My thoughts about the future...

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eddieyourdj

DJ Extraordinaire
Aug 13, 2006
2,276
115
60
Jonesboro, Arkansas
www.djeddiefite.com
I have been in the DJ business for 29 years. I started in the club scene in the 80s & moved into the mobile scene in the 90s. I never had the desire to grow my business into a multi-op, but always wanted to keep it a hobby & not a job. As I turned 50 last month, for the 1st time in my life I have wrestled with the thoughts of bringing it to an end. Not because I don't still have the talent, but for the 1st time the desire is not there. I have always told myself when the desire fades that I would consider retiring. Anyone else go through this???
 
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We're still on the young end of things, but we're of the same thought as you. When it stops being fun, that's when we hand up the headphones. Talk to Kirby, I think he went through a similar thing.
 
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remember not every event is a blow the roof off event,some good some not so good. I have fun at everyone of them and when i don't maybe ill change my mind but untill then rock on
 
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I do this as a Business, lucky for me it is also something I enjoy. I approach every Gig as an opportunity to make money however, thats the fun part for me! My skills, experience and knowledge of my Craft allows me to put on a Professional and Stellar Performance. At the end of the day hopefully I have given my Clients their money's worth and they in turn have duly compensated me for my efforts.
 
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Something to think about going forward - It's not fair to a client if you always take gigs with the expectation of having fun. That's doesn't mean you can't enjoy your work - but, you're never really invested in something if you consistently tip-toe around the more difficult and challenging aspects to pick the low hanging fruit. You will inevitably fall into situations you didn't foresee and your attitude will direct the outcome.

One thing to consider is whether or not you have grown in the role. If you are still doing essentially the same work and same gigs you were 29 years ago then you may have simply run the course. The experiences are not adding anything to your life or sense of accomplishment.
 
It's not supposed to always be fun -- it's a job, like delivering the mail, or making burgers at Mickey D's.

One thing to remember -- if the check clears, you've done your job.

On a side note, I used to work for the fed gov't -- was going to meetings every day fun? No -- but they paid me well, and I had fun after hours. It's just a job.


If you want a hobby, get an RC helo -- now that is fun, until you crash and burn like I did. hehehe, got it on video. :)
 
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@ Pro..Don't get me wrong. I do have fun at my Gigs. When the "Lights go on and the Curtain Rises" its Showtime! Then I become a different me. If there is no enjoyment it is bound to show in the attitude and performance.
 
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Something to think about going forward - It's not fair to a client if you always take gigs with the expectation of having fun. That's doesn't mean you can't enjoy your work - but, you're never really invested in something if you consistently tip-toe around the more difficult and challenging aspects to pick the low hanging fruit. You will inevitably fall into situations you didn't foresee and your attitude will direct the outcome.

One thing to consider is whether or not you have grown in the role. If you are still doing essentially the same work and same gigs you were 29 years ago then you may have simply run the course. The experiences are not adding anything to your life or sense of accomplishment.

party pooper!

Actually, I can say that I always have fun at my gigs. Granted, some gigs have aspects or moments that aren't fun. But overall, I enjoy myself no matter what. And yes, I have grown. After 30-years, I certainly do not do things the same way I did when I was in my 20's. And with every gig I gain a new experience that I can share, and use to my advantage. So I don't "tiptoe around the difficult aspects"...I do my best to prevent them from being a problem. It's not a matter of avoiding them, it's how you handle those moments that counts.
If I ever get to the point where the little bumps in the road aren't worth the effort, I'll hang up my headphones, too!
 
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Pro - I think you got lost in the word 'fun'. I think we can all agree that we are performing under whatever conditions .. with no attachments of a 'fun' requirement. The job itself is usually rewarding .. aka: fun.

When it's no longer fun to do, ie: always upset, not wanting to be there, not driven, etc - then it's time to hang up the phones.
 
Eddie,

Let me make a suggestion. Raise your rates. You may be simply suffering from burn-out, which is common in this industry. By raising your rates, you will naturally slow down and be less likely to suffer from burn-out. And you make more money when you do work. It's the best of both worlds. If you're lucky, you may be able to make the same (or more) money per year while working less.
 
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Eddie,

Let me make a suggestion. Raise your rates. You may be simply suffering from burn-out, which is common in this industry. By raising your rates, you will naturally slow down and be less likely to suffer from burn-out. And you make more money when you do work. It's the best of both worlds. If you're lucky, you may be able to make the same (or more) money per year while working less.

Eddie...
heed these words, Wes has stumbled a very simple but brilliant solution.
And by slowing down, you may discover whether you REALLY want to retire or not.
 
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I don't "tiptoe around the difficult aspects"...I do my best to prevent them from being a problem. It's not a matter of avoiding them, it's how you handle those moments that counts.


And THAT my comrads is one signed of a seasoned pro in ANY job.

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It's not supposed to always be fun -- if the check clears, you've done your job. If you want a hobby, get an RC helo -- now that is fun, until you crash and burn like I did. hehehe, got it on video.

First off, Rick that sounds so sad and blah and not a good outlook on life..yes I know you have health, housing and family issues. Heck I'm an 8 year cancer survivor and if I had that attitude, I might be dead by now.

Next, oh I wanna see that video!
 
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ditto what Wes stated. I'm older now and suffered from stagnation. Got bit by the up-lighting bug and now have more enthusiasm...and more money (upsell).
Bride's began asking if I did Monogram projection (no but had thought about it) and replied YES. Now I do the Monogram Gobo projection (upsell). Of course with those two extras it takes more time to setup and take down, but the increase in revenue helps to offset the work. And, I raised my rates prior to getting into Monogram and up-lighting. Work less, a little harder, but enjoy the additional cash flow and marvel at the spectacular lighting results. When all of the above become less enjoyable to me, then I guess it's time to hang up the dancing shoes, too.
 
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First off, Rick that sounds so sad and blah and not a good outlook on life..yes I know you have health, housing and family issues. Heck I'm an 8 year cancer survivor and if I had that attitude, I might be dead by now.

Next, oh I wanna see that video!


You don't give me much credit Jim. I am simply a realist -- I expect no miracles (unless I win the lottery, and can move to Tahiti).

Life is full of ups and downs -- you deal with them as you travel the path. So, I think you misconstrue what my attitude really is...

I just like to vent and rant -- that makes life fun :)


Here's a link to my YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/softjockrick
 
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heres the million dollar question, is raising your prices gonna make you happy if your not enjoying what you are doing
No! but the money will! ;)
 
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Money can't buy you happiness.



but it CAN buy you a big ol' Cadillac so you can go out and FIND it!
 
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