Most DJ's(not all) are part time because ..... [Archive]

nisfo

31-01-2010, 06:40 PM

I'd love to have a full time 9-5 job after being medically dismissed from my last job. It was better when someone else had to sort out my Tax & NI......

DJing is my only income at this moment in time, other than wheeling and dealing on equipment.

It suits me for now as my missus is due to give birth any day now, what makes it worse is the paternity leave I'm missing out on....lol

DeckstarDeluxe

31-01-2010, 06:41 PM

i dont earn enough and enjoy doing it too much to go full time.

In time Im sure the first part will change....

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-01-2010, 06:44 PM

They can't afford to do it Full Time....

Bang on but working at it

DJing is my only income at this moment in time, other than wheeling and dealing on equipment.

So you need to wheel and deal to get a bit of extra cash because.....?

i dont earn enough and enjoy doing it too much to go full time.

Look like most people so far couldn't afford to go full time then...

NKR

31-01-2010, 06:45 PM

I'd love to have a full time 9-5 job after being medically dismissed from my last job.
DJing is my only income at this moment in time,

I find DJ'ng harded than the day job physically.

Adam_F

31-01-2010, 06:46 PM

They can't afford to do it Full Time....

For me my day job gave me a lot of big opportunities within this industry to make it worthwhile me staying. Its only recently I've left it, due to gaining what I wanted from them, & can now enjoy other things :D

StarZSoundS

31-01-2010, 06:49 PM

Why are you part time then?

Why have you got a nice little job with the government if you enjoy this job so much?

Fair and prudent question....

I have been hyperactive since birth.

I would rather you stick pins in my eyes than be sat at home furthering the business by modifying my website...arranging playlists...client meetings....whatever...not enough for me to do in the day with my limited capabilities.

I need something simple to do during the day to keep myself occupied....i'm only part-time....flexi hours;)

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-01-2010, 06:51 PM

I need something simple to do during the day to keep myself occupied....i'm only part-time....flexi hours;)

I have a van that needs cleaning. :D

I'm sure you wouldn't charge anything as you are solvent and gain enough money from DJing.

If you need something to do during the day, then what about voluntary or charity work? Schools always need help.

Penfold42

31-01-2010, 06:55 PM

So you need to wheel and deal to get a bit of extra cash because.....?

'If my day job would pay what I'm worth'.. would be the easy answer here.

I did this 3 yrs ago because my wife decided to be with my children more as they were growing up fast so she axed some of her hours, leaving a short fall....so I DJ to make up the short fall.

However I like the fact of working for myself and trying other things with low risk. I also like the results (so far) so this is spring boarding into other things BUT.....I LOVE THIS BUSINESS....and can never see myself giving it up at the moment.

NKR

31-01-2010, 06:56 PM

If you need something to do during the day, then what about voluntary or charity work? Schools always need help.

The legal profession and government ruined that for everyone. £1,000,000 for full CRB clearance anyone - oh and those looks of what would a man want to be doing in a school anyway?

What a crap country!!!!!!!

DeckstarDeluxe

31-01-2010, 06:57 PM

Fair and prudent question....

I have been hyperactive since birth.

I would rather you stick pins in my eyes than be sat at home furthering the business by modifying my website...arranging playlists...client meetings....whatever...not enough for me to do in the day with my limited capabilities.

I need something simple to do during the day to keep myself occupied....i'm only part-time....flexi hours;)

see im the same but I do all those things in my spare time because it helps my buisness and i see all the small things that improve my show.......

NKR

31-01-2010, 06:58 PM

'
my wife decided to be with my children more as they were growing up fast so she axed some of her hours, leaving a short fall....so I DJ to make up the short fall.

Bingo and thats where I am at these days, but all the better for it. Its good for our little fella too.

DeckstarDeluxe

31-01-2010, 06:59 PM

The legal profession and government ruined that for everyone. £1,000,000 for full CRB clearance anyone - oh and those looks of what would a man want to be doing in a school anyway?

What a crap country!!!!!!!

i have to disargee on that count. I did a two year btec course at college where I was working in schools and nurserys and I never once came across someone who thought like that. In fact we were treated as gold dust!

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-01-2010, 06:59 PM

The legal profession and government ruined that for everyone. £1,000,000 for full CRB clearance anyone - oh and those looks of what would a man want to be doing in a school anyway?

Those are your thoughts, not the general publics.

£1,000,000? :confused:

I must be worth £2m then as I have 2 enhanced disclosures and one as a school governor.

StarZSoundS

31-01-2010, 07:00 PM

I have a van that needs cleaning. :D

I'm sure you wouldn't charge anything as you are solvent and gain enough money from DJing.

If you need something to do during the day, then what about voluntary or charity work? Schools always need help.

Working again....got to fly....

Will deal with your suggestions tomorrow....

Got a feeling travelling to Reading from Barnsley to clean your van is going to be a No-Brainer though:eek: ;) ;)

Quiz Night....where did I put my :Censored: pinspots:D :D :D

simonp

31-01-2010, 07:00 PM

see im the same but I do all those things in my spare time

What's spare time :lol: - Oooo I remember I had some of that in 1998 at some point ;)

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-01-2010, 07:00 PM

i have to disargee on that count. I did a two year btec course at college where I was working in schools and nurserys and I never once came across someone who thought like that. In fact we were treated as gold dust!

I agree. Primary schools scream out for a male influence. :)

Anyway we are getting horrendously off topic all ready!

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-01-2010, 07:02 PM

Got a feeling travelling to Reading from Barnsley to clean your van is going to be a No-Brainer though:eek: ;) ;)

You should have come down yesterday, watched your football team lose, clean my van and then watch the master at work. ;) :D

DeckstarDeluxe

31-01-2010, 07:03 PM

You should have come down yesterday, watched your football team lose, clean my van and then watch the master at work. ;) :D

hahahahahahahahahahahaha

nisfo

31-01-2010, 07:06 PM

So you need to wheel and deal to get a bit of extra cash because.....?

2 little lads, a little girl on the way, mortgage and bills, need I say more. Everything was fine till last July, we had a household income of over 40k. Then I lost my job due to illness. I also had a small disco shop until I closed it because of illness. I'm still quite poorly now and the job applications don't help when a box appears with a list of illnesses I have to tick.

I've Dj'd for more than half my life now, but things aren't like they used to be. Many will echo this.

My head ain't what it used to be, and my doctor tells me it will be a few years before I'm back to my normal self. So at this time I'll do what I can :)

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-01-2010, 07:10 PM

2 little lads, a little girl on the way, mortgage and bills, need I say more.

Absolutely not - I just wanted to make the point that you had to do that because you couldn't afford to live on just the DJing income which is what this thread is all about. :)

nisfo

31-01-2010, 07:20 PM

All good Darren ;)

Don't get me wrong I love to DJ and entertain, I wouldn't do it otherwise, but I don't see any of us making a million anytime soon....lol

NKR

31-01-2010, 07:31 PM

Those are your thoughts, not the general publics.

£1,000,000? :confused:

I must be worth £2m then as I have 2 enhanced disclosures and one as a school governor.

Yeah okay thats a slight exageration.

I was refused to coach young kids hockey because I had no clearance. I am an ideal coach as I have been playing for nearly 20 years. You just can't offer to help out these days, thats the point I was making.

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-01-2010, 07:35 PM

Yeah okay thats a slight exageration.

I was refused to coach young kids hockey because I had no clearance. I am an ideal coach as I have been playing for nearly 20 years. You just can't offer to help out these days, thats the point I was making.

Well....I'm going to disagree again.

You only need an enhanced disclosure if you are in sole charge of children.

I also help coach table tennis. The main coach is qualified and CRB checked but I help him when he gets a lot of kids in.

If the people you were approaching really wanted you to help then they could have applied for clearance for you.

It is a ridiculous world we live in, I know.

Vectis

31-01-2010, 07:37 PM

Yeah okay thats a slight exageration.

I was refused to coach young kids hockey because I had no clearance. I am an ideal coach as I have been playing for nearly 20 years. You just can't offer to help out these days, thats the point I was making.

Most local authorities have a body who can process disclosures for free on behalf of volunteers working in the local community. Speak to your local council to find out who does this in your area.

You only need an enhanced disclosure if you are in sole charge of children.

There is that.

Or vulnerable adults.

SC Events

31-01-2010, 08:00 PM

I do the discos for a local Primary School and they paid for my Enhanced CRB and now I have been told that I have to have another one as I volunteer at the Radio Station, but our studio's are in a Youth Centre.

I have been told that I have to have one for every place I 'work' at where there are children young people under 18.

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-01-2010, 08:06 PM

Anyhoooooo....

This appears to be the day of the off topic conversation.

Most DJs (not all) are part time because they can't afford it...

rob1963

31-01-2010, 10:25 PM

I agree that most DJs are part time because they can't afford to do it full time.

Part of the problem is that you won't get many discos on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, which only leaves Fridays & Saturdays.

Some DJs, including myself also have problems getting Friday work.

Therefore it's not hard to understand why most DJs couldn't earn enough from just one gig a week.

I charge a reasonable amount for discos and I'm out most weekends, but if that was my only income and I had a family, mortgage & debts like most people...there's no way I could afford to do it full time.

Danno13

31-01-2010, 10:30 PM

In my youthful opinion, most DJs are part time because that's the way they started off and with the comfort of a full time job, there has never been any pressure to treat DJ-ing as a proper business and seek to generate a liveable wage.

Leicester Ben

31-01-2010, 11:20 PM

NKR

01-02-2010, 06:25 AM

Yep, I would agree with Dan on this one.

I found it much easier going full time straight out of uni as I would have done if I had got a graduate job and then tried to go full time with the DJ'ing.

It takes a lot of time / effort to be able to do this sucesfully and to earn serious money from this business. If I had a job as well I wouldnt be able to spend the time on my business that I do.

But are you just DJ'ing or are you providing uplighting, dance floors, etc, as well. If you are doing the others you aren't making a living out of DJ, but from a multiservice entertainment supplier.
It's not trying to be pedantic.

My understanding is that nearly all the full time people on here are not just DJ'ing (except Pridders), but are providing a range of services and also making income from other DJ's working for them etc.

StarZSoundS

01-02-2010, 06:58 AM

My understanding is that nearly all the full time people on here are not just DJ'ing (except Pridders), but are providing a range of services and also making income from other DJ's working for them etc.

Fair point.....Who are the out and out Full-Time DJ's on here...with no other form of Disco related income??:confused:

If you need something to do during the day, then what about voluntary or charity work? Schools always need help.

Wasn't going to mention it but as you have asked....

For years I have done School Discos at a reduced rate....I raised £150 for Haiti at my workplace by selling off some of the 10,000 novelties I mentioned in an earlier thread....Plus £50.00 at my local WMC for Help the Heroes .I was a regular at Barnsley Hospital Broadcasting as a Radio DJ.

I think I do my little bit but it is never enough.Don't like to harp on about it ....but you bought the subject up:eek: :eek: :eek: ;) ;) ;)

soundtracker

01-02-2010, 07:27 AM

Fair point.....Who are the out and out Full-Time DJ's on here...with no other form of Disco related income??:confused:

I think that I may fit that criteria.

Leicester Ben

01-02-2010, 07:35 AM

This is a good point about me now offering extra services. It's certainly true that I now do this.

After graduating however I had 2 years of simply DJ'ing full time - nothing else but DJ'ing. The only reason I started to offer the extra services and start my PAT testing business was that I'm greedy and wanted to be earning more money :)

Jonathan Ford

01-02-2010, 08:10 AM

I'm a part timer, and couldn't afford to run the disco as a full time enterprise. Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't want to be full time though.

Pe7e

01-02-2010, 09:36 AM

I think that I may fit that criteria.

I don't think you do, from your website you also offer:

PA system and Conference Hire Equipment.

Quiz Nights.

Karaoke

Dance - Floor Hire

Up-Lighting Service

rob1963

01-02-2010, 09:54 AM

Fair point.....Who are the out and out Full-Time DJ's on here...with no other form of Disco related income??:confused:

I think that I may fit that criteria.

I don't think you do, from your website you also offer:

PA system and Conference Hire Equipment.

Quiz Nights.

Karaoke

Dance - Floor Hire

Up-Lighting Service

If it includes the above, then I fit that criteria too.

:D

soundtracker

01-02-2010, 09:59 AM

I don't think you do, from your website you also offer:

PA system and Conference Hire Equipment.

Quiz Nights.

Karaoke

Dance - Floor Hire

Up-Lighting Service

and of course you are fully aware of how much of the above contributes towards my income!

Pe7e

01-02-2010, 10:16 AM

and of course you are fully aware of how much of the above contributes towards my income!

Obviously I don't have any idea how much these add on's earn you, however, the actual amount is irrelevant to the original question, which was,
"Who are the out and out Full-Time DJ's on here...with no other form of Disco related income"
if it only make you £1 a year, you do have another income from non a DJ source.

soundtracker

01-02-2010, 10:19 AM

Obviously I don't have any idea how much these add on's earn you, however, the actual amount is irrelevant to the original question, which was,
"Who are the out and out Full-Time DJ's on here...with no other form of Disco related income"
if it only make you £1 a year, you do have another income from non a DJ source.

no obviously you don't have any idea how much I make from these other sources, yet you still feel able to comment. I have made a post, which I stand by - if you wish to call me a liar, do so, otherwise stick to talking about things that you actually know.

StarZSoundS

01-02-2010, 10:26 AM

Fair point.....Who are the out and out Full-Time DJ's on here...with no other form of Disco related income??:confused:

HHHHEEEELLLLPPPP

The question needs tightening up......its causing rows.Can the Mods help please:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

soundtracker

01-02-2010, 10:28 AM

HHHHEEEELLLLPPPP

The question needs tightening up......its causing rows.Can the Mods help please:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Yes I promise to delete any posts from people poking their nose in without really adding anything constructive to the thread.

JAMdisco

01-02-2010, 03:31 PM

I'm a part time DJ, and as things stand at the moment, there is no way I could afford to give up my day job.

I have a mortgage and 2 step-daughters that think £80 is enough to buy food and keep for a month. Actually, only one pays that, the other has been ill for some time and is unable to work so no income from her.

I also work 30 miles from where I live so fuel costs are huge too.

I would have to earn at least £500 per week to go full time and although that is do-able there doesn't seem to be that amount of work on a regular basis to commit to going full time.

I agree that having a 9-5 is comfortable and reassuring that every month I will get £xxxx plus paid holidays and sick pay, but I also feel that I give my clients the same service as I would if I didn't work during the day.

Creature

01-02-2010, 08:20 PM

im doing it full time and for 1st time last year made a profit :) my wages a whole £10.00 a week. After including wheeling n dealing on ebay that rose to just over £100.00 a week.

but as the wife is the main wage earner, al she asks is taht I break even and maybe make a little bit to put away for a rainy day

DazzyD

02-02-2010, 01:13 PM

I made the leap backwards from full-time to part-time because, as I have mentioned before, my daughter was born prematurely and my then partner was ill so I took the time to look after them. When the money ran low it was easier to take on a day job to pay the bills than generate more disco work. So that's my circumstances!

ppentertainments

02-02-2010, 03:17 PM

I think the opening statements about most dj's are part-time because they cannot afford to go full time is true.

However - this often has no bearing on how well they run their business or how successful they are, rather the individuals personal circumstances and wishes.

My income from DJ'ing will seem like a good income to some, but for me still needs a lot of work. My opinion is that when you are used to a certain income level it is hard to decrease this. So if you have had a succesful, well paid job, it is hard to match that income.

I was part time till last year and have to say I find it a LOT easier being full time, although there are added pressures of this being your sole income.

rob1963

02-02-2010, 03:28 PM

I find it a LOT easier being full time

I couldn't agree more.

When I went full time, my working hours reduced by well over 50%, my income increased by 50%, I became my own boss, no longer had to set the alarm clock for 5.45am each morning and saw my stress levels reduce to virtually nothing.

Excalibur

02-02-2010, 04:09 PM

I couldn't agree more.

When I went full time, my working hours reduced by well over 50%, my income increased by 50%, I became my own boss, no longer had to set the alarm clock for 5.45am each morning and saw my stress levels reduce to virtually nothing.

Ooh you fibber!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: For you, coming on here is never stress free. :p :D :D :D :D :D

rob1963

02-02-2010, 04:22 PM

Ooh you fibber!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: For you, coming on here is never stress free. :p :D :D :D :D :D

Good point!

It'a probably taken YEARS off my life!

:D :D :D

ppentertainments

02-02-2010, 04:31 PM

, my income increased by 50%,

Thats what I was saying, YOUR income increased, however if people were earning good money (not saying you were not ;) ) a drop in income may be a big fear factor.

Yes your DJ income should increase when becoming full time but IMO not by a significant amount if your are already running a professional part time business and have time to dedicate to that business.

Shakermaker Promotions

02-02-2010, 04:37 PM

I have been full time now for 5 years (as of yesterday) and it's the best move I ever made. I love this job and feel very lucky (and proud of myself) that I have made it work. As I mentioned in another thread, the unfortunate thing for me is that when I started out I did it all the wrong way. I decided to leave the job I was doing which was pretty secure and half decent money because I wasn't happy and to me....that's the most important thing.

I had no savings (still haven't) and I max'd out my credit cards and took out loans etc for my equipment and for setting me up. I SHOULD have gone down the route of a business loan etc but didn't so I ended up with no money and the work started coming in very slowly so I also re-mortgaged. After the first year I began to wonder if I had made the right decision but I wanted to stick with the decision as I knew that being my own boss and doing a job I actually like would soon pay off.

I am earning double what I was earning before and working less hours but most of all I am happy with it. A lot of the problems I had before with my stomach were down to anxiety and stress etc because I hated being in the job I was doing. My outgoings are silly to be honest and I won't embarass myself by stating what they are on here. If I didn't have them (and had gone about starting up the business in the right way) then I would be very comfortable but that's not the case.

Maybe there are others out there like me who are in the same situation I was but just haven't got the guts to make the decision to go full time. If there are... take the chance if you can. I don't have kids as yet so it was easy for me I guess. I wish I had done it sooner rather than work for years and years in jobs I hated just to pay the bills. A few years down the line and the situation will be a lot better for me.

StarZSoundS

02-02-2010, 04:39 PM

saw my stress levels reduce to virtually nothing.

Come on Rob......

You must feel stressed every time you put out those Pinspots....

They nearly gave me a nervous breakdown and all I saw was a picture of them!!:run:

rob1963

02-02-2010, 04:57 PM

Come on Rob......

You must feel stressed every time you put out those Pinspots....

Very true...but ANYONE would be stressed if their lights were as crap as mine!

:Laugh:

StarZSoundS

02-02-2010, 05:15 PM

Very true...but ANYONE would be stressed if their lights were as crap as mine!

:Laugh:

You are great....you take everything in the right spirit:D :D :D :D :D :D

DJMaxG

05-02-2010, 08:17 PM

I charge a reasonable amount for discos and I'm out most weekends, but if that was my only income and I had a family, mortgage & debts like most people...there's no way I could afford to do it full time.

But the spouse would be earning in reality ;)

Very true...but ANYONE would be stressed if their lights were as crap as mine!

:rofl: - The pinspots are classy, I like how each one is a different colour, and
don't they flash as well? :)

sleah

06-02-2010, 07:07 PM

:rofl: - The pinspots are classy, I like how each one is a different colour, and
don't they flash as well? :)

"Back in th'day" before disco lights could move pinspots were the staple disco effect for those who wanted more than ordinary box lights and screens.

And yup, many coloured filters were available:D and if you were a reet snobby git you could have ones that changed colours by themselves using a scalled down theatrical colour wheel:eek:

If you were clever you had the Pulsar 10way chaser and a 10way pinspot bar and could do the 'Knight Rider' effect with them:p