Non-deadbeat thread

Mike Winter · Post by **Mike Winter** » 8 Jul 2006 2:28 pm

I was wondering about the other side of the coin. I have known a lot of musicians who worked hard and had great, interesting jobs. I think it would be interesting to comment on the different types of jobs our musicians friends have had over the years...our hard-working, honest job types.

In my life I have worked in a TV repair shop, used car lot, golf club (caddied), wood shop, and machine shop. I've built houses, remodelled fire/water-damaged residential and commercial buildings, worked as a domestic market coordinator for a paper brokerage firm, and a concrete plant. I have worked in manufacturing, QA, shipping and receiving, and Customer Service. I'm sure I missed some. Currently I am a Customer Service Supervisor for large telecom company. In my current band there is a Geologist, a Biologist and book store Manager. A former member was a school teacher.

Among the fellas that play steel with us from time to time, there is guy who used to work at the telephone company, one who runs his own sound company, and another one who works at a place that makes high-tech silicon wafers. You guys know who you are.

What interesting...or not interesting...jobs have you done, or are doing that sets you apart from the dead-beat stereotype?

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Mike
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Blue Moon Highway
(Country Music...and then some.)
www.bluemoonhighway.com

[This message was edited by Mike Winter on 08 July 2006 at 03:29 PM.]

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 8 Jul 2006 2:41 pm

I've worked as a Candy Counter Clerk, Hamburger flipper, Grocery Store grunt, TV sort of repair guy ( while in school), record store fool, Guitar teacher, 8 track Stereo Installer , Bench Electronics Tecnician for C5A and A6A Navy Aircraft Radar systems , F-111 Aircraft systems ( yeh, thats the one the wings were falling off of ) Electronics test and repair with the company I am with, Field Service repair for the company I am with and now Sales rep for the same company ( GC and GC Mass Specs) .

I also ran my own Lawn Mowing business for several years in between all this stuff. Up North, cut trees, removed yard debris, leaves etc..

Down South, we ran a Carpet Cleaning business in between all the same daily crud. Give me back the Lawn business .

Now, in my spare time I assist my wife with her business. From scratch I make about 30 lamp bases per month from MDF stock, using the table saw, router, chop saw and drill press. Then I actually make the lamps.

In my other spare time I practice Steel, play gigs, produce a few tab projects for Steel , teach Steel at the house now and then and cut the grass ( now and then )

t[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 08 July 2006 at 03:47 PM.]

Henry Nagle · Post by **Henry Nagle** » 8 Jul 2006 2:52 pm

Nearly every musician I know has a steady job. I've known a few that were more or less supported by their spouses. I don't think that's always a bad thing either.

If I had an oppurtunity to make a living playing music that I want to play, that'd be great. Short of that, I'd rather remodel houses for money and enjoy playing music on my terms. I don't think I could travel long term anyways. My daughter is far more important and exciting than a touring band.

John Coffman · Post by **John Coffman** » 8 Jul 2006 3:12 pm

Farm hand, Nocona Boot Maker, US Armysupply, MainFrame computer repair, Industrial Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance Manager, Project Manager large gas company. Many other short term jobs.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 8 Jul 2006 3:33 pm

Sales Manager, Regional Manager, VP of a Contracting firm, Consultant...

All of 'em allowed me plenty of time for live and studio stuff - I just juggle my schedule as needed. If I had ever been an 8-5 cube-farm guy I'd have quit playing decades ago.

Rick Garrett · Post by **Rick Garrett** » 8 Jul 2006 3:45 pm

I've been in the asphalt business for the last 27 years. Good times and bad. Cold weather and Texas heat but I keep at it. I look at Steel Guitar more as a hobby rather than a means to make a living. I just do some church stuff right now anyway but I can't imagine working at the rate that some of you guys mention on the forum.

Rick

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 8 Jul 2006 3:55 pm

House painter, every kind of cotton mill job you can imagine, TV satellite dish installer, paperboy, gofer in a TV shop when I was a kid, ditch-digger, construction electrician, sales, and now I'm an electronics repair technician for a large company that builds jet engines.
Fixed, and taught, guitar, too. Tended bar.
I really like having a (somewhat) secure job, that allows me to play when I want to, turn down gigs I don't want, and give a little something to those less fortunate.

Don LaCourse · Post by **Don LaCourse** » 8 Jul 2006 4:27 pm

commercial fisherman in ohio for ten years, trap netting. worked at ford motor after that for 32 years, played 3 nites a week in the bars and private clubs,for 35 years retired in 94 came to florida in 95. now just play at home. but its been great. Don..[This message was edited by Don LaCourse on 08 July 2006 at 05:34 PM.]

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 8 Jul 2006 4:35 pm

Starting with the current situation - Labour Lawyer representing trade unions in the most anti-union Province in Canada. Before that, Chair of a Labour Relations Board, arbitrator, senior solicitor to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, private practice labour lawyer in Vancouver, counsel to a labour relations board, and a couple other gigs I can't hardly remember.

And, till I got tired of it and/or they dried up, played a fair whack of six nighters in clubs over the years.

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 8 Jul 2006 5:07 pm

Worked 8yrs in job shop 30miles from home long hours.started a country shop in 1972,
worked hard for 35yrs.trying to make a living and raise a family!!!

played steel at Church Every Sunday am and pm.

SO MANY BLESSING!!!!!

Also have taken care of my invalid wife for 16yrs.
Designing farm machinery, welding ect. and running back and forth to be a house wife tooooooooo. farris
[This message was edited by Farris Currie on 08 July 2006 at 06:10 PM.]

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 8 Jul 2006 5:36 pm

Worked in medical as an assistant. Went to mortuary school, became an embalmer, funeral director. Worked 21 1/2 years as a Coroner, plus `10 years in the joints prior to that. Play a few casual gigs and that's about it. Currently a grass farmer. Four wheeling (across the lawn)

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 8 Jul 2006 5:36 pm

Let's see. I've worked for a veterinarian, a pet store and for a while I was a grave digger for a pet cemetery.

I worked for a preamp company in the shipping room.

I worked one day in a cement factory.

I’ve been a dishwasher in a Greek restaurant. I worked in a number of record stores.

I’ve worked doing polls for Jimmy Carter.

I worked as a sprout farmer.

I worked construction. I did some house painting.

I changed tires in a tire store.

I was an actor.

I worked in a plant store.

I was a bartender.

I worked in a number of museums, including the Whitney museum in New York where I met my wife.

I worked for two 3D animation software companies.

I played music in a number of bars.

I was a painter and had 2 one man shows in the East Village of New York

I worked for Microsoft

I worked for Silicon Graphics (SGI) as their Evangelist.

I was the technical editor of 3D Design Magazine.

I started a games company and successfully pitched my first game to Microsoft.

I produced a game that was distributed with every copy of Netscape.

I have written for various publications for the last 10 years.

I started a non-profit.

I created the first business model for contextual marketing advertising.

I started a company in 2000 and gave jobs to 5 people.

I closed that company in 2003, converted my garage into an office, put a bunch of servers in there and developed a new product that I created.

The new company now gives jobs to 20 employees and we are profitable. We’ll be about 65 people by the end of the year. I'm the CEO.

I speak at conferences around the world.

I play music every chance I get.[This message was edited by Bill McCloskey on 08 July 2006 at 07:02 PM.]

Michael Barone · Post by **Michael Barone** » 8 Jul 2006 6:03 pm

'67-'69 Meatcutter, for A&P Food Stores (pt guitar/keyboard)
'69-'71 U.S. Army, Vehicle Mechanic (pt keyboard in Soul Band, Germany NCO clubs)
'71-'75 Full Time B-3 Organist in Jazz Trio, worked around Philly, good work at first, then hard times.
'75-'79 Elec Tech (pt keyboard in Rock Band)
'79'-82 Continue College, RF Eng. Tech (less gigs)
'82-'86 Telecom Specialist, U.S. Navy (pt keyboard, guitar, PSG in oldies/country band)
(bought an MSA Red Baron in ’85, bought a Sho-Bud Pro-1 in ‘86)
'86-'95 Clean Room RF Eng. Tech (Sho-Bud in storage until 2003) (pt, same band)
'95-Present, High School Vo-Tech Instructor, Students earn up to 16 college credits in Electronic Eng. Optional track-Computer Servicing/Networking. No more playing out for the last 11 years, too busy writing curriculum, grading papers, meetings, community activities etc. May play a few summer gigs on PSG, though.

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Mike Barone
2006 Carter S10 5&5, Sho-Bud Pro-1 5&5, BJS 15/16" Bar, Nashville 112
Assorted Guitars & Keyboards

Mike Winter · Post by **Mike Winter** » 8 Jul 2006 6:11 pm

This is all pretty cool...we ain't all deadbeats, are we?

------------------
Mike
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Blue Moon Highway
(Country Music...and then some.)
www.bluemoonhighway.com

Jerry Van Hoose · Post by **Jerry Van Hoose** » 8 Jul 2006 6:20 pm

Here goes.....beginning at age 15, car hop -about 1 yr,(drive-in), DJ, WSIP Am & FM - 2 yrs, steel guitar - 3 yrs,(Crystal Gayle & Kenny Price) Locomotive Engineer / Instructor - 20 yrs,(C&O, Clinchfield, Amtrak) steel guitar - present.

Jim Walker · Post by **Jim Walker** » 8 Jul 2006 7:32 pm

I been playing in the clubs since I was 21 and continue to do so. I almost always have had a day job since I was 15. I currently am not employed by choice as my Father is very ill and needs 24 hour care and I would rather take care of him than see him in a nursing home.

I have washed dishes, worked in Trailer factories, aluminum extrusion factories, platstic factories, I have been a welder, a truck driver, did sales for a FM radio station, Diesel mechanic, Sold Harley Parts, Sales manager for a car dealership, Repo man, Tow truck driver, did Roofing, construction, lawn mowing, landscaping, sprinkler repair, Motel desk clerk, janitor, cook, Bouncer, bartender, and more.

Looking at all this, it's wonder I had time to play music at all!

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Clark Custom D10 8&5
Fender Steel King
B-bender Telecaster
Line 6 Flextone II Plus
www.jimwalkeronline.com
My Space

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 8 Jul 2006 9:29 pm

Paper Boy

Record Store Clerk

Labourer for Moving Company

Bricklayer

Landscaper

Civil Servant

Fishmonger

Grocery Clerk

House Painter

Luckily, I've been able to make a living as a full-time musician since 1992. Every single one of the above jobs was dreadful - and they all inspired me to work hard at make a living doing what I love. Life's too short to be wasting away at a job that has no personal satisfaction. I know the bills have to be paid, but true ambition will lead you into the place you're supposed to be.

[This message was edited by Chris LeDrew on 08 July 2006 at 10:32 PM.]

Randy Gilliam · Post by **Randy Gilliam** » 8 Jul 2006 11:21 pm

Dewine Feed and Seed 16 too 18 While In high school. USAF 6 Years Minute Man missle Mechinic . Started Gilliam Auto Sales 1978 And Inspection Station Still going StrongSame location In SanAntonio28 Years.

Jake L · Post by **Jake L** » 8 Jul 2006 11:23 pm

At one point, I threw darts for a living...
I also was a golf pro for several years.[This message was edited by Jake L on 09 July 2006 at 12:24 AM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 9 Jul 2006 1:59 am

Boat repairs, launch driver, yacht crew, ships cook.

Video editor, 3D animation & output to video service,
camera man, film video assist, photographer,
scanner oporator, non-linear video systems trainer,
effects consultant, and lighting for film and video.

Executive chef, wild game chef, dishwasher, bartender.

Electronics repair, mechanic, carpenter.

But mostly; recording engineer, producer, bassplayer.

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 9 Jul 2006 3:52 am

A lot of construction jobs, from labor to lowboy. Lots of paving. Probably a half million tons of mix run through paving trucks that I drove for 15 years. No more paving.

Music for a living from 80-85-7. Steadily for another 20 years from 5-7 nights every week to every weekend plus a day or two and recording, unless I can get one off once in a while.

It's all been a long blur, that I've enjoyed immensely for the most part.

Deadbeatism is a state of mind.

Alcohol is a chief contributor in most cases I've seen, Musical or not.

I haven't drank any in 26 years come this 6Aug.

Before that I might have come close.

EJL

[This message was edited by Eric West on 09 July 2006 at 10:32 AM.]

Gary Anderson · Post by **Gary Anderson** » 9 Jul 2006 4:46 am

Western Union bicyle messenger
20 years A.F.
MacDonalds cook, Truss factory
20 years Post office(mail handler / letter carrier) Casino security officer-Retired

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 9 Jul 2006 5:23 am

Oh well, who cares!.................

[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 11 July 2006 at 11:06 AM.]

David Tunnell · Post by **David Tunnell** » 9 Jul 2006 6:21 am

I am an attorney, and have been since September 2001. Before that, I worked as a law clerk for the firm I am with now between semesters of law school from December 1999 through September 2001.

I grew up helping my daddy in his sawmill, helping him put up hay, helping him tend cattle, helping him spread lime and fertilizer, and helping him cut wood. The law clerk job was the first outside job I ever had.

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Very truly yours,
David T. Tunnell
Alesis QS8; Peavey KB/A 300; Peavey KB5; BMI U-12; Session 500

Jim Peters · Post by **Jim Peters** » 9 Jul 2006 7:58 am

35 years with a local grocery chain, 5 more to go! Played out 80 to 100 gigs a year most of the last 15 years. Took 70's and part of 80's off from playing out to support and raise my family.
Also in that time I did autobody work(factory GM trained),paint and draw(still), and rebuilt a house from the ground up. I bet many of us are some type of auto-mechanic. JP