Job or Hobby?

[Micha84]

Hi guys,

a lot of times, when discussions come up, I find myself thinking "Well, that depends if I am playing music professionally or just for fun". But I find that fact gets overlooked quite often.

In fact, at TB, my impression is that there seem to be a lot of pros and a lot of hobbyists who are nevertheless looking to make some money. So discussions where a distinction between hobbyists and pros might make sense, more often than not lean in a certain direction. Myself, after I had finished school, was looking to make a career as a recording engineer. However, I was not only disillusioned about the job as such, but after a while discovered that I was about to lose my passion for music because of it. So I decided that I would look elsewhere for a career and do music purely as a hobby. But, I feel I am very much an outsider with that point of view.

So, fellow TBers, let's see some numbers in the polls! Who is doing their thing for the money, who is in it for the fun?

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I've always seen playing as a fun hobby, always.

But I do like to see some $$ as a return for the time invested.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I was a full-time for 7 years. Playing was a job that started as a passion. Then I became a studio engineer (which I still am for the past 18 years) and even though I get paid from playing, it's mostly for my own pleasure now. So I voted "fun is the deciding factor" although I'd vote "money is the deciding factor" if you asked me in the past.

 

[ArtechnikA]

Of course it's not as clear-cut as this, because I don't think I'd be hired for most of the music I don't like, because I'd suck at it.
Do I hate it because I can't play it ?
Or can I not play it because I hate it ?
Either way, it's not happening...

 

[FullumMusic]

Option 5: I want to make/play great music.

The fun comes with the enjoyment of the music, but is not the primary goal. The money is what I expect if my music is generating revenue or part of someone else’s commercial endeavor. But the music comes before fun and money.

 

[JRA]

then: $$$.

now: fun (but it's no fun without some $$$).

 

[FullumMusic]

Also, if music is a mix of job and hobby for you, and you find yourself in Scotland, don’t portmanteau the two words and tell them music is your jobby.

 

[gln1955]

I play because it's fun, but it sure is nice to have a hobby that pays for itself.

 

[King Harvest]

I'm 100% in it for the enjoyment and 0% in it for the money.

 

[dalkowski]

Also, if music is a mix of job and hobby for you, and you find yourself in Scotland, don’t portmanteau the two words and tell them music is your jobby.

Oof!

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hobby that ALMOST pays for itself and an ongoing learning experience.

Riis

 

[Jefenator]

Education is also a key currency IME. If you're stressed & broke but come out twice the player, it might still be worthwhile.
Charlie Christian famously said he only takes his guitar out of the case to make money, have fun or learn something. All 3 can be achievable in a project, but sometimes you only get one or two. When you're zero for three, it's a no-brainer to get the heck out.

 

[Jefenator]

A friend of a friend once said: "If I ever do anything like that again, I'm going to ask for a lot more money."
He was talking about stripping, but the same dynamic might apply with some of the gigs I've done.

 

[soulstew]

I play for the fun. I load in and out for the money.

 

[WG Plum]

It's all about fun for me. As Damian Erskine has put it, I am an 'enthusiast', not an amateur or hobbyist.

 

[PiquetBass]

I'm 100% in it for the enjoyment and 0% in it for the money.

Same for me - Joined the current band after a few years' hiatus purely with the intention of getting on-stage and playing music with like-minded souls that other people enjoy. No fiscal motivation at all.

 

[mrcbass]

Part time gigging musician = Jobby

It's not about the money, but I do expect the respect of decent pay when I play a public venue.

 

[Goatrope]

Jobby.

It’s always been a hobby, but I don’t move my gear for less than $150, and not further than 30 miles, and not for longer that 4 hours, and not outdoors unless the weather is great, and need meals comped for me and my wife, and close/ free parking, and, and, and, etc…

 

[Muttleybass]

Unless you've 'made it', Playing professionally (as in for a living) means hired gun studio work, giving lessons, working in music therapy, teaching, working in a music store... I do know a guy who makes a decent living doing a singles act at seniors homes. I doubt you can make a living anymore strictly playing live in a band. Not enough places to play or decent gigs. Corporate gigs are lucrative, but few and far between.

Since I'm not really interested in all of the above (with the possible exception of the studio) I'm in it for the challenge, the camaraderie, and the enjoyment.

That said, I ain't setting up all my gear for free. (except for maybe a charity or cancer fundraiser)

 

[Dirk Rockbottom]

Hi guys,

a lot of times, when discussions come up, I find myself thinking "Well, that depends if I am playing music professionally or just for fun". But I find that fact gets overlooked quite often.

In fact, at TB, my impression is that there seem to be a lot of pros and a lot of hobbyists who are nevertheless looking to make some money. So discussions where a distinction between hobbyists and pros might make sense, more often than not lean in a certain direction. Myself, after I had finished school, was looking to make a career as a recording engineer. However, I was not only disillusioned about the job as such, but after a while discovered that I was about to lose my passion for music because of it. So I decided that I would look elsewhere for a career and do music purely as a hobby. But, I feel I am very much an outsider with that point of view.

So, fellow TBers, let's see some numbers in the polls! Who is doing their thing for the money, who is in it for the fun?

Well, if it's not fun, why do it? A musician who gigs and isn't having fun is probably in the wrong line of work. I'm retired so it's completely about fun, although I do get paid from time to time.