Meaning: The quote "I worked at all kinds of jobs, mostly commercial editing" by Marilyn Hacker, a renowned poet, reflects her experience and journey through various occupations before establishing herself as a poet. In this quote, Hacker acknowledges her diverse work history, particularly in the field of commercial editing, which likely provided her with valuable skills and perspectives that influenced her poetry.

Marilyn Hacker is an American poet known for her distinctive style and exploration of themes such as feminism, sexuality, and social justice. Born in 1942 in New York City, Hacker's early career was marked by her engagement with different jobs, as indicated in the quote. This experience of working in various roles, including commercial editing, has likely played a significant role in shaping her worldview and informing the subject matter of her poetry.

The mention of "commercial editing" in the quote suggests that Hacker was involved in the editing and revision of written material for commercial purposes. This experience may have exposed her to the nuances of language, communication, and the art of refining written content for a specific audience or purpose. Through her work in commercial editing, Hacker likely honed her skills in language and communication, which are essential for a poet.

Furthermore, the quote implies that Hacker's journey to becoming a poet was not a direct or linear path. Instead, it highlights the diversity of her professional experiences and the valuable insights she gained from working in different roles. This multifaceted background may have contributed to the richness and depth of her poetry, allowing her to draw from a broad range of experiences and perspectives.

Hacker's acknowledgment of her work history also underscores the importance of embracing one's past and recognizing the influence of diverse experiences on creative endeavors. By acknowledging her work in various jobs, Hacker emphasizes the value of her journey and the ways in which her past occupations have contributed to her development as a poet.

In the context of the quote, "I worked at all kinds of jobs, mostly commercial editing," Hacker's emphasis on "all kinds of jobs" suggests a willingness to engage with diverse experiences and an openness to learning from different professional environments. This openness to varied experiences likely enabled her to bring a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights to her poetry, enriching her work with depth and complexity.

Overall, Marilyn Hacker's quote about her work history reflects the importance of embracing diverse experiences and the influence of past occupations on creative pursuits. Her journey from various jobs, including commercial editing, to becoming a celebrated poet, underscores the value of a multifaceted background and the ways in which diverse experiences can shape and inform one's artistic expression.