Tonight I will play my third job since "retiring" from my teaching position of 10 years. Gulp. Funny, I never thought ten years could go so fast, or that I'd miss performing as much as I did. I never stopped my live work, but I di turn down a lot of work during the school week, so summer was my "go to" time for the last decade. As it turns out - that SAME summer deal was my first "gig" in my new chapter as full timer again. It's in my blood ... in my soul ... hope I can still make it fill my pockets! LOL
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Wish me luck, mates!

Best to you Dave, enjoying what you do is the ideal job to have.
Lloyd

Good luck Dave, give em hell as long as you can!!

Enjoy the retirement, Dave. I did a marina job this past Saturday, one that I promised last summer, played 4 hours, and after 4 hours, someone had to help me get to the van with my gear. Gettin old ain't fer wimps and sissies.

All the best,

Gary

Wow Dave! I remember when you just took that teaching job. As I get older (66) the years just seem like they go by so quickly. We've been around this discussion forum for over 20 years now. Unbelievable! My wife would like me to retire soon but I'm still having too much fun selling arranger keyboards. Wishing you all the best!

UD ... continue making beautiful music and the 'gigs' will come your way ... along with the 'redheads' ...

My sign-up date shows 1999, but we were on the original arranger forum and before than the Technics Canada forum.
Dave, you just have to hustle the jobs. They are there! You'll do fine. Only advice: NEVER play cheap. Once you play for too little money everyone thinks that's your price. Charge more than everyone else; you are worth it!

Don, I hear ya! Best advice I ever got was to make sure I LOOSE a few gigs each year because of price. I sell my product for what I'm worth, and I work my tail off for it. I booked two private parties from people that came in to see me at the shore just this week ... I'm back, baby.

when you sit home what do you make ?.."0" but when you play out even at a few bucks less you always have a chance for people to see you and ask for business cards, or even book you for much more down the road, ...be thankful you can play music and earn I say..hey you can have a "REAL" job YUK!!

I have never, ever, played at an "introductory" price and later got more money from the same place.
Maybe your experience is different.