In this case, this is a pro level concert band that essentially acts like a community band. The only way we would get paid is if they had a corporate sponsor. Where else would the money come from?

And most musicians do a lot of volunteer gigs for networking purposes and because there aren't so many paid ones (at least ones that pay ENOUGH or FAIRLY).

Talking to another musician, their opinion was to always take the paying gig. Find a sub if you have to, but always take money. I think I agree, but it's too late this time.

That band usually can't give longer notice because they may have only heard about the gig themselves.

If the gig was full time and I could actually pay my bills on my own, I would very seriously consider moving to the other side of world. The only problem is I'm in the middle of a doctorate and I wouldn't be too thrilled having to go into a long distance relationship, but I would consider it.

Right now I want to stay in the area, but the politics are crazy around here. I did recently get a name of someone to contact to say "hey, I'm in the area and I play various styles including mariachi, classical, and some jazz" and hopefully get on the list to get calls. Not to mention I've played with at least one of the groups on the list, but unofficially (as in, I'm not getting paid).

I'd like to start my own band eventually, but since I have a hard time socially, I'm going to have a hard time with finding personnel, and also finding places to play.

I have no idea how any of this works or how I'm supposed anywhere in this field. If I ask other people in the field, they don't know either. It supposedly just magically happens I guess?

And as a side note, this wouldn't be as big of an issue if I hadn't been screwed over for a graduate teaching assistantship which they give to nearly all doctoral students. I only know of two others who don't have one and it's a LARGE program. Like probably 30 people give or take. But again, it's all politics. I wasn't the best friend of the department head's son. I'm not the prodigal son/daughter returning. Even though I AM returning. Etc. etc. I just don't know how to navigate the politics! It's sickening. It's the same in gigs and everywhere else.

I mean, I have won 3 national contests in music composition while I've been there and yet I'm not allowed to teach, say, orchestration even when the professor teaching it is like, "eh, not really my thing". I don't deserve to be equal to my peers. Without any teaching experience, there goes any hope at a steady job in my field. I'll have to work on commission, play gigs, AND have a day job instead.

Sorry about the tangent that turned into a rant, but I am SO angry right now. It's almost like mocking myself to take a gig that doesn't pay. It's like saying, "hey, I really AM that worthless!"