Leave a Safe IT Job for Music Tour? 133
DecisionTime asks: "In this US economy, it took me a whole year to find my current IT job, where I've been for less than a year. It's fairly dull, but pays ok, and I believe it is relatively safe. Now, I've been given the chance to use my talents and tour full time with a band overseas. With the corresponding drop in expenses, my net income on this tour would remain about the same as now. However, music jobs are inherently risky, yet the touring could become long term. On the other hand, I could potentially be IT job searching again within four months with a dubious hole on my resume. I'm single and have no kids or major commitments, but I do not want to destroy my IT career either for the future. I can't get unbiased advice where I am, so perhaps Slashdot can lend me some wisdom?"
Do what makes you happiest (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:5, Insightful)
Last thing anyone needs is to see their bandmates go on to become the next Stones or ABBA and be left behind in some lowlevel IT job
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:5, Insightful)
So the upshot is, don't be afraid to communicate. You might have more options than you know.
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:1)
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:1)
Good advice (Score:3, Insightful)
"Find something you enjoy doing, and get someone to pay you to do it."
Easier said than done, but a worthwhile goal.
Q.
Re:Good advice (Score:3, Insightful)
I just auditioned for a position as an opening act for a nationally known artist. Believe me, if I get the gig, there is no way in hell I'm going to pass it up. So long as the bills are paid, DO IT!!
Oh, and keep in mind that money you earn outside the US is not taxable in some cases, so you might even see a net increase...
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:2)
I think that you will have more short-term happiness doing this. However, I think that since the economy is bad, that you're better off, for now, sticking with IT and looking for long-term happiness. You said it best when you said it was inherently risky. Think "Tortoise and Hare."
You might find that employers don't want to re-hire you back to IT, later. Can you find a way to do IT while you're on the road, to keep up
I guess I'll toss in my 5 nickles here. (Score:5, Insightful)
mod parent up (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2)
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:1)
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:2)
On the other hand, I see your point. If your're young, single, and not too happy with an IT job but the lure of joining a traveling rock band presents itself, then it's hard to say, "No." And, guaranteed, you will kick yourself later if you
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:2)
Re:Do what makes you happiest (Score:5, Insightful)
If you're intelligent and hard-working, this will probably be a plus rather than a minus if/when it comes to hitting the career path later.
One way to think about it: You'll always think "what if?" if you don't, whereas if you do, you'll have some pretty cool experiences. Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Take the tour. (Score:2, Interesting)
The computer world will always be around, but music careers are notoriously short. Take advantage of it while you can.
Re:Take the tour. (Score:1, Funny)
By the way, what is the address of the HR Department for your current company?
a few things to check... (Score:5, Informative)
2. Can you do your IT job remotely (you didn't mention exactly what you do)?
Also, maybe you could go searching for IT work overseas? Not every economy is in the state the US is in, and overseas experience is always a plus. If you don't know if either proposition (music or IT) will work out, which one do you want more? Go with that.
Go for it. (Score:5, Insightful)
I speak from bitter experience here man.
Get out and enjoy your talents while you can.
Re:Go for it. (Score:2)
AMEN
Re:Go for it. (Score:4, Funny)
Setup : Nursing home, two old geezers in their nightgowns in medical beds talking to each other.
OG1 : Ya 'member right after we won WWII?
OG2 : Yea Bob, that was great.
OG1 : Teehee - you remember right after that when we were in France at that bar?
OG2 : You mean when those three hot French nurses invited us back to there place?
OG1 : That's what I'm talking about!!!
OG2 : Yea Bob, I remember that.
OG1 : (sadly) We shoulda went.
OG2 : (sadly) Yea Bob, we shoulda went.
Re:Go for it. (Score:2)
(As a rule of thumb, any time more than one woman wants to have sex with you at the same time - you pretty much have to go for it.)
How old are you? (Score:5, Insightful)
I did a similar thing... (Score:2, Interesting)
Sounds like fun (Score:3, Insightful)
It's not a hole in your resume, if you are doing similar work, and you have a few good stories to tell any potential interviewer who should inquire as to that period in your professional life.
Life is for living, but living takes money. If you can earn money, while making the most of your more valuable personal time, without suffering any loss of income in the near term, then why wouldn't you do it?
Re:Sounds like fun (Score:3, Insightful)
Nonetheless, I now double my suggestion to do it, if you believe in your skills. This could be a fork in the road to something more fulfilling then humping a 9-6. If I could make a living playing my bass, I'd be straight on it.
Remember the line about the road less travelled. It makes all the difference.
Music Industry (Score:5, Insightful)
I probably have one of the most stable jobs in the music industry. I write music for TV. Music is fun, and you always meet interesting people. You might even meet musicians who need IT skills. Or, if you are brave, set yourself up with a DAW, Protools or Digital Performer and mix your skills.
You are involved in two industries that are very unstable. Go for what you want. Have fun. It is not a black mark on your resume, it is an "enhancing experience".
You won't get this chance again. (Score:5, Insightful)
You're not very likely at all to 'destroy your career'. You may go broke, make little on the tour, and have problems getting a job when you get back. But that may happen anyway.
What's your worst case scenario? You get a job flipping burgers or move in with your parents or something. Big deal, everyone eats some shit once in a while. You're looking at a *paid vacation*. That's what you're getting.
Yeah, it may not work. But if it were me, I'd take it. Now, I have no responsibilities; no kids, no wife. I can *always* walk away anything until then, because I have nothing to lose. So you might be out a little money. If money's that important to you, I suggest you recognize that and deal appropriately.
You're an idiot if you keep working the day job.
Re:You won't get this chance again: affirmation (Score:5, Insightful)
He had always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Come layoff, he freaked out. "Got to get a job got to get a job..."
Here's a guy with an annual salary in cash on hand.
Three months later he's working at a job paying quite a bit less. Why? They were offering to pay. That's it.
Moron. One of my best, smartest friends. Moron. Says it himself "Stupidest move ever."
Go travel. Run lean, and see what happened. I left college, took a gig halfway around the world for half of what my local offers were. Actually, I never figured that out until this week. 4 years ago I left the United States to seek fame, fortune and adventure. I spend two years making half of what I had been offered before I left. You know what? Best money I ever spent.
as someone who faced a similar choice (Score:4, Interesting)
You might never have another opportunity like this one come along. But that shouldn't make or break your choice.
The best piece of advice I can give is don't stress about it. My guess is that either choice would be fine. Choose the one that just feels the best, and go with it. Don't worry too much about the future, the future will happen.
Re:as someone who faced a similar choice (Score:1)
Quit ya day job! (Score:3, Insightful)
I used to play in a band and had a ball, but I learned a long time ago that it is fleeting and the minute it becomes commercial the fun starts to slip away and it becomes a job.
Decide on a career, if you think Music is your career than go ahead. If you are realistic you will think twice and find another way to get the fix.
rock'n'roll (Score:2)
- a "dubious 4 month hole in your resume" isn't going to ruin your IT career.
- you'll regret it for the rest of your life if you don't take the risk on what you really want.
- worst that's likely to happen is that you're on unemployment for a year.
Re:rock'n'roll (Score:2, Insightful)
Just want to second that opinion.
If I were looking to hire someone for an IT job, I would have no qualms about hiring someone who just took a half-year off to follow a dream.
You might want to see if you can just "take a leave of absence" from your current job.
Re:rock'n'roll (Score:3, Insightful)
go (Score:2)
one word: (Score:3, Funny)
Another word (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Another word (Score:1, Informative)
HAUL ASS! (Score:5, Insightful)
Which would you rather tell a story about in 10 years, your 6 month tour overseas or the day they called you in at 3am without overtime to fix a nimda like worm?
Dude, if you don't go you deserve your crappy day job. I don't know how else to say it besides stop reading these posts right now, turn off your computer, pick up your shit, blow mom a kiss goodbye, get a 24 pack of condoms and run out the damn door.
You're young, you only live once (Score:1)
dreams (Score:5, Insightful)
I'm going to say a few things that most people I know might disagree with.
1) You only live once. This is so important I want you to read it again: You only live once. Regardless of your religious affiliation and life-after-death beliefs, nobody has any concrete proof that there is anything but limbo after we're gone. That said, there's no reason to allow yourself to make regrets in life, because there's no do-over.
2) Follow whatever dreams you have to the best of your abilities. I'm surprised daily that so many people don't even have dreams any more. The fact that you not only have one, but have the chance to make it a reality, is the confluence of a number of very rare events. This confluence should not be wasted.
3) With no wife or kids, you have no one to disappoint but yourself, and from the tone of your message it sounds to me as if you'd be very disappointed to miss this opportunity.
4) Even if you can't find an IT job when you get back, you could probably parlay your experience from the tour into, at least, gigs back home. It's a lot more work than an IT job, but you could be self-employed as a "bard" of sorts if you wanted, playing bars and festivals.
Do it (Score:2, Interesting)
my unbiased opinion =) (Score:2, Insightful)
Try it out (Score:2, Insightful)
Go. (Score:5, Insightful)
Sorry to oversimplify a tough decision. All I can say is what-if's and if-only's can haunt like demons.
Re:Go. (Score:1)
Secondly, according to this [slashdot.org] article, cubicles aren't sterile. :)
Do it, but watch your debt.......... (Score:1)
All I've got to say is... (Score:4, Insightful)
-- Confucius
Go for the Band~! (Score:3, Interesting)
Give yourself a meaningful and praiseworthy title, like a Systems Engineer - you have to know how all the electronics and computers work right? Or you can put on your resume that you were a Consultant working for 4 months, doing IT and systems work with an entertainment performance group. Come up with some creative engineering to fluff up your resume.
And most importantly, make friends with your band manager. Drink beers with him after work, so that when you need his reference, he can back you up.
More info? (Score:1, Insightful)
Have kid/s? STFU, and get back to work.
None of the above? Why aren't you packing already? You never, ever, ever want to look back on your life and say 'Why didn't I take the chance to...' Don't forget the old line about 'nobody ever died wishing they had spent more time at the office'.
You may think your job is secure, but unless you have access to the books, you have no idea. Even then, you might not know.
Get out. Live a little. There'll be some kind of cubicle waiting for
Re:More info? (Score:2)
What part of "I'm single and have no kids or major commitments" do you (and the mods) feel requires futher elucidation?
My experience (Score:5, Insightful)
The band I was in was playing in pubs several nights a week, and I was the only one working a normal job. It was great fun, but getting home all fired up at 2am made it tough to get up for work the next day.
We did some recording, then the other guys in the band wanted to go play around the country. They lined up gigs in several places with very little effort, so I had to choose between work and music.
I chose work.
My career was at the point where it was starting to get interesting, and I knew that I'd get some interesting job offers shortly.
The music had, to me at least, always been a fun thing and I'd basically played for beer money while the rest of the guys split the bulk of the loot between them. That wasn't exactly a fortune, but they needed the cash more than I did. I'm pretty sure none of us actually thought we'd get a music career out of it, but suddenly it appeared like it might be a goer.
In hindsight, I don't really regret it. Although the other guys were a bit upset when I pulled out, I'd always made it clear that I had a "second life" outside of music so it was OK. I found another group that was more "work friendly" with very little effort and played with them instead, while my original band went out without me.
In the final washup, they decided that a life in music wasn't really what they wanted. They had a bit of fun, but got stiffed by club owners more than once and found that all of them sharing their lives 24x7 wasn't really that great. Steady girlfriends got put on hold; strangely no GF wanted to tag along with 4 other guys and no other women! There were a few sexual encounters, but none that probably wouldn't have been on offer if they'd stayed at home.
If you think this band is really gonna make it big, or if you really really enjoy playing with them, by all means go for it.
If music is basically just a fun thing with a few mates, then why not just enjoy it for what it is and leave things as they are? If you're an OK muso, you'll always find another group of guys to play with.
That's no gap in the CV - it's a boost! (Score:1)
Whom do you think I would hire for a (international?) project: a hermitic bit mage - or a coder that maybe even was in that country, did some band/tour
Adventures (Score:1)
This sounds ideal... (Score:2)
What band? (Score:1, Flamebait)
I mean, /. is noted for its incisive, insightful music reviews. What better forum to tell you whether or not it's worth your while to pollute clubs around the world with your sonic garbage?
(actually, I really am curious. If it'll pay as well as a tech job, maybe you guys are better than this week's Creed cover band)
Do it! (Score:1)
Go, do it! Have fun! Find a new job at the end of the road, if you need to!
Irony? (Score:1)
Yes, this is precisely why you should go upon
Where else would you get unbiased advice?
On a totally related note: If I were you, I'd keep my current job. Maybe I'm a little over anxious, though.
You have to ask yourself.... (Score:2)
I think you would be stupid not to go. I'm really glad I got to do stupid things before I had a family. The chances of doing that now are non-existant. Do it while you can!
Vertical
Same for me! (Score:5, Interesting)
Except, I'm offered the opportunity to start a comedy show on tv.
I'm a (hardcore) c++ programmer and I actually like what I'm doing.
I also run a dark comedy web site (with a partner) which has suddenly become 'The next big thing' in my country (radio stations started playing our scenes, invitations to talk shows; my phone never stops ringing).
Two tv stations offerred us a contract and we must choose one of them by the end of this week. It's really tempting, but I know how show-business is, you can burn really quickly if you're not careful or good enough to handle the stress.
On the programming side, I'm the dev lead on a project which we've been working on for 2.5 years (full time) and will launch the public beta in two months.
This only makes things harder for me - I don't want to abandon the project at this stage, but the show-biz opportunity is very tempting.
I guess I'll try (really hard) to work on both jobs, at least until the final release of our project. By that time, If i'm not dead or in a mental institution, I will hopefully be able to decide what to chose.
Eventually, I think it's best to listen to your heart and go with that.
Even if you fail, it's not the end of the world - you can always start drinking.
Lie (Score:2)
If the band folds, and you find yourself looking for another IT job, then just lie. Ensure that you have a couple of good references from former employers, and then adjust your CV to cover the period you were doing band stuff.
Chris
Nobody ever said... (Score:5, Insightful)
Truisms, gotta love em.
As a musician and IT person.... (Score:2)
In any case, FWIW, even with one year hole in your resume you will be fine. I know because it happened to me. I was out of work for 1.5 years but I kept machine with Linux and Solaris where I kepy my skillz up to scratch. Thus when it was time to come back to IT I got several job offers.
Do not believe all the pesimists here, a hole in your CV does not matter, there is always somebody with a clue that can see beyond such a thing. If you like IT you will find ways to keep informed, an
Catch the tour bus (Score:2)
How many musicians are wannabes? How many are working or touring musicians? How many make a desent living at it?
A lot for the first question, few for the second and very few for the third. I know a fair number of musicians and the one's who took the risk are the happiest, whether or not the make a lot of money at it. The wannabes want to be working as musicians and tend to be unhappy.
So live lean, hit the road, feel tired and streched, wake up in a town or country you aren't sure the name of, relax, enjoy
Don't worry about the resume (Score:5, Interesting)
Obviously you're the one who's going to make the decision: how averse to risk (because there is risk of unemployment) are you, and how much do you want to go on tour? As long as you're considering both sides of the question, you'll come to a good answer.
Where I can offer some (probably) useful thoughts, is regarding the "dubious hole in [your] resume" that you mentioned. Short version of my thoughts: what hole?
Longer version: if you're looking for an IT job again in four or six months, just put the tour on your resume. Unless you end up on the road for years, then your tech experience isn't going to seem outdated, expecially if your spot on the tour is on the tech end. When somebody asks about it during a job interview, you say "I'd always wanted to do this, and the opportunity presented itself; I decided to make the leap and see whether I liked it, while I was still young, single, and didn't have too many commitments. I enjoyed it but, I found that my real interest is in [whatever IT gig you do]."
I've got a couple of even more suspicious gaps in my resume. They appeared when I went from living in the upper half of a converted church in a cool neighborhood of a relatively expensive west coast city, to living the the bottom half of a small house in a student neighborhood in a small city in western New York. (My wife was going to school in the small city in New York.) Basically, I found that the money we had budgeted to live went a lot further that we had anticipated, so it was six months before I actually had to get a job. After working for a year or two I had more money saved up, and when one contract ended I just didn't look for another for four or five months.
I've been at the same company for a while now, so haven't interviewed much, but when I was interviewing and people asked, I just gave them the background and told them a little about what I did during those "gaps" -- I did some stuff that was a lot more interesting than the average 9-5 job during those periods, and I think that helped during interviews at least as much as it may have hurt me.
Re:Don't worry about the resume (Score:2)
My thoughts exactly on reading the OP's dilemma. Use it to your advantage. How many applicants for an IT job can say they just spent half a year on tour? Interviewers, even -- no, especially -- HR drones (who almost by definition tend to be "people people") like talking about that stuff. I'm pretty sure that in most of my job interviews what finally got me the job was chatting about side projects and hobbies. Just about all ap
Do what you love... (Score:2)
That's an old saying I heard a while ago and I think it's very true. Working a dull job you don't like is easy to tolerate in the short term, but the dullness eats away at your soul...eventually, you'll become resentful and feel that the best years of your life have slipped away...
It's obvious what you want to do...you're just unsure if you have nerve to take the risk. Take it. Just leave your company on good terms and don't burn your bridges. If you do have t
Choose the sex, the drugs, the rock'n roll (Score:1, Interesting)
However, sometimes when i am alone i can still smell the sour beer, the stingy smell of cigarettes, sense the dampness of moist pussy on my fingertips, feel the disorientation after to much to loud music... ahh the memories. Wouldn't be without them. Kinda makes me stay at home you kno
dubious hole? (Score:5, Interesting)
Techie or Musician? (Score:1)
I can't tell from your comments whether you're one of the musicians [e.g. the bass player], or whether a group of musicians has asked you to tour as their techie [the guy who mixes and/or records the music, and probably a lot of other things that aren't quite so glamorous].
If you're being asked to be the techie, how much math do you know? Do you know Fourier analysis? Sampling theory? Wavelet transforms?
I ask because there are some really cool, really affordable things you can do with analog to digital
Re:Techie or Musician? (Score:2)
AAHAHAAHHAAAAHAHAAHAAHAHAAAHAHAHHAAAAA!
Why would you need to know all that to be able to mix music and have a "good ear"?
Whew. That was a good laugh. While I don't discount the fact that intelligence can be handy in the music world, it definitely isn't the be-all end-all.
You've got to do it (Score:4, Insightful)
I said no.
I regret the decision to this day, despite being pretty successful in software.
Don't be an idiot - grab your dream job when you can. It's a lot better to be able to fail and say you tried than regret that...etc.
Peter
Six Percent (Score:1)
No wrong choice (Score:2)
There is no wrong choice here. Either way is just as good from all you have said. So make the choice you want to make. Obviously you are unsure because you haven't gone for it. So what are you really afraid of? It can't be the job because there are jobs all over, and many do not last a year anyway.
If it is just job hunting, there are jobs everywhere. Even if they decide your tech skills are good enough after this trip, you have shown the people skills needed for management, watch the money for the
Hit the road! (Score:1)
You said yourself there's nothing holding you back. Go. Now.
Do It (Score:1)
You're free of obligations to a wife or children. When you do have those obligations, especially the children, it's completely different.
Plus, it makes you a more interesting person. You'll at least have good stories to tell. So when you're meeting new women, you're not just an IT guy, you also spent several months (at least) touring with a band.
So do it, and report back from the road. I'd be interested to hear how it works out.
Go on the tour (Score:2)
Obligatory Simpsons Reference (Score:3, Funny)
Homer: I don't think I have a choice, Marge.
Marge: Of course you have a choice.
Homer: How do you figure?
Marge: You don't have to join a freak show just because the opportunity came along.
Homer: You know, Marge, in some ways, you and I are very different people.
Episode 3F21, "Homerpalooza" [snpp.com]
~Philly
do it (Score:2)
What makes you happy (Score:2)
It's a gamble (Score:1)
Perspective (Score:2)
There's more to life than making money and having a secure job.
Life is short (Score:1)
But don't be COMPLETELY irresponsible. Talk to a financial planner before you go. They will be able to assess your likely income/expenses, and help set up a plan so that you can work with your money wisely, even when you're on the road. When you come back to the States, it may be a while before you get hired again, so you'll want to plan ahead.
I've ruined my life many times over; so
Leave. (Score:2)
Where's the decision here? (Score:1)
Do it man!
I don't see what the delimma is here? A chance to live out The Dream and tour the world playing music should not be passed up. If you're any good at interviewing and IT, whatever that is, then what are you worried about?
Note: I had to respond just so my band's URL is in yet another /. thread...click it...buy a disc...make me famous too!
Think of it this way... (Score:1)
Two Things (Score:2)
My own take on such things is from Kurt Vonnegut: "Strange travel suggestions are dancing lessons from god." I usually take them. Some times it's not to my benefit, but I'm always glad I did it.
Hard choice (Score:2)
Should I go out in the world travelling doing something I love at a time in my life when I have no commitments other than work, or should I stay chained to my desk job for fear of losing it? Oh yeah, and there aren't any groupies at the desk job.
Go for it! (Score:2)
I'm single and have no kids or major commitments, but I do not want to destroy my IT career either for the future. I can't get unbiased advice where I am, so perhaps Slashdot can lend me some wisdom?"
Go for it. Explaining "I got an offer to tour with a band and deicded to eithe r become the next Kieth rigchards or just get it out of my system" shouldn't cause any problems.
Don't listen to these fools (Score:3, Funny)
In fact, I feel SO strongly about this that I'm willing to give up my cushy, secure IT job and go to Europe in your place, just so you won't have any nagging feelings that you're letting people down. Just send me the contact info and put in a good word for me.
No need to thank me... knowing that I've helped you make the proper choice is reward enough.
Urm... (Score:2)
Isn't that like going to a pro-choice rally for abortion advice?
What I did (Score:2)
I asked my new boss if I could have time off for it. He let me go. Of course this is a bit different, since he knew I'd be back, and fair
Why are you still here?!? (Score:2)
I got the order right - first the band and touring europe for a couple of years, then the wife, then the "real" job. That seems to be the most prevalent pattern in the biz. If you've got an opportunity to go tour now and don't have any reason other than some software job to stay, you need to get the hell off of your ass and on a plane.
I'm 35 now and cherish the experience of playing in a b
Are you serious? (Score:2)
My advice GO. GO NOW. Don't look back. Everyone and their brother gets to toil away at the regular jobs (provided that they have them) you have the chance to live a dream. If the people offering you this are on the level, go. Seriously, I can't believe you even have to think about it. No kids, no woman, no ties. Get the hell out of here and do your thing!
LK
Go (Score:2)
Big Chance (Score:2)
My friend John has a band that plays original progressive rock (like old Yes, Rush, etc.) He is a very good bass player, and has a collection of custom-made 7- and 8-string basses by Bill Conklin - one of them a doubleneck that made it into Bass Player magaz
which will you regret the least on your deathbed? (Score:2)
some thoughts... (Score:2)
Beginning in a round about way, the biggest mistake most college students make is not taking a year off before going to college. A year off working, travelling (if you can afford it), half-working-half-playing -- etc. The break is an important time to focus the mind temporarily towards the ultra-long term questions of where you want to end up and what you want to be doing when you end up there.
That kind of advice applies, I think, to
MOD PARENT DOWN (Score:5, Insightful)
Go find a single philosopher who said anything remotely similar. Cash is not what counts. I'm not going to pretend that I know what does count, but it certainly is not cash.
I used to work for IBM in a job I liked, except that I had to travel. The hours were not that great either. I didn't love the job at all, but it wasn't bad at all. The traveling on the other hand was just too much for myself and my new wife and family (consists of 2 dogs and 2 cats). My brother gave me some advise. He said: "Nobody on their death bed has said, 'I wish I would have worked just one more day.'" And I listened to this advise and quit my job for a shittier, lower paying IT job so I could stop traveling and spend more time with my new family.
Although you are right about just about everthing in your post, cash is not what counts...Please mod parent down.