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I Quit

#23
RichardW said:
Having similar feelings about my band. Been playing together for 16 years, but now down to two gigs a year. I feel like we’ve taken it as far as it can go. I’ve started jamming with some other guys and it’s a lot of fun - no pressure about getting stuff “right,” and a great exercise in listening to one another and going off in odd and interesting musical directions.

You might say “well, it’s just two gigs a year, what’s the big deal.” Fair, but there are some band dynamics that are annoying and I can’t help feeling like sometimes you have to say “so long” to one thing so you can be open to a new thing that might come along.

This is boring too, but thanks for letting me vent a little.
Click to expand...

Time to 'turn the page' and move on to the future...

OP - you chose the high road and acted honorably.
 
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#24
Beautiful work. I wish I could summon that kind of integrity when I’m angry, but at 69, I’ve learned two important lessons: (1) burn no bridges and (2) think it through and establish your boundaries.

I know you weren’t angry when you did it. I’ve had to cut back many times for, job, kids, Wife’s health, burn out, etc. life has gone on without me and made room for me again, if and when I was a grown up about it.
 
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#25
Beej said:
Well, in the absence of juicy details, people will tend to fill in the blanks with their own details like I've now done. And hooboy, I cannot believe how sick and twisted this whole situation suddenly became. :smug:
Click to expand...

Do tell - we want juicy details man!!

Seriously, as of this evening, all the usual suspects have texted me, pressing for details. My copy-paste response has been, "I look forward to continuing working with {venue} and {owner} in a different capacity." Yeah, I know, doesn't leave much on the bone, but it's probably more polite than asking, "Do you MEAN to sound like such a drama queen?"

One guy who's had problems respecting boundaries in the past kept pushing and I finally told him we weren't going to have that kind of conversation.
 
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#26
If you're not feeling it – and it's not paying your mortgage – what more justification does a person need?
Way to stay classy and not burn the bridge. That's how I like to roll, too.
I like to think it's helped my career in the long run. But even if it didn't, how does one put a price on being able to look at oneself in the mirror?
 
#29
tshapiro said:
From the title, seemed like you were fed up something. Maybe something like, “Time to step down” would have been good. But, anyway, with those type deals you have to be in it for the fun of it. It’s a small world, seems you were a gentleman about it
:)
Click to expand...

Re: title, it was probably more click-bate-ish than that.

I loved the gig, especially learning a set and backing up different featured artists each week - it was simply time to move on.

The last featured artist a week ago Tuesday was my friend, Jackie Don Loe:

 
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#32
Update - This has been my 2nd week since quitting the Tuesday night gig.

The venue where I just quit playing Tuesdays does a well-attended jam night Fridays - same format where the host band opens with an hour set - The owner wants me to take a monthly spot when I've got an open Friday. First one will be January, though I'll be on guitar & vocals - I've got a truly inspiring bassist friend with me on the gig.

It'll be fun - I'm a seasoned guitarist, though the ultimate goal is bass gigs where I'm more mentally/spiritually centered.
 
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