My rules

[Atshen]

For many people, it's more like:
1- Show up at least one hour in advance with the other members of the band to set up the P.A., drums, amps, lighting, etc.;
2- Play three hour-long sets;
3- Try to get a hold of the person who hired you to get your pay;
4- Give everyone his/her cut;
5- Tear down all the stuff and get it into the car or van;
6- Relax while having one more beer or two while chatting with people.

 

[Bob-I]

Where I agree in theory, in actual practice #1 is really challenging for us folks who do this as a hobby. I have family and sometimes things comes up when gigs are booked. It really helps to have a network of folks that help each other out in these situations.

For me, this is why I got back into playing bass. I've only been playing guitar and sax for the past 6-8 years. Because of family stuff a friend has been helping me by covering a few gigs here and there, and now his bass player has started working second shift so I pulled the bass out and remembered how to play. So today I'm about 50/50 bass/guitar and I'm enjoying it.

 

[Gaolee]

My son makes most of his living playing music. He does it because he loves it. I don't make much money playing music, but I do it for the same reason. I have less time for music and more money. He has a whole lot more talent and has developed a whole lot more skill. Otherwise, the motivations are the same.

 

[marmadaddy]

1. Show up
2. Play the set
3. Count the money
4. Leave

In my 25yrs of playing professionally, I've found that if I follow these simple rules, everything else takes care of itself. I can honestly say that in all the bands and all the gigs, I've never been involved in any band drama. I look at the stage as my office and I'm there to do the job I was hired to do. I didn't get hired to drink or hook up or fight or eat. Now granted I've done all of that, but as I get older I'm learning it's not about that. I keep following the rules and my phone keeps ringing.

Just sharing

I like this a lot and wouldn't add anything to it. I just assume that doing each one of those things professionally and to the best of one's ability is implicit.
It's never a bad idea to keep the big picture in mind.