Really thinking about packing it all in...

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SemiRetired DJ

SemiRetired DJ

DJ Extraordinaire
Nov 22, 2010
1,189
155
65
Abingdon, MD 21009
www.goodknightentertainment.com
I might change my mind but, at the moment I am thinking about selling off the rest of the gear and only keeping the laptop and drives. It would all go as one unit. Some things have caused me to think about whether I really want to DJ at all anymore.

I'll post a list of gear later. The rig would go as a single unit.
 
Don't worry Tom, the Apocalypse begins today at 6:00 PM ;)
 
Tom, what got you down so low that you decided to pack it in? How many months have you been back into the dj rat race?

I'm no spring chicken. In fact, I wonder why I'm still doing this at my age. Let's say that I'm old enough to draw social security...no disabilities. After every gig I keep asking myself...why do you do it! If I've had a long day at a gig (6-7 hours), when I get home and step out of the car...I can barely stand upright. The next day...well, yeah! Plenty of aches. The key for me is to make sure that I drink lots of water at gigs because I perspire (sweat) so much as I am my own roadie.

Anyway, I like doing what I do...maybe not some of the music that I am forced to play, but working with the Bride & Groom to make their day happen is my cup of tea.

Last year I had a 6-week stretch where I was busy every Saturday as well as a Friday...most were weddings. I, too, seriously questioned my sanity, but after a couple of weeks off, I was ready to go again! :)

Hang in there...you'll be back! Once it's in your blood, it's hard to get it out.
 
Well, the gear is sitting in the lodge hall right now and I will do the Veterans Appreciation Dinner. I did karaoke at the VA hospital and that did some attitude adjustment.

The gear will be donated tomorrow. This way I can walk away from it and if I feel like DJing at the lodge I will; otherwise it will sit there out of sight and out of mind. If somebody else wants to set it up and DJ with it they can and if they mess it up then it is the lodge's problem.
 
I know what you're saying, I am thinking the same thing and am already working towards a different source of income (www.TampaLaserShows.com).

In my case it's not because I'm burned out; I still love weddings, and DJing in general, but the phone just isn't ringing. In today's society perception is reality, and most brides look at me and perceive me to be me too old to be up on today's music. Maybe it's the beard and grey hair, but the fact remains that the phone isn't ringing, and when it does the first question is "how much". I live in a very over-saturated market and refuse to do a wedding (w/ lighting) for $300.
 
Bob...I know what you're going through! Same here...few calls and inquires and first question: How much do your charge?

I'm an older looking DJ, too, and wonder the same thing. At issue is perception...just because I may look "old" doesn't mean I don't know today's music. I still do Sweet 16 parties and an occasional "tween" party. Always, as they file out for the night past my DJ table I get the hi-fives and comment "awesome."

I have a similar issue with doing parties for less than $100/hr with lights.

I'm not quite ready to sell.
 
I'd just take some time off, you'll get the itch again.
Years ago, I would take any kind of gig that came along, that'll burn you out pretty quickly.

These days, I have become VERY selective in the type of gigs I take (weddings & parties for people 30 yrs+)
I could not imagine doing kiddie partiesschool dances, frat parties, etc .....being over 45 yrs old.

I have seen DJs around 50 yrs old doing teen dances, No way.
I'm sure there are guys that can do a good job, but the ones I saw looked silly.

Take a breather...the itch will come back.
 
Bill Kexel said:
I'd just take some time off, you'll get the itch again.
Click to expand...

Bill Kexel said:
Take a breather...the itch will come back.
Click to expand...

Bill:

I took the breather and I got the itch back and stayed around for ten years.

I did the selective thing too towards the end of this round of scratching. The older folks wanted a DJ for $500.

Break out the Calamine Lotion; I don't want the itch anymore.

Besides, the gear is at the lodge. If I feel like DJing on Friday nights, I can. Plus I have a few Elks events coming up that I can DJ for. It is just time to walk away from the business completely. Believe me, I'm happy.
 
I almost felt like that Saturday night. Packed floors and folks having a real blast. But at the end, being treated like hired help gets old. Even the venue staff got treated that way. After two fun weddings back to back, no thanks from the couple or their parents. Yet every request was accommodated.

While I don't expect to be treated like a guest, at least have some respect for your service providers. And these were not cheap clients - a $3600 weekend.

But I am over it and will look forward to this coming weekend of wedding madness.
 
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