Thoughts on leaving the career you love
Given that everyone seems to be in agreement that the current state of the music business has us all doing things differently (to put it mildly), I've been wondering just how many of us are finding ourselves in the position of having to turn completely outside the industry for work in order to make ends meet? How many of us who have experienced some degree of success in our careers, have had to turn to another field in order to continue earning a living?
This is something I've been trying to write for over a month now, but it's a difficult topic to approach. That's because most of us aren't comfortable facing it. The PR side of our business has taught us the need to always present ourselves and our situation in the best possible light in order to (above all else) protect/promote our reputation. That sometimes requires us to even stretch the limits of truth and reality in the process. We all know that goes on, and we all accept it even when we recognize it, but I feel that it's time for us to get real with each other and be honest about things.
I read a lot of people here saying things like they've had to expand their work into areas they haven't previously been involved in. I haven't heard anyone saying that they've had to get OUT of the industry in order to put food on the table.
I'll admit it. I have had to. And I can't believe I'm the only one. The circumstances of how I got to this place aren't all that important.. maybe the topic for a blog sometime, but not now.
About the only thing I feel I have left to offer this community is my support and encouragement. And so I encourage anyone who is going through the difficult task of dealing with a lack of work to first of all realize that you're NOT the only one this is happening to, and secondly I encourage you to start to accept the reality, and then get support from others who have already been through it. It's too rough to do it on your own.
Knowing what a hard process this is to accept and finally embrace, I feel that if there are others who are going through it, then by me speaking up maybe someone else might have an easier and shorter time processing it than I have.
For me, it has been an ongoing process, and it's been difficult. I'm fine with it now (I still like me), but it has definitely been a growth experience. The things that go through your head when you're faced with having to leave your chosen career of twenty plus years (one which you LOVED, by the way) in order to make ends meet.. that'll do strange things to your head. One of the worst thoughts to work through is the one that tells you that "everyone will think that I have been a complete failure." That's hard to process, but eventually you can come through it and realize that's not at all true. But getting to that point can take a toll. The initial embarrassment factor is a biggie, too. But you learn to work through that as well.
Another tough one is the difficult task of breaking your emotional attachment to the equipment you've lovingly collected over the years. Saying goodbye, one by one, to items which you were thrilled to have found long ago, and never ever intended to part with. But you realize that you need to reclaim your investment. That has been hard. Each and every piece of it.
As I said earlier, I've been trying to write this for a while. Yesterday I opened the new issue of Electronic Musician and found Nathaniel Kunkel's article, "Good Times, Bad Times" on the last page. He clearly and succinctly expressed some of what I wanted to say about how we as a community have not been willing to face this reality until now:
"Even more amazing is that engineers and producers are willing to admit they aren't working. That wasn't the case two years ago. ... It's been tough for a while, but we felt that looking busy was the best way to be busy. However, it seems that it's too grim to lie about it anymore."
While I hate to say that I can't share his final optimism that it's all going to get better, I highly recommend his article because it encourages us to be honest about the situation.
In an effort to provide some ideas on where help can be found, I've recently heard of this local "new careers" support group which I'm told includes some music business types (maybe even some from here at NMP, I don't know). And then I'll also mention Steve Grossman's blog. Steve is a very talented drummer who exited the business years ago, and his blog provides a source of help for those of us who are following him out.
So let's hear it: how many of you are in this same boat of having to leave the job you love in order to earn a living? It's ok. There can be life after recording. I'm not saying that everything's fine.. (I'd love to be able to find a job that pays enough to actually cover my bills).. but I'm getting on with my life. You can too.
This is something I've been trying to write for over a month now, but it's a difficult topic to approach. That's because most of us aren't comfortable facing it. The PR side of our business has taught us the need to always present ourselves and our situation in the best possible light in order to (above all else) protect/promote our reputation. That sometimes requires us to even stretch the limits of truth and reality in the process. We all know that goes on, and we all accept it even when we recognize it, but I feel that it's time for us to get real with each other and be honest about things.
I read a lot of people here saying things like they've had to expand their work into areas they haven't previously been involved in. I haven't heard anyone saying that they've had to get OUT of the industry in order to put food on the table.
I'll admit it. I have had to. And I can't believe I'm the only one. The circumstances of how I got to this place aren't all that important.. maybe the topic for a blog sometime, but not now.
About the only thing I feel I have left to offer this community is my support and encouragement. And so I encourage anyone who is going through the difficult task of dealing with a lack of work to first of all realize that you're NOT the only one this is happening to, and secondly I encourage you to start to accept the reality, and then get support from others who have already been through it. It's too rough to do it on your own.
Knowing what a hard process this is to accept and finally embrace, I feel that if there are others who are going through it, then by me speaking up maybe someone else might have an easier and shorter time processing it than I have.
For me, it has been an ongoing process, and it's been difficult. I'm fine with it now (I still like me), but it has definitely been a growth experience. The things that go through your head when you're faced with having to leave your chosen career of twenty plus years (one which you LOVED, by the way) in order to make ends meet.. that'll do strange things to your head. One of the worst thoughts to work through is the one that tells you that "everyone will think that I have been a complete failure." That's hard to process, but eventually you can come through it and realize that's not at all true. But getting to that point can take a toll. The initial embarrassment factor is a biggie, too. But you learn to work through that as well.
Another tough one is the difficult task of breaking your emotional attachment to the equipment you've lovingly collected over the years. Saying goodbye, one by one, to items which you were thrilled to have found long ago, and never ever intended to part with. But you realize that you need to reclaim your investment. That has been hard. Each and every piece of it.
As I said earlier, I've been trying to write this for a while. Yesterday I opened the new issue of Electronic Musician and found Nathaniel Kunkel's article, "Good Times, Bad Times" on the last page. He clearly and succinctly expressed some of what I wanted to say about how we as a community have not been willing to face this reality until now:
"Even more amazing is that engineers and producers are willing to admit they aren't working. That wasn't the case two years ago. ... It's been tough for a while, but we felt that looking busy was the best way to be busy. However, it seems that it's too grim to lie about it anymore."
While I hate to say that I can't share his final optimism that it's all going to get better, I highly recommend his article because it encourages us to be honest about the situation.
In an effort to provide some ideas on where help can be found, I've recently heard of this local "new careers" support group which I'm told includes some music business types (maybe even some from here at NMP, I don't know). And then I'll also mention Steve Grossman's blog. Steve is a very talented drummer who exited the business years ago, and his blog provides a source of help for those of us who are following him out.
So let's hear it: how many of you are in this same boat of having to leave the job you love in order to earn a living? It's ok. There can be life after recording. I'm not saying that everything's fine.. (I'd love to be able to find a job that pays enough to actually cover my bills).. but I'm getting on with my life. You can too.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jim Colyer on -
I think we get into the music business because we like the style of music prevalent in our youth. Music has changed so much in recent years that it is no wonder we somethimes regret ever having gotten involved. Music can be the most frustrating thing on earth. But it can also be among the most inspiring. After a period of not doing much, I am returning to my catalog, determined to once more work my best material.
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Permalink Reply by jb on -
Great! Good for you. I encourage you and hope you'll succeed in that effort.
Just to clarify: I don't regret having been involved in music and recording. Far from it. That's exactly what I wanted to do and I have no regrets. But I must admit that there are certain elements of it all that I am glad to be away from, like the politics of it, and the business side of it. I never was a PR guy either (and that really hurt me). Just a guy who loved recording and mixing good music.
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Permalink Reply by Jim Dineen on
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jb, you're my new hero! I think it will help those of us who are making a lot less these days process our career decisions. Once pride is removed from the equation, the possibilities are almost endless.
Thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Bret Teegarden on -
jb,
I applaud your openness and honesty. This is a tough subject for anyone to come to terms with, young or old. I would venture to say that there are young people in the music business who are wondering if they've made the right choice. There are probably some that have been at it for several years (5-10) who are coming to grips that they might not be suited for the career they love.
We all know the level of success you have achieved in our industry and there is absolutely no shame at all in making life and career decisions based on sound judgments which are influenced by changing markets. The person who recognizes the change and makes adjustments, whether it is taking on new skills, trying new things or even going in a completely different direction is a VERY wise person in my book.
Thanks for starting this discussion. I think it might just help more people than we can imagine. I look forward to seeing where this goes.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Porter on -
Well, your thoughts have certainly mirrored the ones that I've had over the past few years. My situation has been more of the industry leaving me. First there was the downsizing by Sony Electronics 10 years ago. Did my own thing for two years before getting pulled back in to the local industry and had a pretty good run with sales for SADiE and product manager for Quantegy but again, there's the changing business climate that put all that into the past.
Since I've had the technical background and have been working with computers for over 24 years, now I just morphed into support and consulting for small offices and studios that can utilize my computer skills and who also knows his way around the studio and production. I've also been doing some multimedia development. While the month to month (sometimes even week to week) can be quite scary, I find I'm enjoying myself as much or more than I did with my old JOB's. Part of that enjoyment is being able to call my own shots and not having someone else tell me what to do.
Everybody is needing to re-invent themselves just as most businesses are. Getting out and talking with people is key to making any of this work. The NMP social event is a great way to contact new people (is another one planned?) The Nashville AES section is, in my opinion, one of the best in the U.S. More people need to get plugged into this organization. I'm Chairman this year BTW, I'll be glad to sign you up! Networking is key to the career change.
I know several people, Michael Korieba and Kim Raymer, being two, who just went cold turkey and changed careers. Our emotional attachment to what we've been doing can be a stumbling block to getting on with what needs to be done. The industry will chew you up and spit you out but the friends you've made will still be there and support you whatever you do. I certainly understand the thoughts about being a failure, but it's only a failure if you let it hamper your growth into other areas. Being downsized out of companies has been uncomfortable at times BUT, it has forced me grow and move out of my comfort zone.
Fortunately for me, my kids are all grown and have moved out ANDmore importantly, I have an incredibly understanding and patient wife. I could not be doing what I'm doing now with her support.
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Permalink Reply by Bob Olhsson on -
I have a lot to say because I'm facing this issue for the second or perhaps the third time in my life depending on how you count. I don't think it's as depressing as it looks but an awful lot needs to be reexamined by everybody.
I'm posting this teaser so the e-mail will jog my memory because I'm pretty busy today.
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Permalink Reply by Glenn Spinner on -
My advice is go find something else to do. The business is changing so quickly and drastically that there is no good advice to give anyone getting into it. The landscape has changed so much since I started 17 years ago and I wouldn't even have a clue as to tell you what to do now. I met with someone who's been around for about 3 years now and as many things I could tell him about assisting and even engineering, there wasn't much I could tell him on how to find work these days. Studios are going down one by one or becoming private facilities and unless you're in with some people, there really isn't an in. Education doesn't prepare you for the real world. Knowing protools does not make one an engineer. The business we know and love is going under and while that may seem overstated, tell me it's not. We have all seen a major decline in work over the last few years and while there have been peaks and valleys, the valleys are lasting much longer and the peaks aren't as high anymore.
I was talking to someone the other day and I really wonder if CD's as we know them today will even be around anymore. I have a funny feeling within 5 years music will all be single driven or specific for movies and tv. Making an album's worth of music won't even exist because it won't be feasible for labels to do.
I love what I do but I just don't see anything on the horizon that is going to change this market and improve what we all love doing. Maybe I'm wrong and I sure hope I am but I have to tell you this Matt, be prepared for a mighty big struggle. Put your eggs in as many baskets as you can because the more you have going on, the better chance you have of surviving in this business and even then, there are no guarantees. I hope if you have the passion for it that you go for it and keep your head and heart positive through it all. Appreciate everyone you work for. Appreciate all the little moments that happen that most people will never get to experience. I have seen a lot of great people come and go in this business, many of whom are extremely talented individuals. I think everyone has a time limit because of the high burnout factor. We put so much of ourselves into it that at some point, we just don't have any more to give. You can't pace yourself, because if you do, you'll get stuck at one level and never get ahead while others pass you by. Go for it, enjoy the ride and when it's time to leave, walk away and hopefully you'll have some amazing memories.
I hope this didn't depress you any but reality isn't always a pretty picture.
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Permalink Reply by Glenn Spinner on
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Great advice from someone who isn't the recording side of things. No offense but people aren't jumping on airplanes without paying for their flight. People aren't jumping in cars and driving off car lots without paying for their cars.
Where did you come up with that I have any regrets about my career? I have none whatsoever. I found something I loved to do and have done it with all my heart and soul for the last 17 years of my life. I have had the fortunes of working with some of the most amazing people over the years.
Once again, I take your comments with a grain of salt.
My question to you is you said fortunately for you, you attended a university for recording and interned here in town in studios before doing live sound, does my attending a school of music, earning a degree in music production and engineering, interning at studios and then becoming a freelance engineer make me unfortunate because I chose the recording aspect instead of live sound. I understand that you were fortunate in your choice but at the time of my decision, I felt pretty fortunate to find something I cared about.
It's very easy to make comments about something you are not familiar with and I'll just chalk it up to that because part of me wants to tear you a new one right now but I'll refrain.
I had breakfast with a good friend of mine this week who travels for his job in the business. He talked about all the big LA engineers who are entering other fields or finding other ways to supplement their incomes. When engineers I admire, who have been in this business for 10-20 years longer than I have, have problems finding work or working, I don't feel bad at all about my current situation. It's hitting all over the place and while you say re-invent the wheel, it's much easier said than done, especially coming from a perch that isn't getting hit hard by it right now.
People will always go to see live music unless the economy gets so bad that people don't have the throw away money to go see shows. It's not like you can sneak 10,000 people into an arena for free to go see a show but you can sneak 10,000 illegal downloads on the internet easily.
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Permalink Reply by Glenn Spinner on
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I'm not going to come into a personal forum and offer up an opinion on something I know nothing about. Have you noticed I didn't say a thing about live sound. I know nothing about it. I never will. It's not of interest to me. I am going to offer up an opinion on something I do know something about and that's the recording world. I have worked in this town long enough and in this end of the business to see what's going on. Just because your wife works at a label, you have friends that are producers and engineers and work with studio musicians gives you access to information and their experiences but to me, it's here say and not trench experience as many of us have gone through. I have friends in the live side of things but I'm not going to come in here and offer up their opinions and experiences as my own and pretend to know what's going on.
Something has really ticked me off about what you wrote the other day. You said I had regrets. Tell you what, until you know me and my life, I take a major exception to that statement. I came to town in June of '93 and took an internship at a studio in town where I met Doug and he took me under his wing as his own personal intern. He took me in and taught me a ton of things about recording and about this town. He also took me to meet his wife and two kids and they took me in. I went to other studios around town and met guys like Steve and Kelly who would hire me later on in life as an assistant. I then went on to meet guys like Bret, Brent, Aaron, Michael and Patrick. Some of them were engineers, others were assistants and others were studio managers. By working all these sessions I got to meet a ton of players in this town like John, Jimmie Lee, Chris, Gordon, Mark, Tom, David, etc. I was also fortunate enough to work with writers like Wayne, Gordon, Tommy and so many others. Many of them I get to see on a semi-regular basis and others I don't see as frequently anymore. I've had the pleasure of working with artists in basically every different genre. There are even people I've worked with that I haven't gotten along with but learned from them. All of these people, whether I've seen them recently or not, I consider my peers but more importantly my friends. I have loved every minute of what I've done for the last 15 years in this town. The work has been great but the one thing I've enjoyed the most is the relationships with these people. Whether or not I am still doing this a month from now or until the day I die many years from, I will still consider all these people my friends. So if that's what you mean by regret, yeah, I regret it, every single minute of it.
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Permalink Reply by Glenn Spinner on
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Go back and read your regrets comment, it was in direct relation to my post.
If you ask for advice in a public forum, other people might be inclined to chime in. If you wanted direct advice from JB, you should've sent him an email instead of putting it in a public forum. Sometimes people start a topic and don't check back here often as others. I thought I would offer up my experiences to you from what I've learned over the years.
And in response to your name dropper comment, I have two responses, one of which I won't post here. The other one I will. If I wanted to name drop, I would've listed last names of all the people mentioned AND I would've listed all the artists I've worked with over the years. You also seemed to miss the point of why I did that. Those people aren't names to me, they are my friends so if that's name dropping then I'm guilty. Also, if you know anything about me, I'm the last guy to name drop in this industry. People that know me usually have to beat it out of me to find out who I'm working with.
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Permalink Reply by Glenn Spinner on
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Actually, I don't think you can have a sound opinion in my field. Your point about my opinions in fields like politics, education, economics, etc. carries to you as well. If I don't know about those, as you suggest, why should I give any credence to your opinions in a field you're not directly involved in? It works both ways doesn't it? Either that or since I'm not in the trenches, I have a better perspective on those fields. So which is it?
Your opinion about my field is either good or bad but then again, if yours is good in my field, my opinion is good in any field then as well.
Personally, I am not going to come into a professional forum and offer up opinions of stuff I am not well versed in or have extensive experience with. You may have valid points and you may be knowledgeable but I haven't noticed any as of yet. It is very easy to state, we need to re-invent the wheel but we all know this already. Solutions to these issues would be a better way to spend our time.
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Permalink Reply by Bret Teegarden on
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I think we're starting to miss the point of JB's original post. I think its not so much about seeing the industry change (as it always does, always has, and always will) as much as being OK and happy with going another direction if you feel like you have to. We can bemoan the state of the industry, kids stealing music and the proliferation of credit card qualified studio owners and engineers but at the end of the day, its about being content with what ever path your career has taken and being OK with the fact that you (we) may have to make changes along the way. Sometimes in little ways and sometimes bigger. This business is not a contest. Its a way of life, but its not the only way of life.
I believe every person matters and every contribution to our industry matters. I have seen many of my peers and friends make major life changes as they mature into their 40s and 50s. Does the fact that they are no longer the "top" producer, musician, engineer, studio owner devalue the massive contributions they've made over the years? I read a statistic once that stated that most people make their most significant contributions to business or society after they are 50. It takes that long to figure it all out. Trust me.
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