Have you ever quit a job to play music?

[reindoggy]

I'm currently working an odd shift, seeing the wife rarely, and playing music with others even more rarely. I certainly miss playing. ;-) I'm hoping the opportunity arises soon to get a normal job, but that will most likely require a demotion and an almost deafening chop in pay. Don't worry, I'm not quitting to be a rock star.....yet.

Have you faced one of those "quality of life (such as getting out and pickin') v. money" decisions? Which did you choose? How's that working out for you?

Reindog

[Moose]

I lost count years ago!!## - Spent 20+ years of try'n to "follow" the music ; Somewhere along the line I decided I didn't want folks taking up a "collection" for my hospital bills, burial.., food for the family & kids.., etc. - I went back to school, got a college degree, put out a real bogus resume(!) and used big "testicles" - it worked!! - I've had the same job for 20 years..., and plan to retire soon. THEN(!#) I"ll be able to be a "local-star"!! - You CAN have the best of both worlds if ya' work-it-right and KEEP yer' feet on the ground - also, beware of the "benefits" of the music "daze'- they'll destroy ya'....if ya' let em. Hope this helps ; it's just my .02 - Enjoy yer' music! - but... "Joe, Don't Let Your Music Kill Ya.., Nobody Cares"(source/writer: Tom "T" Hall) - but I gotta' tell ya'.., some days I really miss THOSE times...Moose. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[sunburst]

I'm a mandolin builder...'nuf said?

[PaulD]

I'm a mandolin builder...'nuf said? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I've threatened to "quit my job, build instruments and wooden boats, and do lots of product testing" for a number of years now. Not a realistic option for me until my kids are out of college, especially since my fiance just quit her job to build a private practice.

It's all a matter of balance, which it not something I'm good at. Can you live with less money to improve the quality of life if you quit? If you stick it out will you work into a better situation? Do what you've got to do now... everything is temporary... and try to find the balance as best you can.

Maybe Ken Sager will weigh in on this... I think he can add to the discussion.

[ira]

if you can still afford to take care of yourself/family, do what makes you happy! if you can't, do what you must!

[ira]

ps- wish i was good enough at playin to have that dilemma

[JimRichter]

I have three kids (ages 7, 4, and 4). I work every weekend (Friday through Monday) and am on call that entire period. In addition I commute 3 hours daily to and from work. My off days--Tuesday through Thursday--are spent watching my boys during the day and doing home stuff in the evening.


I gig probably once a month, maybe twice in a rare month. I never practice with anyone and jam occasionally. Usually the gigs require me to take a night off.

Practice wise I usually have a mando strapped around me when I'm not doing housework or working with the boys (it's actually across a shoulder as I type).

I would love to quit work and play music--but I commute 3 hours to work to work a job that pays well and much better than I could get locally. Playing music would require a pretty decent income.

I've thought that if I found a local well-paying part-time job, I could do some music. My wife would probably tolerate that--but it requires the good paying part-time job.

Once my kids are in school and we're a little ahead of the curve on paying off our house, I probably will play music. I tried supporting myself playing music before getting married, so I'm aware of the trappings (my wife--then fiance--put an end to that playing music exclusively)

But I think of music everyday and try to involve myself in music related endeavors that keep me in the loop. Webmastering Mike Compton's and Butch Robin's sites are one such thing. Another is the concerts I'm starting to promote locally. Ultimately these are things to tie me over until I'm ready to play music again.

Also, I gather you'll find a quite a few people like this on the Cafe---that's why we're on the Cafe and not out playing.

Jim

[Eric F.]

Well, I didn't do it to play music, although one benefit of my career change is that I DO get to play more, but: I left a job as a reporter for a very large news organization in a very large city for a lower-paying job at a university in a very rural area. Quality of life? My friends in the city say I look 10 years younger. I certainly feel it. Financially, it's been a bit of a pinch but the cost of living here is low. I also freelance a little to bring in some extra money. I'd never go back.

[reindoggy]

Also, I gather you'll find a quite a few people like this on the Cafe---that's why we're on the Cafe and not out playing.
You got that right, Jim!

Reinal

[Ray Neuman]

8 years ago I sustained a heart attach by doing what was "right". Since then, I have simplified life dramaticly and its produced a very pleasent balance of work/play. I dont have a lot, but what I do have is meaninful, and my leasure time is worth 1000x's more then what I have given up.

Nothing would force me to go back.

the very happy professir

[Big Joe]

I did just that. I left a much MUCH better paying real job to come to work for Gibson. But, I get to be around the greatest musicians on the planet on a daily basis. I get to play some of the best instruments ever made. I get to play whenever I really want to. Then, when my day at work is done, I get to go home to my mandolins. Could it get any better? Money is just money. I realize it's mighty important, but not the most important thing in life.

[Guitar Jeremy]

Yup.

[John Zimm]

I'm currently working an odd shift, seeing the wife rarely, and playing music with others even more rarely. #I certainly miss playing. ;-) I'm hoping the opportunity arises soon to get a normal job, but that will most likely require a demotion and an almost deafening chop in pay. #Don't worry, I'm not quitting to be a rock star.....yet.

Have you faced one of those "quality of life (such as getting out and pickin') v. money" decisions? #Which did you choose? #How's that working out for you?

Reindog
I'm in that spot now. My wife and I just had our first baby two months ago. She has the career-I have a job. So,... I believe I will be Mr. Mom in a few weeks, maybe working part time somewhere. it isn't exactly quitting to follow the music, but it is a choice between income vs. raising our little one.

-John.

[Ray Neuman]

#it isn't exactly quitting to follow the music, but it is a choice between income vs. raising our little one. #

-John.
100 points for you John.

I applaude your decision and your dedication. Music is just music, but the meaning of life is found in a childs eyes.

professir

[travers chandler]

3 years ago I made a stab at it...quit working and played music professionally...didn't work too well so i quit music period....now I have the bestof both worlds...I take off from my day job when I need to travel...If you look hard enough you will find the right opportunity...

[357mag]

kinda what Ira said. I personally just dont have "the gift". I have fun with my music,which is a good thing. But to ever reach a level of playing to be accepted professionally-----I doubt if that will ever happen.

Having said that,if I ever majically reached that plateau,I think I would persue playing professionally.

[mandocrucian]

Byron B says.... (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:m95g8qzbbtq4)

[Ken Sager]

I won't let Paul down. I've written about a dozen replies, but I'll post this one as my weigh in.

There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path. Your life is the way.

Is it about money or happiness? Is it about what you do with every moment of your life, or what you'd like to do later in your life? Once you decide those issues your path becomes more clear.

I quit a job this past April to simply spend time figuring out what path I'd take. My employer didn't want me to leave and made an offer I couldn't refuse. So, I'm back at work while I build a core group of students and line up steady gigs (and save a little money). Once I can count on paying the mortgage with income from lessons alone I'll be ready to leave this new job, too.

I can always find a part time job doing something to cover bills, but I can no longer justify spending half my waking life behind a desk just so when I'm 65 I can afford to buy the condo on the beach where I'll die.

Contrary to Byron B's advice, I'd suggest quitting your day job every couple years. Everybody needs a break, plus it keeps you sharp (and hungry).

Love to all,
Ken

"Death twitches my ear. 'Live,' he says. 'I am coming.'"
--Virgil, c. 70 - 19 BC

[Moose]

No harm intended, but the only "steady gig" I've found - (and I'm "50++"), is the one I have now. Steady work, decent wage, unemployment benefits, health/medical coverage & a soon-to-be retirement plan! - If, perchance your "steady gig" has all the above "amenities"..., by all means...., carry on. Just my .02. Moose. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Ken Sager]

Moose,

You've listed some of the rewards you get from your steady gig, but you are paying for them (your employer surely wouldn't go into debt to cover these costs for you), just as I'll have to pay for them when I no longer have an employer doing the paperwork for me.

If you're happy with the way you spend your day, by all means, carry on.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[jim simpson]

I recently faced this issue with an offer to join a "pro" band that would require giving up the day job. I responded that I was very flattered but didn't see it as an option. I find playing in a regional band to be very satisfying and not to have to worry about the income part. I did ask my wife what she thought about it and her response was that it was okay with her as long as I could make the same money that my regular job pays. I didn't even explore that one! I know that you can make hundreds of dollars a year playing bluegrass!

[John Rosett]

in october, i'm moving to north carolina, and my plan is to go back to school and study music for the rest of my life. i'll get loans and grants, and when i die, they can have the house to pay them off. i've been working a day job and playing music part time for 32 years, and i'm ready to retire and enjoy life more.
john

[arbarnhart]

I could lose this one if I don't stop surfing the cafe so much! Actually, there are things I have had to do lately that are processes I start and babysit and this is more interesting than thumb twiddling, but potentially more troublesome...

[Bob A]

Odd shifts . . . for the last 30 years I've worked my 40 hrs from Fri AM to Sunday midnite. Originally it was to be able to babysit my kids. Then they grew up but I liked having 4 days off. Then they started popping out grandkids and it was back to babysitting 4 days a week.

So far one granddaughter is an excellent violinist, the other plays cello and piano, one grandson is working on piano, and the 2 year old makes me sit him on my lap and he strums my mandolins while I do the fretting. He's got a lot of control for a little guy, and good rhythm. Both the granddaughters pluck a little mando now and then.

So, does that count as "making music(ians)'?

The downside is I don't get out to play much, having to use vacation leave whenever something really interesting is going on on a weekend. Another downside is that the medical field is not about reasonable pay scales, unless you're at the top of the pyramid - I'm not. I'll never amount to much in this life, but I have all the toys I want, pretty much, and I really like hanging around kids - so long as I'm bigger than they are, I usually get my own way.

[mandocrucian]

Have you faced one of those "quality of life (such as getting out and pickin') v. money" decisions? #Which did you choose? #How's that working out for you?

Once again, there are no details regarding the situation: either raindoggy & wife's finances, the impact of his giving up his "day job", the style of music he might be playing or is willing to play (and which instruments he is plays or is willing to learn), how good are his instrumental and vocal chops, how much previous commercial music experience he's got, geographical location, etc. etc. etc.

So there's no way of guessing how things might work out (or not), or what overall criteria he'd be using to assess things. There's a lot of different ways one might go in the music and music related biz, and some options some people would consider heaven while others would call a nightmare.

One thing to consider - there can be a big difference in the enjoyment level of an activity when it is voluntary (hobby, low-key part-time extra $ job) and when it becomes something one must keep doing to keep the boat afloat.

Music may not be so fun when it's no longer an option to walk away from or refuse some gigs because you've got to have the bread. Or you've got to deal with the business bs continually and become a self-marketing politician. Or to keep playing with people you dislike or even detest, or to kiss the rear ends of people who have some sort of power or leverage over you. In short, when it becomes another J-O-B.

No doubt you've run into musicians who have come to hate what they do, but are trapped in it and can't escape, for various reasons. I've met plenty of them.

What you might now consider a refuge (because it's voluntary) might become a prison over time. You might learn to hate playing, quit entirely and end up back with a job like the one you left.

Again, I have no idea what the particulars are, so it's absurd for me to say "Go for it." or not.

Niles H

[John Flynn]

I agree with Niles. It is a rare person who can make living doing what they love and not have the need to make a living take all the fun out of that which they love. I have had some friends run into that dilemma in music, as well as martial arts, flying airplanes and playing baseball. On the other hand, I make a very good living doing something that for me, ranges from tolerable at worst to moderately interesting at best. I intentionally maintain as little emotional attachment to it as possible, which helps me to do my job better and not let it drive me crazy. I keep music as my refuge, with no hard committments to mess it up.

[J. Mark Lane]

One of my favorite books is "Wanderer" by Sterling Hayden (the actor, who was a very serious sailor before becoming an actor, and continued to sail all his life...until alcohol stopped him...). #A quote from that book:



To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise, you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen who play with their boats at sea... "cruising" it is called. Voyaging belongs to seamen, and to the wanderers of the world who cannot, or will not, fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and you have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about.

"I've always wanted to sail to the south seas, but I can't afford it." What these men can't afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of "security." And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine - and before we know it our lives are gone.

What does a man need - really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in - and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That's all - in the material sense, and we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention for the sheer idiocy of the charade.

The years thunder by, The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it, the tomb is sealed.

Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?



Ain't it the damn truth!


Another quote I'm fond of, from Pink Floyd:


Tired of lying in the sunshine
staying home to watch the rain.
You are young and life is long
and there is time to kill today.
And then one day you find
ten years have got behind you.
No one told you when to run,
you missed the starting gun.

[bones12]

For me I have a job I love ;it is just that I spend 80 hours per week doing it and that gets very tiring. Music is a refuge that recharges every battery I have. The mandolin is my primary source of music but old time music makes everything OK. I think it is a very special centered person who could make a living primarily playing music and still be able to get that special thrill from it. The cost of living and life require a steady income for most of us. Musicians tend to be under paid and underappreciated (unless you are in the upper tier of popular culture); therefore the stress of managing a career, playing, travel, promoting and creating is enormous. It often is a very young person's game. The health issues alone (actual and insurance) often put music as a career out of reach. But...... that being said, I encourage you all to read Steven Jobs' recent commencement speech text at Stanford University. (Google it). It is great and puts all what I have said in question. Do what makes you happy. Derive pleasure and character from each musical endeavor...... Doug

[bratsche]

I did it - when I was 22, the last time I had a "day job", even though it involved making a snap decision over the phone (while soaking wet, shivering and barely awake at 6:30 a.m.) to leave everything behind in less than 10 days and move almost 4,000 miles away to a new location, sight unseen.

Was it easy? No. (Is life supposed to be "easy"?) Did I have doubts along the way? Of course. Had I to do it all over again, though, I would have done the same thing. But then, I'm not the kind of person who has ever had the usual, typical dreams and aspirations for life. ;-)

As to the matter of those occasions in which a musician must play "less than thrilling" material, well, I free-lance now, and whenever I get the urge to complain, I think of those people stuck in their cubicles, and am once again thankful that I didn't even know what "cubicle" in that sense meant the first time I heard it a couple years ago. The thrills of a musical "high" more than make up for the drudgery, or I wouldn't still be doing it!

bratsche

[Clyde Clevenger]

I quit playing music back in '79 after missing one of my son's football games because of a gig 300 miles from home. Got a day job at the lazy B (Boeing). Less money, better medical. My son was in 3rd grade then, I didn't miss another football game until his senior year in college, the ticket to Tokyo was a little out of my price range. Got 4 kids through college and quit work to drive a school bus so I can play in a band again. If you have to have a job, bus driving is perfect for a working musician. I teach three nights a week, gig a couple of times a month, go to all the festivalsin the summer, life is good with medical insurance and a good retirement. It doesn't really take a lot of money to be happy.

[mandocrucian]

For some of the realities, I'd recommend reading the book Working Musicians by Bruce Pollock. You should be able to find it as a cutout for a few buck. (You can get a copy from half.com for 75 cents + postage. (http://half.ebay.com/cat/buy/prod.cgi?cpid=5011319)

For more of a description. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0061076066/qid=1122433438/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-1999949-5091136?v=glance&s=books)

[Bertram Henze]

Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?[/i]
There's more damn truth to it than is seen at first glance - if life is boring, there must be a change, but it should be one that maintains choice.

Often, we learn to value our job only after we lost it, and cannot go back. So, as the sailor, you have to be sure you can still choose the course after changing it, rather than throwing away the rudder.

That's the way I do it - change if neccessary, but don't throw away any keys or burn any bridges.

Music ist my sanctuary to go when the job bothers me, but I know it would be the other way round if I had to make money with music. There is a place to eat and a place to defecate, both places are neccessary but they should be separate and not mixed up.

[Ken Sager]

If you value your job for the money alone, you're wasting your time. Love what you do, love how you spend your day, regardless of what it is.

For four years my only job was playing the guitar, the time of my life. Then I got married and figured I had to be responsible. Work became the thing, not living.

A routine traverse indeed... Thanks for the quotes J Mark, and the reading suggestion Niles.

All the best,
Ken

[reindoggy]

I'm happy to see my thread has spawned such an interesting discussion. #

I think I lean toward the camp that values quality of life over money. #However, I do agree with those who say playing music for a living can become a distasteful job. #I've played in enough struggling country and rock bands to know that.

My wife and I also both cut back to part-time work in order to raise our kids without day care, which was well worth doing. Now that the boys are grown, I consider that one of the most important things I have ever done.

I'm not unused to eating beans and driving rusted-out heaps, but I'm not planning on returning to that status. #Nor do I have the chops to go pro. #I'm just looking for a little more playtime in my life. #How much is that worth to you?

Reindog

[mancmando]

I'm convinced that if I had to depend on playing music to make a living then I would no longer enjoy it, which seems like a great shame.

As it is I get chance to play a fair bit and really enjoy it

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Ken Sager]

Which is easier, convincing yourself that you'd cease to be happy doing what you love or convincing yourself that you will be happy doing something you don't love?

[mancmando]

I don't want to sound too cynical, but I suspect that whatever you do full time to earn a living will become a chore, and will have the fun taken out of it...

I also think that being a full time musician could be an amazing thing to do, but equally will probably involve lots of travelling, antisocial hours, little job stability and having to compromise the music that you play...

I do work full time but have had some experience of playing gigs, and find that often the gigs that do pay best (at my level at least) are weddings, which I don't get that much satisfaction from, I wouldn't fancy doing that for a living!

That said, if the opportunity of playing in an established band whose music I liked with a load of nice gigs in the diary were to come up, I would jump at the chance! (as I'm sure 99% of cafe members would) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Bob A]

There's no one I appreciate more, or pity more, than the working musician. Many's the time I've been in a venue with a handful of talented folks playing their best, but being relegated to a sort of living background music for the crowd. I've always felt that this was the worst kind of disrespect toward the musicians, and the music, though I can only hope that they were bringing in enough to make it seem worthwhile. Though it's doubtful.

That's the sort of thing that can gring down your soul, I suspect - putting out your best effort to please a crowd of clods; wealthy clods, no doubt, but that fact might make it even harder to take.

On the other hand, that's probably been the fate of working musicians since the first plucked string. I'm thankful that they keep on plucking.

[mancmando]

I completely agree Bob A...

I also think that musicians are often given little respect and viewed with some suspicion by people with "proper" jobs (at least that seems to be the case here in the UK, I've heard the situation is better in Europe and I think also the US)....

[Joel Glassman]

I did this in 86-87: worked construction/painting in the morning,
taught private students & adult ed classes/some marcom freelance work and
played as many gigs as possible-especially background swing violin stuff.
There was a lot of niche music too: A busy zydeco band, country music,
bluegrass, folk dance etc. Lots of travelling to get to gigs.
Even with no family to support and not paying health insurance (I wouldn't
go w/o health insurance again) it was borderline. Jan-March each year was
especially terrible. I'm glad I did it, but it was a constant chase for money
and there little time to play the "really noncommercial" music.
It was sort of hell on relationships too, to be unavailable nights & weekends. #
I recommend a sympathetic wife with a good job, no kids, and the ability
to play bass in a variety of styles. Also the ability to live without spending
much money.

[mandocrucian]

I recommend a sympathetic wife with a good job, no kids, and the ability to play bass in a variety of styles.
Also the ability to live without spending much money.

Ain't that the truth!!! on all three counts.

As the "joke" goes:
Q: What do you call a musician without a wife or girlfriend?
A: Homeless.

Mando isn't a very in-demand instrument, so you better be a real good singer if that's all you play (and expect to make a living, or even a "surviving"). And the reality is that you'll probably be employed more for the vocals than the plinking. Or... you better be the guy that owns the PA (and gets all the gigs)!

And Joel's right in the bullseye about playing bass if you need to work. There's always a continual turnover of would-be future "stars" and "celebrities" and they'll all want a good bass player until they run out of gas. See, you can be a real good bassist and get hired when the better lead guitarist won't, even if the pay scale is identical, because (on bass) you won't be diverting any of the attention away from "Mr Wonderful" or the "Queen-of-the-Silver-Dollar". ("Big Fish" symdrome) I know some monster electric guitarists who play bass for living cause they can always get more work that way. And usually they're much better guitar players than the lead guitar player in the band; the band may not even know, and they don't bring up the subject as it may trigger some Big Fish syndrome.

NH

<span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>Mental Image of The Day:
As the waves gently break on the sands of the lagoon and the palm tree rustle with the breeze of the South Sea sunset, listen to sonorous sound of the strumming of the coconut shell uke as Thurston J. Howell III begins to sing "Like A Rolling Stone.....</span>

[bratsche]

Bob A - That post begs for my response! #Your scenario describes many of my gigs; however, the attitude you've projected thereon is quite foreign to my experience. #If there are musicians who themselves feel that way, well, then I would pity them, too, and suggest that maybe they are in the wrong line of work, or have become too jaded. Playing for certain types of "clods" is a given. #The only bad thing would be to have to play "with" clods, which is thankfully rare. #In my experience providing "living background music" (albeit as a bowed, not plucked string player, as you know), most of us who do the playing enjoy almost every aspect of these venues. We, in our own little world in the corner of the festivities, delight in each other's company and the music we are playing, as much as in "people watching" and commenting humorously (sotto voce, of course) on the pretentious antics of some of the "clods", and, frequently, being invited during our breaks to partake of the "clods'" excellent spreads of food and drink. Yes, "wealthy clods" - but who begrudges them that? Whom do you expect would be hiring us for their elegant affairs? Poor ones? ;-) In short, we have a ball - and, at the end of the gig, depart in a usually very good mood, happy that we're able to have people actually pay us money to do something that hardly even feels like working, most of the time. Respect? We get plenty of that from one another!

Attitude is everything. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

bratsche

[Bob A]

Well, I'm thankful to read that the principals involved are getting compensated on more than one level, and are not particularly offended by their experiences. Somehow I just feel that there should be more respect, both for the players and the music. Somewhat quaint of me, I suspect; and perhaps a part of what I freely consider to be my somewhat curmudgeonly personality.

Just so you're happy, I'm happy too.

[Michael H Geimer]

I quit music for a desk job. Oh Boy! That's sounds just awful, but it was a good decision.

I was once lucky enough in music to go on several tours as part of the opening act. The last time I went, we were touring with some label-mates, and these guys were all pro musicians, but who were out playing their non-profitiable original material. (The rest of the time they each worked as side men, and studio players for some Big Names)

For me, that meant a month of getting to know these guys, and getting a taste of what it means to be on the road - not as a young starry eyed player like myself - but as a lifestyle ... as a Job.

I felt sorry for these guys, and realized I didn't want that life. I was decided I was on the wrong road.

I came home, and accepted that job I'd been offered ... cut my hair ... bought business clothes. :&#124;

All I walked away from was music as a career path. Music itself is probably a larger, better and healthier factor in my life now than it ever was before. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

J. Mark Lane ... thanks for those great quotes. Most inspriring.

- Benig

[PaulD]

While I agree with BobA's principle, I also have to second what Bratsche said. Not that I have a lot of experience gigging, but some of the most fun I have had is when I'm being paid good money to be "background noise" and don't have to stress over the performance. I've had a couple of gigs that were just a hoot and we were free to experiment without worrying about "screwing up." At a convention gig, the only person that was really paying attention at all told was a mando player so we invited him to sit in on a couple of tunes that we hadn't rehearsed... it was great fun and the rest of the convention-goers loved it.

I recall talking to Matt Flinner's brother Rex a number of years ago about "playing" turning into "work". He's plays local gigs around town and his a very accomplished musician even if his brother has more notoriety. I had mentioned that I didn't pursue a living playing music because a) I'm not that good; and b) I did it for fun and didn't want to spoil it. He commented that he could certainly make more money doing something else, but that being a professional musician has never taken the fun out of it and he couldn't imagine doing something else for a living.

I'm glad I can take care of my kids now, and I've been making music a greater priority over the last 5 years but I'm still not giving it the time I would like. I'm also trying to make more time for sailing, hiking, and skiing; I live in one of the most incredible geographically diverse areas in the world and there's a part of my soul that only gets fed by becoming a spec on this landscape. Then there's that other part that gets lost in the music.

J. Mark... that was a great quote from Sterling Hayden. I'll have to find that book.

Paul Doubek

[mrbook]

Owning my own business I sometimes face the question of being offered a gig at a time when my store should be open. Sometimes I put a sign on the door and go play; it's easy to do when business is good, because I can tell myself I've worked hard and deserve a break. When business is slow, I may decide if the gig pays better than my regular work for a couple hours. Even then I sometimes feel guilty about leaving, but only until the middle of the first song - at that point I tell myself I'll do some work when I get home later.