Should I quit my day job?

friskinator · #1 12-05-2007, 08:43 AM

OK, here's an interesting question for anyone that feels like offering advice. I've been playing bass for 20+ years, half of that professionally. My old band was fortunate enough to score not one, but 2 major-label deals, and I got to experience a lot of cool stuff that most musicians only dream of. Despite being loved in our home market, our records went nowhere on the charts, so it was back to college for me so I could get a "real" job and make a living with no band drama. Music has always been my number-one passion, but I got tired of having no income/insurance/stability.

Fast-forward to today...I recently was offered a gig with a singer/songwriter here in town that has some serious industry interest. He's already finished a record that was done by a well known producer (with bass parts played by a well-known session guy), and apparently he's got a tour lined up with a big-name artist for the new year. I don't necessarily think this guy's going to become the next big thing, but the gig sounds like it could be a blast as well as a great way to make connections for the future.

Here's where the question comes in. Do I consider quitting my job for this gig? I'm not sure what the guy's willing to pay for the project, but he seems to have deep pockets. I know it'd be taking a pay cut for me, and everyone's gotta keep the rent paid, but not playing music regularly has been killing me. I really don't like my day job, either...getting out of there would please me to no end, but like I said, the bills have gotta be paid.

Thoughts, anyone? Do I go with what I love, or go for the stability with a job I hate?

glivanos · #2 12-05-2007, 08:51 AM

If you have family and or significant financial obligations i.e. a mortgage, I believe it will require significant thought and discussion with you family members before making that decision.

If you are by yourself...go live your dream!

QUOTE=friskinator;4989643]OK, here's an interesting question for anyone that feels like offering advice. I've been playing bass for 20+ years, half of that professionally. My old band was fortunate enough to score not one, but 2 major-label deals, and I got to experience a lot of cool stuff that most musicians only dream of. Despite being loved in our home market, our records went nowhere on the charts, so it was back to college for me so I could get a "real" job and make a living with no band drama. Music has always been my number-one passion, but I got tired of having no income/insurance/stability.

Fast-forward to today...I recently was offered a gig with a singer/songwriter here in town that has some serious industry interest. He's already finished a record that was done by a well known producer (with bass parts played by a well-known session guy), and apparently he's got a tour lined up with a big-name artist for the new year. I don't necessarily think this guy's going to become the next big thing, but the gig sounds like it could be a blast as well as a great way to make connections for the future.

Here's where the question comes in. Do I consider quitting my job for this gig? I'm not sure what the guy's willing to pay for the project, but he seems to have deep pockets. I know it'd be taking a pay cut for me, and everyone's gotta keep the rent paid, but not playing music regularly has been killing me. I really don't like my day job, either...getting out of there would please me to no end, but like I said, the bills have gotta be paid.

Thoughts, anyone? Do I go with what I love, or go for the stability with a job I hate?[/quote]

Busker · #3 12-05-2007, 08:51 AM

Could be a life-changing decision either way you go. I say keep your day job AND take the gig. I mean, he isn't going national overnight is he?

KsToaDangr · #4 12-05-2007, 08:59 AM

it depends on a couple of things.

1. how much do you hate your day job?
2. is this tour going to pay you enough to cover your bills?
3. what are you going to do at the end of the tour?

just my opinion, but you should really think about this one before jumping into anything that might cause trouble down the road.

friskinator · #5 12-05-2007, 09:36 AM

Actually, right now I am in a great position to take a gig like this. I am single, no mortgage or car payment, and no serious bills outside of rent, food, cell phone, etc. There's always a chance that I could work part-time at my day job, but I'd probably lose my benefits. That's a small price to pay for being happier.

As far as the future goes, I don't know what would happen after the gig. The guys in the band do a cover gig in their downtime that apparently does well, and they've offered me the bass slot in that as well if I want it. I'm just tired of wasting my talents - I've been playing a long time, and I'd like to give "the next level" another shot while I'm still young.

Fine Cut · #6 12-05-2007, 09:42 AM

i say go with what u love bro, as long as u clear enough from the gig to cover ur rent/food/and some to put aside for possible road expenses ie. if ur bass or rig craps out...i mean, i'm only 17 and the playin i do in bars more than covers my gas (big thing there), plus mods for the Camaro and hopefully, soon a real "rig" instead of a combo...clear enough for the bill's set aside a lil for gear costs and i think you'll be good...go have fun!

ryco · #7 12-05-2007, 09:45 AM

Go.

If you "hate" your day job this is a perfect opportunity. Don't waste your time doing stuff you dislike. Let me do that.

Even if this gig donesn't pan out it may open up other opportunities and you will be exposed to a wider audience that may desire your skills.

If you semi like your day job see about getting a leave of absence and test the waters. You may find you don't dig the pro music scene either.

bakeronbass · #8 12-05-2007, 09:51 AM

We only go around once.

mrokern · #9 12-05-2007, 09:51 AM

Take a look at your benefits package in more detail; some employers allow part time employees to keep benefits if they pay a higher premium. You can also check with the company that supplies your renters / car insurance (you do have those, right?

) to see what a major medical policy would cost. I did that for awhile; sinus infection meant walk-in clinic, but if I'd ended up in an emergency room my out of pocket wouldn't have ruined me.

I'd say go for it; if you don't, and nothing ever comes of your musical career, you'll always wonder "what if..." for the rest of your life.

-Mark

bassbully · #10 12-05-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by friskinator

Actually, right now I am in a great position to take a gig like this. I am single, no mortgage or car payment, and no serious bills outside of rent, food, cell phone, etc. There's always a chance that I could work part-time at my day job, but I'd probably lose my benefits. That's a small price to pay for being happier.

As far as the future goes, I don't know what would happen after the gig. The guys in the band do a cover gig in their downtime that apparently does well, and they've offered me the bass slot in that as well if I want it. I'm just tired of wasting my talents - I've been playing a long time, and I'd like to give "the next level" another shot while I'm still young.

Dude go for it ..fo sure! Why? Well your young, you hate your job, your talent is needed and you really have no commitments or anything holding you back. Trust me speaking for alot of the guys and maybe gals on this board this wont go on forever and the chance is right in your hands grab it and go dont look back!
If many of us here could go back we would kill for a chance just once like this. The unknowing is part of the attraction at least to me...its part of the game. Sometimes you win sometimes you lose. In my book unless you go out and try you loose. In 10 years from now in that house with a morgage, 2 kids and a nagging wife later you will sit and think back and will it be...Yea man that was a great tour had fun or Man i blew it wished i would of done it...but now its just a weekend crappy coverband. The choice is yours. Live today!

capnsandwich · #11 12-05-2007, 10:22 AM

You'll never regret it. You can always get a job but you won't always get a chance at making connections and traveling. Either you do this or you wonder what if for the rest of your life.

FuturePrimitive · #12 12-05-2007, 10:27 AM

Another vote for go for it!

With no wife/kids, no mortgage, and no car payment, the ONLY thing you have tying you down is a job you hate! Seems like a no brainer to me. I would definitely find out what you're going to get paid before making the decision of course and about your benefits. Most companies provide at least some sort of medical benefits even for part time. When I worked at Pizza Hut in high school (nearly 20 years ago) they offered a basic health ins plan if you really needed one. And that was just a part time, minimum wage job! You could also see if you could take a leave of absence for the tour and extend your medical benefits during that time and then work part time when not touring.

Not having to support anyone else leaves you a TON of options. Having a "fall back" career/degree already in place is also a HUGE benefit.

cnltb · #13 12-05-2007, 10:30 AM

Do it....do it....DOIT!!!

friskinator · #14 12-05-2007, 10:31 AM

Thanks, guys. Everyone seems to be confirming what my gut was already telling me, which is "go for it." Obviously money is the main issue since living in a big city ain't cheap, but I think I can find a way to make it work. I have turned down other similar gigs due to money/job/girlfriend issues, and I have always regretted it. Time to stop ignoring what truly makes me happy and give it a shot.

jgroh · #15 12-05-2007, 10:33 AM

Another vote for "go for it". I agree totally with bassbully, I wish I would have pursued it further when I was in my teens/twenties. I am now 36, full time job, side business (like another full time job), wife, 3 year old son, huge house, new cars, etc etc. Dont get me wrong, I am extremely happy, but I just look back and wonder what if...

purfektstranger · #16 12-05-2007, 10:33 AM

Get more info...that way you can make an informed decision.

casualmadness · #17 12-05-2007, 10:38 AM

I would chuck it all and go for the music...of course I am a divorced guy and I don't own; I rent. I also don't own much of anything. My bass rig is my most expensive stuff. Other than that I have a bed and a desk and a few computers. That's it. So my situation might be a bit different than yours. Oh and yeah...I'm looking for that offer to quit my day job and hit the road.

Dr. Cheese · #18 12-05-2007, 10:50 AM

Friskinator, I say go for it! I don't know what you job is, but check and see if you can have an extended leave of absence with no pay. I may be wimpy, but even a crummy job beats the heck out of being broke if things don't work out.

If you can't get the leae of absence, go for it anyway. It sounds like you are the kind of guy that will land on his feet however things work out.

interp · #19 12-05-2007, 10:58 AM

The thing I fear most in life is getting toward the end of it and having to admit to myself that I failed to do what I loved.

In your specific situation, it would be IMHO a grave error not to do what your gut and love of music tell you to do.

GO FOR IT!!!

Bassman7PM · #20 12-05-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Friskinator, I say go for it! I don't know what you job is, but check and see if you can have an extended leave of absence with no pay. I may be wimpy, but even a crummy job beats the heck out of being broke if things don't work out.

If you can't get the leae of absence, go for it anyway. It sounds like you are the kind of guy that will land on his feet however things work out.

+1 Go for it and make lots of contacts along the way.