Driving for Dollars

I got married on September 17, 1995. My sister got married one year before me on September 18. Why? Because all the regional orchestras around here usually start their seasons in late September or early October. My family and non-musician friends are used to consulting me about my schedule when they are planning events and parties. I was thrilled when my sister announced that my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah was going to be on a non-traditional Monday! Not that I would ever miss it but just knowing that I won’t have any conflicts is a huge relief.

Missing out on events and family functions is the biggest sacrifice that I feel I have to make to maintain this freelance career. I am very lucky to have family in the area who always make sure that my children can attend family functions even if my husband and I have to work. Most of our non-musician friends are aware of our schedules and our desire to go out on Sunday or Monday nights and not on Friday or Saturday.

Even if we are financially comfortable “taking off” from work, we are usually concerned about fulfilling minimums, blowing off a contractor who might not call again, etc.

Another sacrifice that we freelancers have to make is the family dinner. I would say that with gigs and teaching, our family probably only sits down to dinner together twice a week. My children ask regularly if we are having “family dinner” or “who’s babysitting?”

As freelancers we have to constantly check our calendars to make sure we are going to the right gig on the right night at the right concert hall in the right clothing. I check my calendar constantly. I have never forgotten to show up at a gig nor have I ever forgotten my instrument but it happens regularly in this business and its understandable when you look at our calendars.