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I'm at WIT'S END.

#42
deepBassie said:
I was much in the same position as you at your age (associates degree, unmarried, no kids, many crappy jobs) although my band wasn't all that good. I kept playing music, sent myself through school (student loans) and got a bachelors degree at the age of 36'ish. Now that I'm considered a "professional", I have way more flexibility in making time for what's really important; music. Tripling my paycheck for doing basically the same job didn't hurt either. I would likely still be at the mercy of some low-level manager's ego, making no money, had I not buckled down. Now I'm at the mercy of some mid-level schmuck but much happier nonetheless. It's a tough road and it sucks but, IMHO, go for that degree even if it's just one class per quarter. It's not too late; must of us will be working into our seventies so it's worth the effort.
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Yes ^. Given our present economic situation, the last thing I would do is voluntarily leave a steady (albeit miserable) position with the belief that one can readily re-enter the profession should the music venture fail.

Riis
 
#43
Zooberwerx said:
Given our present economic situation, the last thing I would do is voluntarily leave a steady (albeit miserable) position with the belief that one can readily re-enter the profession should the music venture fail.
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Oh, for cryin' out loud! :rolleyes:

It's not a "profession". He's quitting a dead-end job in order to pursue his passion. Dead-end jobs are relatively easy to replace - even in a down economy.

As for the present state of our economy, the reason you felt the need to qualify it as "present" is precisely because it is subject to change. And it will change - just as it always has. Since it's still pretty darned sucky, chances are good that it will change for the better, and probably much for the better - sooner rather than later. And when that happens, your advice will have been rendered moot.

But what if the OP had waited until the job market looks better? Will his band opportunity have waited for him to make his move at some future date, when he could feel "safer"?

I'm guessing that the answer to that would be...no! :rollno:

MM
 
#45
MysticMichael said:
Oh, for cryin' out loud! :rolleyes:

It's not a "profession". He's quitting a dead-end job in order to pursue his passion. Dead-end jobs are relatively easy to replace - even in a down economy.

As for the present state of our economy, the reason you felt the need to qualify it as "present" is precisely because it is subject to change. And it will change - just as it always has. Since it's still pretty darned sucky, chances are good that it will change for the better, and probably much for the better - sooner rather than later. And when that happens, your advice will have been rendered moot.

But what if the OP had waited until the job market looks better? Will his band opportunity have waited for him to make his move at some future date, when he could feel "safer"?

I'm guessing that the answer to that would be...no! :rollno:

MM
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If the OP embraces that optimism, then go for it!

Riis
 
#46
Believe me, and even though it's nothing to be proud of, I know how to fairly easily find another "eh, but it pays the bills" type of job if I have to, and I have a degree, too. It's been obsolete since '99 (graduation), being a Multimedia degree (haven't touched it since around 2000), but I do have one, and could very well pursue something further if the music biz proves not worthy. The best part about school, is that it's never too late to go back, and tack on another certification.

The band, on the other hand? Not so much time.
 
#47
The decision to quit the job and shoot for the stars in music is yours alone, but before you let benefits be a major factor in your decision making, take a look at what it would cost for you to buy health insurance on your own and then see if it is worth it. You may find that getting your own health insurance is cheaper than you think and not worth making important life decisions over.
 
#49
Roadkill said:
Dare Greatly​
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

- Theodore Roosevelt (1910) -​
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I have this quote hanging up in my office.
 
#51
Look, the guy has low overhead and no responsibilities to any one but himself. What exactly is he losing besides a crap job? I think it's a no brainer to try rather than schlep away in a bad job, wondering what might have been. Don't know about you guys, but that ain't living, that's just existing.
 
#52
I would go for it. However, one thing that hasn't been mentioned is whether you've discussed this with the other band members. I'd let them know you are about to take the leap. They'll know how serious you are, how important the band is to you, and hopefully they'd alert you to something incongruous with your plan ("hey, we plan on taking a hiatus after this next round of travelling"). You should make sure you're on the same page with them so there's no surprises. They would also hopefully be sensitive to your financial sacrifices and understand that the paying gigs need to keep coming. In any event, I'd make your band part of the dialogue before you make a final decision. All that being said, you only live once and you should go for it.

And, it's a great interview story should you ever have to find a new day job.

Edit: Now that I've read through the thread, I see that you actually did quit. I'd be interested how your other band members reacted.

Whether or not you "make it," I'll bet you look back in 10 years and say that was the best decision you ever made.

Good luck and let my band open for yours if you get huge!
 
#53
Once again, thanks to all of you for the encouragement. I just sent a letter to the guys that I'm officially "outta the gate", and done with the day job. Hopefully it'll stay that way. We'll see, I guess! Oh, and I found some good options for my own healthcare, so that made me feel a lot better.

MAIN POINT: I'll never have to regret NOT trying my hand at this. :)
 

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