my head on straight.

For months, the Bluetooth speaker in the center of the building kept us moving. A mix of genres, a little of everything, made the nights fly by. Sadly, that’s changed. These days it’s either ten hours of silence or a nonstop stream of hip-hop.

Don’t get me wrong—I like hip-hop. I also like rock, classical, country, Tejano, and about anything with a beat or story. What matters is variety. The right mix makes long nights shorter and the work a little lighter.

My Musical Background

I grew up in a family where everyone played something. Over the years I’ve tried violin, trombone, six-string and bass guitar, mandolin, and a handful of harmonicas. I’ve worked in country, rock, Hispanic, gay, and strip clubs, and I’ve met everyone from Randy Travis to Salt-N-Pepa. You could say I’ve heard a lot.

So when I say I don’t have a problem with hip-hop, I mean it. What I have a problem with is the loss of balance.

Why Music Matters

Studies show music can increase productivity by up to 15%. It reduces anxiety, improves focus, boosts morale, and even fuels creativity. The right song releases dopamine—the same chemical that lights up your brain after a great meal or your favorite movie.

In a job like ours, where repetition can grind you down, we need upbeat music that keeps energy and morale high. We don’t need ten hours of silence, and we definitely don’t need a single loop on repeat. We need rhythm, variety, and something that reminds us we’re still human out there.

Final Note

I get that there are rules—no earbuds, safety protocols, all that. I’ve been through OSHA training too. But there’s got to be a middle ground. A little sound goes a long way.

Thanks for your time,
—Richard