Too busy or too lazy?

It never ceases to amaze me how much people in the music industry complain about the amount of work they have to do. We all do it, myself included. Complain as you might, we all enter into this industry knowing full well that this is no 9 to 5 job. We keep late nights and early mornings and typically work several jobs for low pay to maintain the career in music that we really want. So why is it that I’m hearing an increasing amount of the “I can’t. I’m too busy.” excuse? We’re all busy, and we all have very important projects to work on, but I find it very demeaning when people make this excuse and expect me to deem whatever they have on their plates ultimately more important than the task at hand.

When you work in a group and work with other individuals, there is a certain amount of compromise just like any other relationship. I personally have very little tolerance for people who make their social commitments an excuse for their lack of professional commitment. Be respectful of your co-workers and piers and contribute to the relationship you have with them in any way possible…even if it means giving up something you would rather be doing instead. Even if you ARE too busy…find a way to get it done, and don’t make your schedule somebody else’s problem. Reliability is invaluable in this industry and will often make up for a lack of experience. Eventually, that day will come when you will inevitably have to ask a favor of someone you work with. Treat them with the respect due to them and that favor will come easily…otherwise, no promises made.

Fortune Cookie:

Offer unsolicited help to somebody in the industry you respect and would like to know better. Your interest and initiative will catch their attention, and it might even result in a permanent position!

Listening to:

“I Guess I’ll Have to Cry, Cry, Cry (Live)” – James Brown