Good for you, Bud.

I've been fortunate enough for most of my life to not have a 'day job' and make a living doing music, and nothing but music.

No Monday through Friday routine, no waking up with an alarm clock, no boss telling me what to do, no 5 days per week repeating the routine again and again, no blue Monday and no TGIF.

I had 2 real jobs in my life while investigating what it is to be normal. One was a telephone installer, back when phones were wired to the grid, and another was a Cable TV Field Engineer (I studied electronics in college). I found that for me, normal is terribly overrated, so neither of these day jobs lasted very long.

Instead of saying, “I have to go to work today” with a sad heart, I say, “I GET to go to work today” with joyful anticipation.

I've been on stage and treated as an equal by the biggest stars in the industry since I was 19 years old. At 19 that was mind-blowing, today it's just normal. Growing up, I've met and courted more than my fair share of pretty women (I hope this is rated G enough). I've gigged all over the USA and as far away as the People's Republic of China. Cruise ships, auditoriums, show clubs, dive bars, singles bars, restaurants, dance halls, convention centers, etc., I've seen them all from the perspective of being on stage. There's a party going on, and I'm part of the life of the party. And when I'm on the job, every 5 minutes or so I get applause.

Down sides or trade-offs?

I never had corporate health insurance, or company social security contributions. I pay the full 15% self-employment tax myself. No company sponsored retirement plan, sick leave, or paid vacations. This is not for everyone.

If I could go back, I'd do it again, with the exception, I wouldn't have wasted a few years doing day jobs to see what normal is.

I'm living a happy, fulfilling life. So far — so good.

Back on topic.

Since my business is making music, everything gets evaluated with profit, loss, and pleasure involved. Unless the subscription had the potential to increase my profits, or increase my enjoyment in life, the fee would be considered a loss and I wouldn't subscribe.

I profit from my good decisions, and hopefully learn from the bad ones. When I'm on the job, I'm having the most fun that I can have with my clothes on.

There is more than one right way to go through life - this is my way - YMMV


Notes ♫

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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