Being a DJ (creative) vs having a "real job"

Off-Topic / Lounge
1

Being a DJ (creative) vs having a “real job”

What’s everyone’s opinion on having a real job versus pursuing being a DJ full time?

would you rather have a decent job with amenities (insurance, pension), and be a bedroom dj who doesn’t have time to perfect his/her skills and does gigs for special occasions and/or for fun.

or

would you rather pursue your dream of being a dj, put your all into perfecting your craft, and live check to check while being creative for the almighty dollar (or worse spinning music you hate just for $$$)

2

I love being a dj, but I would rather have insurance, pension, etc…
Working the clubs lots of days and hours gets old after a while, takes the fun out of it, at least for me anyway!

I like spinning monthly events and the occasional weekly gig where I play an hour or so!

3

1st option, but if that get’s out of hand, you could always start working part time. :wink:

4

I’d love to be a pro, but I’m fortuunate enough to be friends with guys who are (DJ Moneyshot & DJ Cheeba) and guys who’re semi-Pro (Ewan Hoozami & Dave Remix) and I I know

a) How much more talented these guys are than me
b) how little they get paid

This combined with the young mans game aspect means my proper career wins everytime

5

I’d much rather keep my 9-5 and spin for fun than worry about whose musical whims I need to cater to in order to eat. There are a lucky few that manage to make a good living with music that they genuinely love, but I won’t hold my breath expecting to reach that position, no matter how much work I put into it.

6

i´d totally go the deadmau5 route! i´m young, single and good looking.

7

1, but I’m old.

8

I’m young and I say 1. Get and education and a “real” job, it’s much less entertaining when you DJ to please others.

9

I’d much rather combine the two but still focus on music.

I’m seriously considering applying to recording studio internships…this whole “real life” thing sucks more and more every day.

Is it weird that I honestly believe that a carrer in the music industry would lead to me doing fewer recreational drugs (assuming you count alcohol and tobacco)?

10

Yes! Something just does not sound right in this sentence…:wink:

11

lol:confused:

It’s weird.

12

Get a daytime job and keep your integrity playing your style of music than rather becoming an iPod playlist DJ. But if you are lucky you could keep your integrity and also have it as a job.

13

2, but take it beyond djing

14

1 if you have kids/wife/mortgage/etc

2 if you are:

:smiley:

At least for me it is not about the bitches (terrified of STD’s at this point in life) like it used to be, more of the lifestyle and drugs :open_mouth:

BUT! If you can diversify beyond just a DJ like Padi say and just like Ean DJ/inventor/store owner then you can blend both.

15

Work in radio full-time, gig as a fun nixer. Would never like to do more than 3 gigs a week. Spoke more about why in the “I’d be out of a job” thread. Plus there’s no job security in DJ-ing.

16

i choose to look the main way…i choose my day job & financial security

17

when a hobby becomes your job, it becomes work.

Computers used to be my hobbie. I have a job in IT. now computers are work.

I love DJing/music too much for it to become work.

18

well i dont know about you. but cant you be a radio dj? like the guys talking play and mixing music… on THE RADIO

19

radio djs don’t dj. they’re talk show hosts with longer time slots and a list of music that they’re supposed to play on a schedule.

20

#2! Screw my integrity, I get to play music for a living, and it’s awesome. :smiley: