It was a valuable, formative experience. But for McPeek, any job, no matter how well-respected, is merely the vehicle to support his life's work. His position at UB allows him to work full-time, yet have mornings free for writing. Because of his academic-year appointment, the summers are open for tackling longer poetic forms, or for enriching himself in the other arts, such as film. McPeek acknowledges that his lack of higher education has its disadvantages, but it can never be a barrier to serious art.
Art is so demanding and entails a serious effort.
In an ideal situation, I would want to have a great deal of freedom to accompany my writing, to be able to lavish time on it. Because of my background, however, I have a very limited way of supporting my poetry, not having gone to college, not having other skills. But, says McPeek, this was an entirely conscious decision. During all these years, he remained tightly focused on achievement in art, specifically in poetry. In that sense, he views his job as cook's helper as worthy an occupation as any, to support a life in poetry.