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Thinking about hanging it up.

#61
I always had more fun just jamming with my buddies and having a couple frosty barley pops and a toke or two. Playing gigs turned me off to playing at all and I quit for about a decade. Around the pandemic, I got into playing drums while my buddy improved on guitar and I decided it was time to pick the bass and guitar up again. I haven't had this much fun playing music since I was a teenager. I will absolutely never play another gig in my life and I'm happier and feel more creative for it
 
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#62
tb-player said:
I've been playing music a long time... pretty much all my life. It's a part of who I am. But when it comes to playing out, it has become more of a hassle than a joy. When something loses its joy, that's when it's time to reevaluate its worth.

With that in mind, I think it may be time for me to take a nice, long break from playing bass in bands. My enjoyment of local gigs and such has been gone for a while. And what I call my 'megachurch gig' has become more of a chore than anything else. I still enjoy studio sessions, but that's getting more and more infrequent as my business continues to grow and my calendar continues to fill.

I have a few pieces of gear for sale right now, here and Reverb. I'm thinking about eventually selling everything and buying one nice, overpriced vintage jazz to go alongside my nice, overpriced vintage precision. J with rounds and a P with flats. That just feels right, doesn't it?

I still have a couple of acoustic guitars, a keyboard and my DAW. Those have mostly been for my personal enjoyment. Maybe it's time for the bass to fit into that category. Or maybe it's time to refocus on songwriting & home recording... you know, reignite a simpler passion.

This is something I've been thinking about for a year or so. And I've already begun scaling back. I think the timing may finally be right to call it quits.

Obviously, you guys/gals don't know my life, so I'm not asking if I should or shouldn't. But I am curious if anyone else here has recently done something similar. What was your experience? Did it last? Or did you just need a break?
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I haven't been playing music for quite as long as you, but I have felt the exact same feelings with other things. it has become a bit of an overused word, but burnout is real, and when it hits, the best course of action, I feel, is to take a break for as long as you think is needed. if at the end, you find it still doesn't spark any joy, then yeah, maybe it's time to leave it be. but only you can make that choice.

also, since i'm sitting in this awfully comfy armchair over here, i definitely think you should consider your mental health and how you've been doing emotionally recently. having your hobbies/passions lose their luster is a classic symptom of depression. i'm not saying to immediately put the money down on a therapist, but definitely talk to your family and close ones, and do a bit of self-reflection. it might be what you need to reignite that spark.
 
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#63
tb-player said:
I've been playing music a long time... pretty much all my life. It's a part of who I am. But when it comes to playing out, it has become more of a hassle than a joy. When something loses its joy, that's when it's time to reevaluate its worth.

With that in mind, I think it may be time for me to take a nice, long break from playing bass in bands. My enjoyment of local gigs and such has been gone for a while. And what I call my 'megachurch gig' has become more of a chore than anything else. I still enjoy studio sessions, but that's getting more and more infrequent as my business continues to grow and my calendar continues to fill.

I have a few pieces of gear for sale right now, here and Reverb. I'm thinking about eventually selling everything and buying one nice, overpriced vintage jazz to go alongside my nice, overpriced vintage precision. J with rounds and a P with flats. That just feels right, doesn't it?

I still have a couple of acoustic guitars, a keyboard and my DAW. Those have mostly been for my personal enjoyment. Maybe it's time for the bass to fit into that category. Or maybe it's time to refocus on songwriting & home recording... you know, reignite a simpler passion.

This is something I've been thinking about for a year or so. And I've already begun scaling back. I think the timing may finally be right to call it quits.

Obviously, you guys/gals don't know my life, so I'm not asking if I should or shouldn't. But I am curious if anyone else here has recently done something similar. What was your experience? Did it last? Or did you just need a break?
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I’m retired and in my early 70’s, and still gig a little, but gave up music running my life several years ago. And what a relief.
 
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#64
smeet said:
It’s a personal decision each of us must make. I’m in the process of slow retirement from my day job, and I see it as my opportunity to start playing more than I’ve been able to. I’m hoping this will be a new creative phase of my life. Right now I can’t imagine not wanting to play with people, but who knows how long my body and mind will be up to it…
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I'm in a similar situation here. I'm working (slowly) on transitioning out of my 9-5 in favor of a remote/on demand role.

A big part of why I'm doing it is to have more time to do short tours with an artist I'm already subbing with. She sometimes goes out for a week to three weeks at a time, and I'm just not able to commit. But playing with her is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling musical experiences that I've had to date, so I owe it to myself to make an attempt.

I understand what OP is talking about though, and I may end up feeling like that someday. One never knows.
 
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#65
Best thing I ever did was to invest in a couple of older, vintage Korg workstations after years of bassing it. I do have a background and training with the keys, but man, this has just opened up a new world for me with creativity and enthusiasm. I still have an Ibby SR and Rumble 500, but it's more solo/effects pedals and occasional jamming with old band mates. I'm happy where I'm at now. Oh, Korg Karma on top, Korg TR on the bottom - amazingly, powerful workstations! They're synced together with a mixer for dual or independent usage.
Korg Keys.jpeg
 
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#66
What's interesting about my situation is that I barely even care about music in general now. I don't listen to music in my spare time anymore (only podcasts), and I don't give one s&#t about going to see live music. And honestly, I'm fine with that. I've developed other interests, and they make me happy. I'm almost 49 now, and I've been playing bass since I was 12. I think I had a good run.
 
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#67
My goal is to be an accomplished fingerstyle guitarist - something I have been working on for over 40 years ( Chet Atkins, Doyle Dykes etc.) To build up the chops do be anywhere close is staggering but I would love to try.
Having the time to devote to it is the issue - Between my day job and responsibilities + managing/bass gigging (have 5 gigs in 4 days this weekend weather permitting) I barely get out of the gate of guitar - practicing often.

I'm 62 & blessed with good genes and a work ethic. Have considered leaving the band world - focus on guitar and recording and/or an original project. I do like making money though! It's all a trade-off.
 
#68
Benj-jammin said:
Best thing I ever did was to invest in a couple of older, vintage Korg workstations after years of bassing it. I do have a background and training with the keys, but man, this has just opened up a new world for me with creativity and enthusiasm. I still have an Ibby SR and Rumble 500, but it's more solo/effects pedals and occasional jamming with old band mates. I'm happy where I'm at now. Oh, Korg Karma on top, Korg TR on the bottom - amazingly, powerful workstations! They're synced together with a mixer for dual or independent usage.View attachment 5107754
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Exactly this! Buying an electric drum kit rekindled my interest in music. Just recently bought MiniNova synth and been having a blast with it
 
#71
The only thing that makes me think about quitting is the gear and set-up/teardown aspect. I am 69 y/o. and have a bad back and a gimpy left knee. I am currently playing in 2 bands and gig only 3-4 times monthly. In one of the bands (9 piece) we usually use a sound contractor for PA, monitors, and occasionally backline. In the other band (5 piece) I tow the trailer containing PA, monitors, lights, and my bass rig. Almost all of this gear is owned by me. My back has gotten to the point where I have to sit to play in both bands, and gig ordeal of load, unload, play, teardown, load-up, etc. has become a true burden. The other members do help, but it really is becoming too much. I am not ready to throw in the towel yet, but I am feeling that option creeping into my thought processes!
 
#72
After a good solid break, you may come back with a lot more motivation. I took a solid 10 years off from the little bit I did as far as playing in a band goes. Now that I have been back in the game for the last several months, I enjoy it more than ever. I am a hobbyist though and not a professional by any means, so my experience is maybe not comparable to yours.
 
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#73
Do what you're wanting. You can always take it up again if you miss it too much. For what it's worth, I retired 25 years ago after playing full-time for the better part of 15 years and have never regretted it. I had a great time and was fortunate enough to be able to get out before I was completely burnt out on it.
 
#75
tb-player said:
I still have a couple of acoustic guitars, a keyboard and my DAW. Those have mostly been for my personal enjoyment. Maybe it's time for the bass to fit into that category. Or maybe it's time to refocus on songwriting & home recording... you know, reignite a simpler passion.
Click to expand...

There is a great deal of pleasure in this. You don't have to be a full time bass player to continue being a musician. Your chops will suffer but you will learn a lot and become a better songwriter.
 
#76
arbiterusa said:
Doing it right now. Playing a gig July 1. It probably won’t be the last one I ever play, but we’ve been playing for seven years straight. Six to eight gigs a month, every month. I am tired.

My dog is getting old and so is my wife and so am I, and I’m tired of missing weekends with them, so I am done. There are other petty reasons but the core of it is this.
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Wow. I could have written your post myself! Right down to the July 1 gig. I too am tired. It's been fun, but I need my life back. I want to spend quality time with the wife now, as I'll probably be dead in 20 years, max. It's time with her that I miss the most. She's such a great woman to support me in my music, and my new gear acquisitions. She makes sure I leave for the gig with an ironed shirt, shoes that match and are the right feet, and something to eat. But the 6-8 gigs a month on top of the full-time job is taking a toll on me.
 
#77
tb-player said:
I've been playing music a long time... pretty much all my life. It's a part of who I am. But when it comes to playing out, it has become more of a hassle than a joy. When something loses its joy, that's when it's time to reevaluate its worth.

With that in mind, I think it may be time for me to take a nice, long break from playing bass in bands. My enjoyment of local gigs and such has been gone for a while. And what I call my 'megachurch gig' has become more of a chore than anything else. I still enjoy studio sessions, but that's getting more and more infrequent as my business continues to grow and my calendar continues to fill.

I have a few pieces of gear for sale right now, here and Reverb. I'm thinking about eventually selling everything and buying one nice, overpriced vintage jazz to go alongside my nice, overpriced vintage precision. J with rounds and a P with flats. That just feels right, doesn't it?

I still have a couple of acoustic guitars, a keyboard and my DAW. Those have mostly been for my personal enjoyment. Maybe it's time for the bass to fit into that category. Or maybe it's time to refocus on songwriting & home recording... you know, reignite a simpler passion.

This is something I've been thinking about for a year or so. And I've already begun scaling back. I think the timing may finally be right to call it quits.

Obviously, you guys/gals don't know my life, so I'm not asking if I should or shouldn't. But I am curious if anyone else here has recently done something similar. What was your experience? Did it last? Or did you just need a break?
Click to expand...
I gave up gigging a while ago. Very much enjoying the simpler life: playing music I like, taking on musical challenges at my own rate, and pushing out into areas of terra incognita that interest me.
 
#78
tb-player said:
I've been playing music a long time... pretty much all my life. It's a part of who I am. But when it comes to playing out, it has become more of a hassle than a joy. When something loses its joy, that's when it's time to reevaluate its worth.

With that in mind, I think it may be time for me to take a nice, long break from playing bass in bands. My enjoyment of local gigs and such has been gone for a while. And what I call my 'megachurch gig' has become more of a chore than anything else. I still enjoy studio sessions, but that's getting more and more infrequent as my business continues to grow and my calendar continues to fill.

I have a few pieces of gear for sale right now, here and Reverb. I'm thinking about eventually selling everything and buying one nice, overpriced vintage jazz to go alongside my nice, overpriced vintage precision. J with rounds and a P with flats. That just feels right, doesn't it?

I still have a couple of acoustic guitars, a keyboard and my DAW. Those have mostly been for my personal enjoyment. Maybe it's time for the bass to fit into that category. Or maybe it's time to refocus on songwriting & home recording... you know, reignite a simpler passion.

This is something I've been thinking about for a year or so. And I've already begun scaling back. I think the timing may finally be right to call it quits.

Obviously, you guys/gals don't know my life, so I'm not asking if I should or shouldn't. But I am curious if anyone else here has recently done something similar. What was your experience? Did it last? Or did you just need a break?
Click to expand...
I have 5 basses on stands as we speak..I dont play out anymore and just a bedroom player more or less. They are collecting dust and I just walk by them. I feel bad because they all have sentimental value and are really great basses. I have thought MANY time about selling all but one just in case the itch comes down the rd. So yes, I have..
 
#79
tb-player said:
I've been playing music a long time... pretty much all my life. It's a part of who I am. But when it comes to playing out, it has become more of a hassle than a joy. When something loses its joy, that's when it's time to reevaluate its worth.

With that in mind, I think it may be time for me to take a nice, long break from playing bass in bands. My enjoyment of local gigs and such has been gone for a while. And what I call my 'megachurch gig' has become more of a chore than anything else. I still enjoy studio sessions, but that's getting more and more infrequent as my business continues to grow and my calendar continues to fill.

I have a few pieces of gear for sale right now, here and Reverb. I'm thinking about eventually selling everything and buying one nice, overpriced vintage jazz to go alongside my nice, overpriced vintage precision. J with rounds and a P with flats. That just feels right, doesn't it?

I still have a couple of acoustic guitars, a keyboard and my DAW. Those have mostly been for my personal enjoyment. Maybe it's time for the bass to fit into that category. Or maybe it's time to refocus on songwriting & home recording... you know, reignite a simpler passion.

This is something I've been thinking about for a year or so. And I've already begun scaling back. I think the timing may finally be right to call it quits.

Obviously, you guys/gals don't know my life, so I'm not asking if I should or shouldn't. But I am curious if anyone else here has recently done something similar. What was your experience? Did it last? Or did you just need a break?
Click to expand...
I have taken breaks from playing music a couple of times, and reliably got a little crazy without gigging as an outlet. Hopefully you're have a better experience. Good luck.

John
 
#80
tb-player said:
when it comes to playing out, it has become more of a hassle than a joy. When something loses its joy, that's when it's time to reevaluate its worth.
Click to expand...
I'd always caution against "throwing out the baby with the bathwater"...

I've been playing a long time, and always enjoyed gigging - then a few years back I joined a cover band, and probably gigged more often than I ever had...and it started to feel like a chore.

I found myself asking if I'd gotten to a point in life where gigging was no longer fun for me.
Then, I subbed with a local band for a local show and had a blast - and it confirmed that (for me) it's all about the people with whom you share the experience of music.

So I got involved in other projects that are more fun to me - even if it's just hanging out and rehearsing, I enjoy it.
We don't play shows as often, as we don't make as much money when we do, but I enjoy each and every show that we play.
 

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