Bit of a dilemma - suggestions needed.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Hi all,

I may have mentioned this before, maybe not...but anyway here goes :

On Saturday 8th March I will be 40 years old. I hate birthdays at the best of times and stopped enjoying them when I hit 18. Anyway, I know you are only 40 once and it's the done thing to make a big deal of it. I'm quite well known in my town and I know a lot of people and a lot of people know me and they all know that my big one is approaching and are asking what I am going to do.

I did a surprise 30th for my missus in July and I loved that but turn the tables on me and I don't like it. I am a big Gary Numan fan for my sins and have followed him since 1979. We share the same birthday and on 8th March he will be 50 and is playing a gig in Manchester. I have purposely not got tickets as I know all my mates on the Numan forums will make a big deal me too and I don't want any fuss.

I've had an enquiry for another 40th on the same day and I really don't know what to do. I want to make sure that I am happy as to be honest, it's me that matters but I don't want to upset everyone else...the family and friends etc...The easy way out of it all is to say to everyone that I am working and go and do the 40th birthday but part of me wonders if I will regret it?

I'm in a dilemma folks as I don't know what to do for the best...Do I DJ someone elses party on my big one and have it in the back of my mind that I may be missing out on something? I actually had another enquiry today for the same day and this time it's an 18th birthday so it seems like a popular date.

This may be a bit of a pointless topic but some suggestions would be good.

I did have an idea of hiring somewhere and getting an 80's tribute band and doing a fancy dress night etc but I don't want to be the centre of attention etc...so I've binned that idea.

[Jiggles]

I would have the day off. I couldn't work on my birthday.

[Shaun]

I'm like you, I hate the idea of a big fuss made or a suprise party etc. Saying that though...I don't think you should take a booking on that night. If you want something low key then go out for a nice meal or something with some loved ones. I think you'll regret working it. :)

[Jiggles]

I you get invited anywhere be aware :)

[Tom]

If it was me i would do the gig because i hate birthdays. I hate being center of attention but anyway its about you not me.


Why not have the day off. Im sure you have worked a lot and i would say you deserve a night off. Make a brilliant night of it. :)

[mb3]

I don't want to be the centre of attention


Are you sure you've chosen the right career as a DJ? :D :D :D

[franczola]

Why not invite some of your friends to the 40th party you're DJ'ing at.

1) You get work
2) You spend the night with your friends on your birthday

Everyones a winner!!

[Shaun]

Why not invite some of your friends to the 40th party you're DJ'ing at.


Surely you're not serious?. You can't go around inviting your friends to someone elses party.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

That's what I thought!! I rubbed my eyes then as I thought I was seeing things ha ha.

[franczola]

Surely you're not serious?. You can't go around inviting your friends to someone elses party.

No. Wasn't serious!

Although some of my friends once asked if they could come to a gig I was doing once.

[Dragonfly]

why not get some tickets to gary numan tell your good lady you have organised something but dont say what and ask that no daft parties are organised etc. you dont need to post on the numan forums you have tickets just keep it to yourself , then you and your good lady can go out just the 2 of you and have an enjoyable evening.


i always work my bday as theyre no big deal to me either?? im not this year but a takeaway is all it will be .

[theoloyla]

Unless my friends and family had already told me that they were going to hold a party for me then I would probably take the gig. I have often worked on my birthday. I remember on my 21st I did a gig at my local Mecca in Norwich(I was resident dj there). It was a Saturday night and in those days ended at midnight. When I got home my Mum had organized a surprise party with all my mates round at my house.
I have generally deferred birthday celebrations to another day if it clashes with a gig or lesson.

[sleah]

I'd go to the Numan gig if I were you. As you've said it's about what you want to do on the day. Sod everyone else.
I think going to a gig like that is a cracking idea on your birthday!

[HTG Events]

I'd go to the Numan gig...no question - in fact I *am* going to the Numan gig so I'll hopefully see you there - I promise to show you no attention or buy you a drink...:evelgrin:

[Stephen_N.I.]

I say:
Have the night off, you're only 40 once. I know that sounds cliche but go with the flow! lol

[rob1963]

It all boils down to one question:

Which would you be happier doing on your birthday...working & earning or celebrating & spending?

I must admit I usually work on my birthdays...as well as bank holidays, although my 40th was the only birthday when I got my gig covered so I could go out with the family for a nice meal.

All my other birthdays have been business as usual!

[Excalibur]

It all boils down to one question:

Which would you be happier doing on your birthday...working & earning or celebrating & spending?

I must admit I usually work on my birthdays...as well as bank holidays, although my 40th was the only birthday when I got my gig covered so I could go out with the family for a nice meal.

All my other birthdays have been business as usual!

Worryingly, I feel a growing kinship with Rob. Perhaps I'm too much of a slave to Mamon. Even when I'm supposed to be the guest of honour, I'd have a better time working the gear! Wouldn't everybody? Sadly, family fail to appreciate this very important point!:(

[robbiedj]

WELL, I'm always working as my birthday starts. It's March 18th so I will still be doing St Patrick's Day gig at midnight as usual.

And Carol complains that, as her birthday is April, we seem to work a lot then too. :sorry:

DJs don't appear to have birthday celebrations, we haven't go the time. :shrug:

[Corabar Steve]

I always make the time. I don't work on my birthday, never have, never will.

[PropellerHeadCase]

I don't think I've ever worked on my birthday, but that's more by good luck than good management - if I ever do anything for the day it's usually low-key and as my birthday is at the end of May and we mark Queen's Birthday on the first Monday of June I usually have any get-together on that Sunday, so if it does get a little lagered I have a day to recover :D

I say go to the Numan gig, though - tell your friends but not the forumites and be done.