|
|
kasper777 Regular user 144 Posts |
At what point does one realize that he/she should quit their job and street perform full time? My ambition to do it full time is there, it's the uncertainty of the hats that is stopping me. (bills, bills, bills) If I knew I could do around 100 a day I would defiantely do it. I haven't worked my pitch during the weekday so I'm not sure how the hats would turn out. I'm am just so tired of the 8:30-9:30 job. So to all of you out there in magic land, when does one turn to the street for full time employment? Or should I just take the advice of Gazzo and just quit my job and live the life of a street performer?
|
BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
The issue you brought up is key. Can you sustain yourself by doing it?
I make way too much money on my day job to give it up. I was talking to Kozmo about it, and he agrees with me. I just have to stay at the day job. And for me, it would be very difficult to convince my lovely wife that "we can make it" off the street. Her family wouldn't think much of me if I just worked the street regulary, no matter how much I made..They don't even understand why I would give up a weekend with them, to do magic on the street. But working the street is a lot like being self employed. Do you have the discipline to get up every day and go do it? If you don't and I know a lot of folks who can't function without structure around them. I know one guy who started his own company, and after 3 weeks, was sleeping in until noon, and drinking through lunch, and then saying it was too late in the day to make phone calls to sell his product. It really have a lot to do with your emotional makeup too. If a short hat becomes a personal failure, then you are in trouble, becuase there will be short hats from time to time. And maybe a lot of them until you figure out what is needed. Another issue is; do you have to move around to make a living? Can you make it 12 months a year were you are, or do you need to seek the heat, in order to have a perfroming environment. If you cant work 12 months, are you willing and able to move? Another thought, like fro a new business effort. Put aside several months worth of money to carry you, while you "build you rbusiness". That will take off some pressure and let you see what happens, without worrying about the next meal. Lots of questions. Hard questions... Very few answers...except your own personal ones. Good luck in deciding. And Fat Hats! BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
|
MagiUlysses Special user Kansas City 504 Posts |
Greetings and Salutations,
Do you have any vacation coming or available? Take a week and work your pitch and check out other pitches in your area. How's this for a plan: keep working your day job, and do street, fair, etc., gigs at night and on the weekends until you are making as much on the street as you make during the day. Keep that up for three to six months, putting your day check in the bank and living on your hats. After three to six months, you've built up incredible discipline and have something to get you through the lean hats. I think BroDavid hit it on the head. You've got to have the discipline to hit the streets every day, eight to 12 hours a day, five or six or seven days a week. And have fun doing it. Me? I ain't got it, but my primary motivation is renfests, working out routines, and playing with people, and as long as I break even I'm good to go. Like BroDavid, I've been doing my day job long enough that the pay is tolerable given the vacation and benefits I've accrued, which allows me to spend a great many of my weekends at renfaires ... thankfully I met my very lovely lady at faire, and she enjoys them as much as I do. Yes, I consider myself a lucky man. I can play in the street, virtually for free. But if you're worried about making the mortgage, I think I'd stick to working the streets on the weekends until you can live for three to six months on what you've got saved in the bank. That will prove to yourself that you have what it takes, your act should be solid by then, and you'll have something in the bank when the hats are lean. Wow, I just read what I wrote, if this job yanks my chain, I have a plan! Hey, good luck, fat hats, and have fun playing in the streets. YMMV Joe in KC Make magic happen, live a great adventure! |
JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Also take to heart what Joe said. Besides paying the monthly bills, your job probably also carries your health insurance. You will have to add that into the mix.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
|
Adam V Special user 603 Posts |
That's right. When you're old and retiring you'll probably still be supported. Most magicians would either die poor or have to work all their lives. Although there are a lot of people who would see no problem in doing that. Working all their lives, not the dying poor bit.
Adam V - 9 out of 10 dentists recommend him.
|
kasper777 Regular user 144 Posts |
I'm young, 22, and live with my fiance. Bills and rent are split so I need to only make around 300 a week(which is what I make working for the law firm). With me being a former Marine I have the VA to help with medical matters. Maybe I'm just in a rush to fullfill my dream of doing magic full time. I do work a restaurant on the weekends, so that's a little added security. I don't know, maybe I'm in over my head.
Nolan |
MagiUlysses Special user Kansas City 504 Posts |
Greetings and Salutations,
Nolan, please re-read my advise, please. Over your head? Dude, you're 22. Even if you blow it huge and suck all over the place, so what? I read some great advise on performer.net the other day: Do not be afraid to suck! Man, I'm going to be 45 in June, and I'm working up scenarios to keep money in the bank, build up a ren faire business for income to see me through my retirement years, and develop an act that I can play on the street or stage. Most of my friends, and some members of my family think I'm crazy. That's only because I am. But I know one thing for sure, if you don't follow your dreams, your life is going to suck. Bud, you're young, in relatively good shape (as a young former Marine), and creative with your whole life in front of you. Take advantage of it. Joe in KC Make magic happen, live a great adventure! |
David_Libertine Regular user Lake Charles, LA 142 Posts |
To Joe in KC...
Go for it dude... I'm 44 and two years ago left a career in television to pursue this insanity. I still haven't become rich and famous, but there's always tomorrow! Nolan... Here's my words of wisdom. Think about your ideas and goals... Determine if they are based in reality and are made from a position of sound judgement. Once you determine that, whenever someone says anything negative, ignore them. Period. Constructive criticism of your performance is one thing, but as soon as it turns negative... shut them down. If you depend on what others think you will never get anywhere. Most people are content to sit where they are. Many performers achieve a comfortable place and never reach higher. Some may not agree with what I'm saying... that's OK by me. I have 44 years of life experience behind me that has proven what I'm saying. I have many friends who are better off financially than I am, but they are stuck in a rut and are miserable. They often tell me how they wish they could break free. When I tell them to stop making themselves miserable and be happy doing what they really want, they always find an excuse. What good is owning a big house and a fine car if you're miserable? I'm happy with what I have and everyday try to follow my bliss.
Boy: Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead only try to realize the truth.
Neo: What truth? Boy: There is no spoon. Neo: There is no spoon? Boy: Then you'll see that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The side walk shuffle » » At what point (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |