Quitting my day job to go on tour: anyone done this?
September 14, 2010 12:14 PM Subscribe
I've been booked for a 3 week US tour this fall, and another in Europe is in the works for winter. I'd be unable to meet all the dates with my vacation days from work, so I'm wondering if now's the time to leave and take a chance on music.
After 8+ years of working a day job (Sysadmin / QA) in the Web industry while using 90% of my "free" time working on music, I've been offered a chance to go on a US tour this October (7+ dates confirmed) and an offer for a dozen or so dates overseas (tentative).
The money is nearly 3 months wage, but requires 3+ weeks of commitment to reach all of the dates. If it were any less I'd use my vacation and return to my job, but I only have 2 weeks of time available for the entire year, meaning the European dates would be a no-go if they solidify.
If they do come through, I'd be leaving within a month after returning home... I'd hate to go for 3 weeks, come back to a job for 3 weeks and leave for another month even though my job is spectacularly unsatisfying and, closer to 30 than 20, this may well be my last chance to get a "foot in the door" as a full-time* working musician.
(* I'm not adverse to 'Day-Jobs"...but a 45 hr week is killing me and doesn't seem like it's compatible with a tour schedule)
I'm looking to see if anyone's done this, as well as any advice that may let me follow my dream without being destitute in 4 months.
Help me hivemind, you're my only hope.
After 8+ years of working a day job (Sysadmin / QA) in the Web industry while using 90% of my "free" time working on music, I've been offered a chance to go on a US tour this October (7+ dates confirmed) and an offer for a dozen or so dates overseas (tentative).
The money is nearly 3 months wage, but requires 3+ weeks of commitment to reach all of the dates. If it were any less I'd use my vacation and return to my job, but I only have 2 weeks of time available for the entire year, meaning the European dates would be a no-go if they solidify.
If they do come through, I'd be leaving within a month after returning home... I'd hate to go for 3 weeks, come back to a job for 3 weeks and leave for another month even though my job is spectacularly unsatisfying and, closer to 30 than 20, this may well be my last chance to get a "foot in the door" as a full-time* working musician.
(* I'm not adverse to 'Day-Jobs"...but a 45 hr week is killing me and doesn't seem like it's compatible with a tour schedule)
I'm looking to see if anyone's done this, as well as any advice that may let me follow my dream without being destitute in 4 months.
Help me hivemind, you're my only hope.
You should bring up the idea of taking an extended unpaid leave with HR. Most companies have some provision for this, though most of them don't really use it very often other than for FMLA purposes. But if you're only talking three months, they may decide that hiring someone to replace you would be more hassle than it's worth.
All they can say is "No."
posted by valkyryn at 12:22 PM on September 14, 2010
All they can say is "No."
posted by valkyryn at 12:22 PM on September 14, 2010
Don't you have the option of taking unpaid leave and/or switching to part-time work upon return while keeping your benefits? Have you discussed this with your supervisors?
posted by halogen at 12:22 PM on September 14, 2010
posted by halogen at 12:22 PM on September 14, 2010
I was in your shoes a couple years ago. It was only a Midwest tour with the exception of one date in Mississippi and one out east. It required that I be available for rehearsals, recording and basically 24/7 on a tour bus. I was working a full time job at the time which I was terrified of losing if the music thing didn't pan out. I had only a weeks worth of vacation left. I ended up writing a letter to my boss outlining what I'd like to do, my passion for this and my willingness to come to some compromise. I requested a sit down to discuss it which we did. They eventually granted me the time off which I was extremely grateful for but I also got to keep the day gig because I did need the cash flow. I would have seriously regretted not doing it more than any discomfort from possibly not having a job.
So in essence, be up front with your boss/supervisor.
Offer compromise and/or something in return should they hem and haw (overtime, project, etc,.)
Only then should you make your decision.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:28 PM on September 14, 2010
So in essence, be up front with your boss/supervisor.
Offer compromise and/or something in return should they hem and haw (overtime, project, etc,.)
Only then should you make your decision.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:28 PM on September 14, 2010
Response by poster: I've discussed extended leaves before with my management, they just reply "Well, you only have 10 days vacation, if you need more time than that off to work another job we can't help"
If I could just leave and come back I would... but how often will they be willing to have a low-level employee take 3-4 weeks of at a time? If the European tour goes through thats 7 out of 12 weeks missed.
posted by bobby_newmark at 12:31 PM on September 14, 2010
If I could just leave and come back I would... but how often will they be willing to have a low-level employee take 3-4 weeks of at a time? If the European tour goes through thats 7 out of 12 weeks missed.
posted by bobby_newmark at 12:31 PM on September 14, 2010
1. Are you responsible for anyone other than yourself financially? If so, discuss with them.
2. I wouldn't quit before your first three week leg, because you'd loose the paid vacation time. I'd go for it (pending #1), while keeping your job as long as you can. See if they'll let you come back after a week of unpaid leave on top of the two. Then work the next three while you see if Europe pans out. Decide then.
posted by rainbaby at 12:38 PM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
2. I wouldn't quit before your first three week leg, because you'd loose the paid vacation time. I'd go for it (pending #1), while keeping your job as long as you can. See if they'll let you come back after a week of unpaid leave on top of the two. Then work the next three while you see if Europe pans out. Decide then.
posted by rainbaby at 12:38 PM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Thats a tough call Bobby. Between you, me and the wall, they sound sort of dickish (and I say that not knowing their philosophy, needs and work culture).
Rainbaby makes an excellent point. Have you discussed this with your significant other? Are they supportive and do they know the ramifications? My wife and daughter wanted me to do it because they trusted I could put bread back on the table if it came down to it. If you're single and youngish, dude, get the fuck on the bus and go enjoy yourself! If you're not, well.. you know what you need to do then. Clear it with headquarters so-to-speak.
It's a simple question of "Do I want to take a chance on my dream and if it doesn't pan out, can I do what it takes to recover?"
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:48 PM on September 14, 2010
Rainbaby makes an excellent point. Have you discussed this with your significant other? Are they supportive and do they know the ramifications? My wife and daughter wanted me to do it because they trusted I could put bread back on the table if it came down to it. If you're single and youngish, dude, get the fuck on the bus and go enjoy yourself! If you're not, well.. you know what you need to do then. Clear it with headquarters so-to-speak.
It's a simple question of "Do I want to take a chance on my dream and if it doesn't pan out, can I do what it takes to recover?"
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:48 PM on September 14, 2010
Just about everyone who ever makes the jump to go on tour faces this decision--you are fortunate to have any vacation time banked, a possible job to go back to, and a gig that will pay decently.
Be frank with your boss, and then go on tour and have a great time. You sound like a smart guy who can land on your feet when you need to re-enter straightsville.
posted by quarterframer at 12:51 PM on September 14, 2010
Be frank with your boss, and then go on tour and have a great time. You sound like a smart guy who can land on your feet when you need to re-enter straightsville.
posted by quarterframer at 12:51 PM on September 14, 2010
If you've already had that conversation what other options are there? It sounds like you're asking permission to quit. Is your question actually "will I regret doing this thing I really, really want to do?", if so, that's a toughie. Would you regret not doing it more? Have you got dependants who rely on your income? Or bills/debts that must be serviced? Would you be happy living off of noodles for a while should it not pan out? Is the chance likely to come again soon?
If you've answered these questions and it still looks like a goer I'd say quit that job and go rock!
posted by freya_lamb at 12:52 PM on September 14, 2010
If you've answered these questions and it still looks like a goer I'd say quit that job and go rock!
posted by freya_lamb at 12:52 PM on September 14, 2010
Response by poster: ...can I do what it takes to recover?
I feel like I've been "doing what it takes" to survive for about a decade. Girlfriend, no kids, shared apartment (with my production partner, who does not work a full time job and is able to squeeze by every month on our DJ fees)
I'm just thinking: why should I continue to bend over backwards for a unsatisfying job *just* because it provides a paycheck? Where's that line thats the point of no return?
posted by bobby_newmark at 12:53 PM on September 14, 2010
I feel like I've been "doing what it takes" to survive for about a decade. Girlfriend, no kids, shared apartment (with my production partner, who does not work a full time job and is able to squeeze by every month on our DJ fees)
I'm just thinking: why should I continue to bend over backwards for a unsatisfying job *just* because it provides a paycheck? Where's that line thats the point of no return?
posted by bobby_newmark at 12:53 PM on September 14, 2010
Response by poster: Is the chance likely to come again soon?
Nope. This is it. First offer in 12 years of local DJing / producing.
posted by bobby_newmark at 12:53 PM on September 14, 2010
Nope. This is it. First offer in 12 years of local DJing / producing.
posted by bobby_newmark at 12:53 PM on September 14, 2010
Actually, on a more practical note rainbaby has it. Ideally you'd have all the time in one fell swoop, but this is not a perfect world and you really don't need to make the decision til the end of the first leg. If you're really not sure wait til then, you'll have a much clearer idea of what you want when you've tested the reality. I have never toured but lots of my friends have, they do it between day jobs, however extensive the dates. Sometimes this means switching jobs (and we're all over thirty now).
posted by freya_lamb at 12:59 PM on September 14, 2010
posted by freya_lamb at 12:59 PM on September 14, 2010
I'm just thinking: why should I continue to bend over backwards for a unsatisfying job *just* because it provides a paycheck? Where's that line thats the point of no return?
The line comes just after the point at which the paycheck enables you to afford the life you want to pursue, hopefully healthily. If that's not an issue right now, or in the near future, go for it.
posted by freya_lamb at 1:04 PM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
The line comes just after the point at which the paycheck enables you to afford the life you want to pursue, hopefully healthily. If that's not an issue right now, or in the near future, go for it.
posted by freya_lamb at 1:04 PM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
With that last part, I say go for it. You have to give it a shot. Even if you have to go into temping or something to supplement the touring.
I'm not sure where you are, but being a substitute teacher gives you a really good way to make money while you're here and not get any sort of crap about not being able to work.
posted by theichibun at 1:09 PM on September 14, 2010
I'm not sure where you are, but being a substitute teacher gives you a really good way to make money while you're here and not get any sort of crap about not being able to work.
posted by theichibun at 1:09 PM on September 14, 2010
When I was 22 and in law school I was in a band that was on the cusp and I had to choose between quitting law school for a year or quitting the band. I quit school and we signed to a label, recorded an album, spent one summer touring, and then broke up. I never went back to law school and it took me years to pay off my one year of loans. I ended up going into IT.
Despite all of this, I am really, really glad I went with my heart and got to have that experience. So I'd say if you don't have kids, you should go for it. Once you jump, your desire to keep going with music will probably be a powerful motivator.
The only thing I'd be worried about is the relationship with your girlfriend. Make sure she understands that if this goes well, you will probably be touring a lot more in the future.
Good luck!
posted by freecellwizard at 1:15 PM on September 14, 2010
Despite all of this, I am really, really glad I went with my heart and got to have that experience. So I'd say if you don't have kids, you should go for it. Once you jump, your desire to keep going with music will probably be a powerful motivator.
The only thing I'd be worried about is the relationship with your girlfriend. Make sure she understands that if this goes well, you will probably be touring a lot more in the future.
Good luck!
posted by freecellwizard at 1:15 PM on September 14, 2010
Best answer: bobby_newmark: "I'm just thinking: why should I continue to bend over backwards for a unsatisfying job *just* because it provides a paycheck?"
Thats another balancing act in and of itself. Most musicians I know have day gigs that simply exist to support their music job <>. That was me a couple of years ago. But my band imploded and I had to refocus and change priorities. YMMV.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 1:16 PM on September 14, 2010
Thats another balancing act in and of itself. Most musicians I know have day gigs that simply exist to support their music job <>. That was me a couple of years ago. But my band imploded and I had to refocus and change priorities. YMMV.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 1:16 PM on September 14, 2010
Response by poster: @KevinSkomsvold
I had 2 previous bands implode in the same way, and told myself "Okay, if THREE bands / projects die on the vine, then I'll keep music as #2 and rent as #1...."
But all of a sudden project #3 took off and now (with the past flops in mind) I've got to either go for it all in or decide that it will always be "In addition to" a day job as opposed to "I'm a musician, who ALSO has a part-time gig"
posted by bobby_newmark at 1:27 PM on September 14, 2010
I had 2 previous bands implode in the same way, and told myself "Okay, if THREE bands / projects die on the vine, then I'll keep music as #2 and rent as #1...."
But all of a sudden project #3 took off and now (with the past flops in mind) I've got to either go for it all in or decide that it will always be "In addition to" a day job as opposed to "I'm a musician, who ALSO has a part-time gig"
posted by bobby_newmark at 1:27 PM on September 14, 2010
bobby_newmark: " I've got to either go for it all in or decide that it will always be "In addition to" a day job as opposed to "I'm a musician, who ALSO has a part-time gig""
Well, not right now you do not, no.
Look, if you want to use your job's inflexibility as the catalyst to leap from the ratrace into music as a full time gig, by all means: do that. But if you're making that choice right now, that choice is yours and not work's, so own it.
The conservative option is to book time off now for the US tour and hedge your bets. Come back, and if the Euro gig is booked, quit your job with no or very little notice and hit the road, jack. If it actually doesn't confirm, you still have a job and that's (theoretically) great.
If option 2 sounds like death to you at this point, however, than quit. That's a perfectly OK and good and healthy choice to make, but that's your choice, not the job's.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:05 PM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Well, not right now you do not, no.
Look, if you want to use your job's inflexibility as the catalyst to leap from the ratrace into music as a full time gig, by all means: do that. But if you're making that choice right now, that choice is yours and not work's, so own it.
The conservative option is to book time off now for the US tour and hedge your bets. Come back, and if the Euro gig is booked, quit your job with no or very little notice and hit the road, jack. If it actually doesn't confirm, you still have a job and that's (theoretically) great.
If option 2 sounds like death to you at this point, however, than quit. That's a perfectly OK and good and healthy choice to make, but that's your choice, not the job's.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:05 PM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Do this mental exercise: Picture yourself five years from now continuing on the exact same day job path you're on right now. Not quitting, you have to turn down the tour, and you keep your paycheck and do occasional gigs for fun on the side.
Now try picturing this same scenario 10 years down the road. It's difficult, but try it. Maybe you're married w/ a kid or two, music has taken a back seat, there's not much time for it between the day job and the family, but you dearly love your wife and children and are lucky enough to have a healthy and happy little family.
Do you think you will look back at this moment in your life with regret that you didn't "go for it"?
The result from that imagination exercise should give you your answer.
Anecdotally, I once made a similar big move in my life/career, and I crashed and burned. Bad. It was almost 15 years ago and when I think over my long list of mistakes and regrets, I never think of that decision as a mistake or regret. I'm confident that if I hadn't gone for it, I would have always thought, "what if?" Also, success is great, and I wish you lots of it no matter what you choose, but the failures teach you much more than the wins.
posted by BillBishop at 2:07 PM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
Now try picturing this same scenario 10 years down the road. It's difficult, but try it. Maybe you're married w/ a kid or two, music has taken a back seat, there's not much time for it between the day job and the family, but you dearly love your wife and children and are lucky enough to have a healthy and happy little family.
Do you think you will look back at this moment in your life with regret that you didn't "go for it"?
The result from that imagination exercise should give you your answer.
Anecdotally, I once made a similar big move in my life/career, and I crashed and burned. Bad. It was almost 15 years ago and when I think over my long list of mistakes and regrets, I never think of that decision as a mistake or regret. I'm confident that if I hadn't gone for it, I would have always thought, "what if?" Also, success is great, and I wish you lots of it no matter what you choose, but the failures teach you much more than the wins.
posted by BillBishop at 2:07 PM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
I think I'm with BillBishop on this. It doesn't sound like your work has any sort of flexibility or willingness to work with you on this at all, so unless making sure you have money coming in and benefits for as long as possible are your #1 priority compared to everything else.... well, I wouldn't put the loyalty towards the job. Odds are you'll probably end up working jobs like that (or worse) for the rest of your life if the music doesn't take off anyway, it doesn't sound like anything special.
I suspect you'd rather go on this trip and would regret it if you did not.
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:36 PM on September 14, 2010
I suspect you'd rather go on this trip and would regret it if you did not.
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:36 PM on September 14, 2010
I've been thinking about this, and yes, you really sound like you want to and should go, and you sound like a smart person who has done this before, but I am not and never was a musician, so I don't know, I assumed there wasn't - any financial liability? I assume your travel and lodging is paid, you don't have an investment? Going into debt to do this is another thing, perhaps a musician can weigh in?
posted by rainbaby at 5:16 PM on September 14, 2010
posted by rainbaby at 5:16 PM on September 14, 2010
Response by poster: @rainbaby
Everything paid for, PLUS nearly 3 months wage. Everything I've read on MeFi about "quitting a job' says if you have 3months of expenses saved, pretty much go for it.
posted by bobby_newmark at 7:04 AM on September 15, 2010
Everything paid for, PLUS nearly 3 months wage. Everything I've read on MeFi about "quitting a job' says if you have 3months of expenses saved, pretty much go for it.
posted by bobby_newmark at 7:04 AM on September 15, 2010
I am a musician and also work full time. Various times I have needed to travel to LA in order to record or work on some projects, my company, a fortune 500 company I might add, has nicely accommodated as they have told me that I am a valuable resource. Your company is making life difficult for you. If you are not going into debt and have some money to last you a few months, I say you should go and do it, also if I were you, I would start lining up jobs NOW, before you leave.
posted by The1andonly at 6:46 AM on September 16, 2010
posted by The1andonly at 6:46 AM on September 16, 2010
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