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Might be time to go

jjk2007

jjk2007

Supporting Member
Apr 16, 2008
4,528
11,465
Austin, TX
#1
(longer read than I wanted)

Fortunately, I never have to post to TB for any band issues (drama, crappy players etc), but the time has come. I'll try and keep it short and sweet. LOL

Our band has been very successful here in the N. Austin area since I joined about 1.5 years ago. A good amount of venues and decent pay every time. It' been easy for me as a stay at home Dad who is in the midst of home inspector schooling, but one issue has been our family income. While not adding any debt, we're not really able to save much either. We're due for at least one new car and really need to save big for a house. Gig money gets thrown into a jar on the counter and has been used for several different things, and as of now it pays for my sons preschool we just got him enrolled in. My Wife, who has an awesome job covers everything else. I've been trying to find a way to do the band (2-8 gigs per month), be home with my kids when school is out and find a way to bring in some bigger $$. Maybe that sounds like a tall order, but I'm almost there.

I got a call yesterday from my old company in So Cal (where I met my Wife and whom she still works for) with a job offer. The company is in the bio-pharmaceutical business selling life saving medication to hospitals and clinics. They asked if I would be their after hours emergency pager team consultant. What are the details? I would need to be able to respond to calls within 20 minutes (calls go directly to a voice mail system), then access inventory and place orders to be shipped out via courier. I would then call the on call person in either So Cal or N. Carolina facilities to have them go into our actual facility to pack and ship the order.

Here's the kicker. Hours are: 7pm to 7am during the week. Starting Friday would be 7pm to 7am on Monday, being on 24 hour call Saturday and Sunday. Problem is there is no way to predict the volume of calls I will get during that time. I used to do this when I worked there but the business has grown so much that I'm sure the after hours call level has too. They are offering a nice salary/vacation package which really makes it enticing. The job is a no brainer. Other than getting up in the middle of the night it's easy $$, and there are chances I may not get calls for several days in a row. It really is an answer from the heavens.

How does this relate to the band?? Let's say 10 minutes into a 45 minute set I get a call. I have 20 min to answer that call. That means set is getting cut short, then during break I have to go to my computer (which I'll be able to remotely use) and place an order, then call out to either coast to have the order done. It can be a fairly quick process but worst case is what if I'm getting constantly called during a Friday or Saturday night gig? Could cause for a very unprofessional night as a band and some ticked bandmates. We have a gig tonight so I'll be dropping the news to the band and see what their thoughts are.

Anyhow, it's just going to be trial and error with the band as I see how things have changed in the business in 2 years and hopefully we can make it work. Worst case is I have to quit the band. I know if it comes to that the guys will be crushed which makes it even worse as we all get along great and have momentum on our side. Thanks TB for listening to my rant/vent and I appreciate the feedback! I have to do what's best for my family but the band has been doing so well the thought of giving it up just makes me cringe. Hopefully there's a way, but my playing days (for now) might be at an end.

Cheers!
 
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#2
jjk2007 said:
(longer read than I wanted)

Fortunately, I never have to post to TB for any band issues (drama, crappy players etc), but the time has come. I'll try and keep it short and sweet. LOL

Our band has been very successful here in the N. Austin area since I joined about 1.5 years ago. A good amount of venues and decent pay every time. It' been easy for me as a stay at home Dad who is in the midst of home inspector schooling, but one issue has been our family income. While not adding any debt, we're not really able to save much either. We're due for at least one new car and really need to save big for a house. Gig money gets thrown into a jar on the counter and has been used for several different things, and as of now it pays for my sons preschool we just got him enrolled in. My Wife, who has an awesome job covers everything else. I've been trying to find a way to do the band (2-8 gigs per month), be home with my kids when school is out and find a way to bring in some bigger $$. Maybe that sounds like a tall order, but I'm almost there.

I got a call yesterday from my old company in So Cal (where I met my Wife and whom she still works for) with a job offer. The company is in the bio-pharmaceutical business selling life saving medication to hospitals and clinics. They asked if I would be their after hours emergency pager team consultant. What are the details? I would need to be able to respond to calls within 20 minutes (calls go directly to a voice mail system), then access inventory and place orders to be shipped out via courier. I would then call the on call person in either So Cal or N. Carolina facilities to have them go into our actual facility to pack and ship the order.

Here's the kicker. Hours are: 7pm to 7am during the week. Starting Friday would be 7pm to 7am on Monday, being on 24 hour call Saturday and Sunday. Problem is there is no way to predict the volume of calls I will get during that time. I used to do this when I worked there but the business has grown so much that I'm sure the after hours call level has too. They are offering a nice salary/vacation package which really makes it enticing. The job is a no brainer. Other than getting up in the middle of the night it's easy $$, and there are chances I may not get calls for several days in a row. It really is an answer from the heavens.

How does this relate to the band?? Let's say 10 minutes into a 45 minute set I get a call. I have 20 min to answer that call. That means set is getting cut short, then during break I have to go to my computer (which I'll be able to remotely use) and place an order, then call out to either coast to have the order done. It can be a fairly quick process but worst case is what if I'm getting constantly called during a Friday or Saturday night gig? Could cause for a very unprofessional night as a band and some ticked bandmates. We have a gig tonight so I'll be dropping the news to the band and see what their thoughts are.

Anyhow, it's just going to be trial and error with the band as I see how things have changed in the business in 2 years and hopefully we can make it work. Worst case is I have to quit the band. I know if it comes to that the guys will be crushed which makes it even worse as we all get along great and have momentum on our side. Thanks TB for listening to my rant/vent and I appreciate the feedback! I have to do what's best for my family but the band has been doing so well the thought of giving it up just makes me cringe. Hopefully there's a way, but my playing days (for now) might be at an end.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Can you subcontract to someone else to cover when you are on gigs? Otherwise, I don't see this working...
 
#4
Tough call.....Young kids change everything! I was making a great name for myself as a chef a ways back....press, TV appearances....cool stuff. The 70 hour work week. (Plus commute) Gone every weekend and holiday.....When my youngest daughter was born I decided to be a dad and a chef. I took a job as a country club chef for more money and better benefits so I could be home two nights a week. Still had to work weekends and holidays. Three years of that and I had enough. Now I work from home and take care of my kids full time. I make more $$ too! :cool:

Do I miss the glory? You bet. Good luck with your decision!! I hope you can make the compromise work!!
 
#7
Hey guys. Yes my Wife could technically do it, but I'll have to see how it plays out. I don't want to start a new (old) job and start shucking responsibilities, even if it is my Wife. Next week I'll be able to converse with my boss and maybe work out some options, but we'll see. That could go either way too.
 
#10
interp said:
You provided the solution yourself: "I have to do what's best for my family..."

When you're on your death bed you won't be thinking "Gee, I wish I had spent more time with that band in N. Austin instead of taking care of my family's needs."

Good luck with whatever decision you make!
Click to expand...

^^^^^
this

Best of luck with the choice. It's good to be needed, you seem to have that in spades.
 
#11
It's a tough call but family comes first. I turned down a good job years ago because it was the 4-12 shift which would essentially rule out any rehearsing and gigs. I played with a drummer once that was an elevator repairman and was on 24 hour call. Great guy good drummer but a few times he had to leave rehearsal for a call. I was like ok what's gonna happen if he gets an call during a gig? Had to part ways with him unfortunately.
 
#12
jjk2007 said:
(longer read than I wanted)

Fortunately, I never have to post to TB for any band issues (drama, crappy players etc), but the time has come. I'll try and keep it short and sweet. LOL

Our band has been very successful here in the N. Austin area since I joined about 1.5 years ago. A good amount of venues and decent pay every time. It' been easy for me as a stay at home Dad who is in the midst of home inspector schooling, but one issue has been our family income. While not adding any debt, we're not really able to save much either. We're due for at least one new car and really need to save big for a house. Gig money gets thrown into a jar on the counter and has been used for several different things, and as of now it pays for my sons preschool we just got him enrolled in. My Wife, who has an awesome job covers everything else. I've been trying to find a way to do the band (2-8 gigs per month), be home with my kids when school is out and find a way to bring in some bigger $$. Maybe that sounds like a tall order, but I'm almost there.

I got a call yesterday from my old company in So Cal (where I met my Wife and whom she still works for) with a job offer. The company is in the bio-pharmaceutical business selling life saving medication to hospitals and clinics. They asked if I would be their after hours emergency pager team consultant. What are the details? I would need to be able to respond to calls within 20 minutes (calls go directly to a voice mail system), then access inventory and place orders to be shipped out via courier. I would then call the on call person in either So Cal or N. Carolina facilities to have them go into our actual facility to pack and ship the order.

Here's the kicker. Hours are: 7pm to 7am during the week. Starting Friday would be 7pm to 7am on Monday, being on 24 hour call Saturday and Sunday. Problem is there is no way to predict the volume of calls I will get during that time. I used to do this when I worked there but the business has grown so much that I'm sure the after hours call level has too. They are offering a nice salary/vacation package which really makes it enticing. The job is a no brainer. Other than getting up in the middle of the night it's easy $$, and there are chances I may not get calls for several days in a row. It really is an answer from the heavens.

How does this relate to the band?? Let's say 10 minutes into a 45 minute set I get a call. I have 20 min to answer that call. That means set is getting cut short, then during break I have to go to my computer (which I'll be able to remotely use) and place an order, then call out to either coast to have the order done. It can be a fairly quick process but worst case is what if I'm getting constantly called during a Friday or Saturday night gig? Could cause for a very unprofessional night as a band and some ticked bandmates. We have a gig tonight so I'll be dropping the news to the band and see what their thoughts are.

Anyhow, it's just going to be trial and error with the band as I see how things have changed in the business in 2 years and hopefully we can make it work. Worst case is I have to quit the band. I know if it comes to that the guys will be crushed which makes it even worse as we all get along great and have momentum on our side. Thanks TB for listening to my rant/vent and I appreciate the feedback! I have to do what's best for my family but the band has been doing so well the thought of giving it up just makes me cringe. Hopefully there's a way, but my playing days (for now) might be at an end.

Cheers!
Click to expand...
I applaud your ethics & responsible nature, man. :) Very respectable, in an age where respect is as rare as a stranger's kindness.
 
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#13
tangentmusic said:
Family obligations first.

Band second.

Band meeting required asap
Click to expand...

I agree. Family first. The band is a hobby. Since your wife makes enough money to cover most other expenses, if you take the job, you have the opportunity to start planning for retirement, family vacations, etc. Take the job.
 
#14
Yes, family first. And yes, tell the band the situation and get their reaction to it.

I wouldn't assume right off this will mean having to quit. I would see if the band can slow down the gigging pace a bit when you start so you have a weekend or two to get a taste of typical call volume on a weekend night. It may be a lot, or it may turn out to be not so much. It may also be possible for your bandmates to come up with some bass-free material they can play while you're dealing with a call. Obviously, you'd have to quit the band if the pager is going off continuously, but if they're willing to work with you, and if the pager isn't constant, you may be able to do both.
 
#16
This company sells life-saving medication, and requires a response within 20 minutes - this does NOT sound like the kind of thing I would subcontract out, or let anyone - not even my wife - handle for me. If something goes wrong, a company that's expected to provide life-saving medication within 20 minutes could get sued into oblivion.

Might just be me, but this sounds like an either/or decision, at least if it were me. I don't see a way to do both correctly.
 
#17
Awesome post. Thanks for sharing. As most others have said, family comes first and it sounds like you agree. That said, good bands with momentum and group chemistry are as hard to come by as any other kind of relationship. Maybe you look for another work opportunity that allows you to work from home part time, be a stay at home dad, AND have gig and rehearsal nights free. Maybe that's a tall order, I don't know. I relate to this because my gf and I are trying to get (her) pregnant and I'm already apprehensive of the family/job/music time split conundrum. As someone else mentioned, kudos to you for being important to so many different parties. You're doing something right.
 
#18
I have to do an on call rotation about every 6 weeks. But there is always a primary and secondary guy. The secondary guy is there in case the primary does not respond. Sometimes I can cut a deal with the secondary, to cover, if a gig were to come up, etc.

Interesting that a company would appoint one guy to cover all weekend, every weekend. Who covers when you take a vacation, or you are sick? Perhaps see if they have other guys willing to do a rotation. Covers their exposure, and may give you some options.
 
#19
Hey guys, appreciate all the feedback. The job isn't as bad or scary as it sounds. And as my Wife is the sales rep for the state of Texas, she could place the order faster than me! I'm at the gig right now discussing things with the band. Should be a fun night. Thanks again and I'll keep everyone posted.
 

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#20
Update: For those who responded, thanks. I have decided to take the job and will begin on January 30th. I'm going to stick with gigging with the band and we're just going to see how it plays out. If it interferes with the gigging schedule then I'll have to put the brakes on. I'll be starting my home inpection business here in TX this next year too and hopefully I can pick up some business going into this spring. The contract is for a year so if all goes well with home inspecting I won't have to renew next year. We'll see how it all goes and thanks for the support.
 
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