I need some career advice.

[flattop100]

...other than 'GET THE HELL OUT OF THE AUDIO BUSINESS!!!!'

I've worked for a local production company for the last 4 years, and toured with an a cappella group for the last year and a half. I currently have health and dental insurance, but am pulling down about $1200 a month. I'm getting fed up with the owner of the production company, and am tired of the lack of professionalism of the singing group.

Recently, an opportunity has opened up for me. I'd like your guys' advice as to 1. whether I should go for it (pros and cons), and 2. if yes, how can I increase my odds of getting hired?

The gig is at a major theater in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. It's a union house, so I'd have to get my card, but that also means I get health/dental/retirement. It sounds like I'd be working nearly 6 days a week, 8 am to midnight. Income would be probably starting at $50k, with as much as $70 or $80k.

(You might see why this is tempting).

Why shouldn't I apply? The singing group will be making strides and making more money, but I'm tired of that. What possible hidden disadvantages are there to being in a union?

And what the heck is an audio engineer's resume supposed to look like? Are there any books on this stuff?

Thanks for any help and ideas you guys might have!

[michaelhoddy]

Do you want to be tied to a single gig and venue? It's probably a good thing from a stability standpoint, but the time commitment means that you'll not have time to freelance, do one-offs, or take other gigs, which means that the entirety of your career and advacement is wrapped up in a single regional theater in a secondary market (albeit a good-sized secondary market).

If the hours you list are accurate, you'll also kill yourself in the process and destroy your marriage and family, if you have either. If you have hopes for a marriage or family in the future, your job will be the obstacle. It'll work for a while, but no human is designed to work that much long-term, and emerge well-adjusted and in good health. I've been there.

How long was the last guy in that job? This will give you a clue as to how well they'll take care of you.

What's the gig? A1? Tech director? What kind of acts go through there?

[panhead]

i have found every job i have ever had has been filled with some degree of bull shi* or has you put the '' lack of professionalism ''.
so i can not offer any sound advise.
i will say i would rather work for next to nothing and be happy at it then make a fortune and be miserable.
just remember money may not buy happiness but it is hard to be happy when you are broke.
hope it all works out, and good luck.

[flattop100]

Do you want to be tied to a single gig and venue? It's probably a good thing from a stability standpoint, but the time commitment means that you'll not have time to freelance, do one-offs, or take other gigs, which means that the entirety of your career and advacement is wrapped up in a single regional theater in a secondary market (albeit a good-sized secondary market).

I don't mind having a full-time house gig. It's kind of what I grew up on--when I first started learning audio it was in an on-campus college club.

My thought is that this job will give me better contacts than I've obtained working freelance or for the singing group.

If the hours you list are accurate, you'll also kill yourself in the process and destroy your marriage and family, if you have either. If you have hopes for a marriage or family in the future, your job will be the obstacle. It'll work for a while, but no human is designed to work that much long-term, and emerge well-adjusted and in good health. I've been there.

How long was the last guy in that job? This will give you a clue as to how well they'll take care of you.

I'm single in every definition of the word, and am currently planning on working there between 5 and 10 years. The guy on his way out is in his 40's, and worked there about 10 years. It does seem like a grind, but I feel like I'm slightly ahead of the game on that point, as I know about it ahead of time.

What's the gig? A1? Tech director? What kind of acts go through there?

They have two repeat TWO full time audio guys--I'd be one of them. So I guess I'd be A2 until the guy with seniority leaves.

There are a lot of Broadway acts, operas, etc. It's the Ordway Center in St. Paul, so occasionally the MN orch, and the St. Paul Chamber Orch.

[denver stratton]

Panhead got a point.when i was going with a local group the money was not real good but it was the best time in my life. plus it help to build a good ref. when people know that you going to be the sound man they don't worry about there eq. and they know that they going to sound good . and that make you fell good. hope this help you make up you mind.
Denver

[flattop100]

One more thing--I know how to write a resume, but how does a live sound guy's resume differ from someone applying for a more "typical" job? Put another way, if you were hiring, what would you like/need to see on the resume?

[DAS]

Same as most resume's: EXPERIENCE!

[ark]

8AM to midnight six days a week?? Are you sure you didn't mean 8PM?

[Joseph Hanna]

Originally posted by DAS
Same as most resume's: EXPERIENCE!

Well yes perhaps. Of course it depends on what part of the industry you're interested in. I find for mixing audio post, talent and the ability to apply it quickly and under pressure is often the primary concern of those hiring. That's a difficult concept to capture in a resume and most hiring understand that. A demo real and or the chance to do a freelance project often can dramatically increase your chances.

Reputation is also a priority but of course I know this is a bit of the chicken before the egg thing but it can be done.

This is obviously not a coat and tie environment and the old "punch the time clock", "don't be a minute late" submit a "properly written resume" rules hold much less importance than talent and ability.

[flattop100]

8AM to midnight six days a week?? Are you sure you didn't mean 8PM?

Nope. That's right. I really don't understand why they have only two techs at this place, considering it's a 2500 seat theater (doing operas and full Broadway shows) + another 400 seat theater, but "...ours is not to reason why."

[Dave Burris]

Originally posted by flattop100
Nope. That's right. I really don't understand why they have only two techs at this place, considering it's a 2500 seat theater (doing operas and full Broadway shows) + another 400 seat theater, but "...ours is not to reason why."

Maybe one tech for house and one tech for stage?

[Frugle]

is being an engineer really that bad of a job?

[MidiMagic]

Union problem: Non-union jobs are verboten.