Giving up an activity for a job?

[Clarity]

I've been having a hard time finding a job recently. I have just gotten an interview set up, but there is one thing about this job that is really bothering me. The hours for the job would be 11:45am to 8:00pm. I'm involved with a couple music groups that have weeknight rehearsals. One of the groups meets during the summer on Tuesday evenings with performances every-other Wednesday. The other group meets during the rest of the year with Wednesday evening rehearsals and Sunday morning performances. I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it to sacrifice music in order to have a job.

I asked when they contacted me if they would be flexible with the hours, but they said they are set in stone with no chance for them to change until I've worked the job for at least a year or longer. I mentioned the activities which they said they might be able to work something out if it's just one night out of the week. I'm still worried. Music is too important to me that I feel I would suffer some unforseen emotional consequences by giving it up for the sake of a job. I fear that the emotional problems could have negative implications on work performance. On the other hand, I really need a job. I've been having a difficult time with this and need money to be able to get back to seeing my doctor as well as start on electrolysis. I would also like to be able to start saving up to get a surgery within the next 4 years.

I want to know what others would do in this situation. The start date for this job would not be until July 29th, so I could take it should I get an offer and wait to see if anything with better hours comes before that date. I may end up having to try to fight to get to keep my activities.

[Jess42]

Is there anyway to make money with your talent? Between being rich in the corporate world or barley scraping by doing gigs in less than reputable establishements, I'll pick my guitar over a Porsche anyday. I guess it's pretty much up to you as in what is more important to you.

You could always keep looking or take the job until something better comes along. It's a tough decision, I know.

[Emily Aster]

I'd take the job, but keep looking to see if something that suits your needs better comes along. Can you get by with practicing at home against a recording of the group and maybe talking the groups into doing an extra weekend rehearsal just to at least give you the chance rehearse with the group once a week until the job complies?

[Lorri Kat]

I'd take the job...  cheers, applause, that rush you get on stage(nothing like it) are nice but if your eating peanut butter and sleeping in a box truck  $$$$$$  trumps it.   I spent half my life as an FOH Audio Engineer and playing on stage so your love of it, music, and how much it means to you is something I do understand and can empathize with.   I made that choice a while ago.      Seems from your post it's more about if transition can wait then the music since your post is mostly focused on that rather then the other.   Shrugs..  on that, some of us have waited years, decades so.. how much you need money in the short term for transition would come more into play with your decision and if your able to cope with pushing it off for an unknown period of time.

[Clarity]

I could probably work something out to keep playing even if I can't make rehearsals. I'm already looking into finding a way to use my music as a way to make extra money on the side (something like accompanying or providing background music for various events). Even if I have to give up playing with band, I still have my piano which I could find time to practice when I'm free. I really want this transition, but I'm finding that having some sort of release like music is really helping me to cope with some of the difficulties.

[Lorri Kat]

I could probably work something out to keep playing even if I can't make rehearsals. I'm already looking into finding a way to use my music as a way to make extra money on the side (something like accompanying or providing background music for various events). Even if I have to give up playing with band, I still have my piano which I could find time to practice when I'm free. I really want this transition, but I'm finding that having some sort of release like music is really helping me to cope with some of the difficulties.

Yea... there was a time when I really beat the hell outta my LP and Zon GTR's  to keep my sanity.  Safe way to get your anger out or express yourself.   .....Marshalls really do sound better runnin' FULL OUT though...LOL        ..what?!    I can't hear you...   

[Jess42]

I could probably work something out to keep playing even if I can't make rehearsals. I'm already looking into finding a way to use my music as a way to make extra money on the side (something like accompanying or providing background music for various events). Even if I have to give up playing with band, I still have my piano which I could find time to practice when I'm free. I really want this transition, but I'm finding that having some sort of release like music is really helping me to cope with some of the difficulties.

That's the route I would go and did. With my "real" job, I'm self employed so I take off when I want. My band is getting more frequent and better gigs so I'm kind of thinking of making it full time eventually.

Yea... there was a time when I really beat the hell outta my LP and Zon GTR's  to keep my sanity.  Safe way to get your anger out or express yourself.   .....Marshalls really do sound better runnin' FULL OUT though...LOL        ..what?!    I can't hear you...   

Funny how therepuetical music can be. During a gig, I am a totally different person than I normally am.