No amount of money...

[ginnboonmiller]

I developed the Fun or Money rule when I first moved to the big city and was no longer king awesome of tuba mountain. I've since extended it to many aspects of life beyond taking gigs and it's worked out well for me to do so.

It's unreasonable for a situation to provide you with both fun and money on a consistent basis. It's the goal, but it's hard to come by. However, you must have one or the other or it's a total waste of your time, and you risk turning into a grumpy poophead to people around you.

And it's usually a pretty easy assessment to make about a situation before you make the decision. Is this going to be fun or make me money? I'll do it. Otherwise, hey, have a great day.

[MikeMason]

Steven covey's "win-win or no deal" habit works for me( the 7 habits of highly effective people"

[ginnboonmiller]

I developed the Fun or Money rule when I first moved to the big city and was no longer king awesome of tuba mountain.

You didn't develop the "Fun or Money" rule, king awesome. That's been around a long time and is used by many.

Sometimes there's just not enough fun nor money available to be had in a given situation.

Hey, have a great day.

[Donn]

It's worth remembering, though, that you owe your identity to these irksome individuals. If everyone were reasonable, thoughtful and capable, what sense would there be in a Curmudgeon?

[jamsav]

Sometimes no amount of money is enough to tolerate certain circumstances.

When I worked in a music repair and retail situation (rode a t-rex to work, etc.), there were customers to whom the store would suggest alternate repair facilities and refuse their money because no amount of money was worth the hassle/abuse/disrespectful behavior the customer exhibited.

There have also been times when I declined to teach a private student after the first trial lesson because of behavior. Usually it's been parent behavior, but occasionally it's been the student themselves. Two situations stand out. One HS young lady that was an excellent player, but had a turd for a father comes to mind. One college sophomore ("hire them while still know everything," etc.) was unforgettable.

Finally, there have been times that I have declined playing situations once I learned that certain other players and/or stick wavers would be involved. Most of the time it wasn't because their pitch/rhythm/etc. was bad, but rather they were just unpleasant to the point that they inflict misery upon those around them. This is a rare. I've often heard from the ol' grapevine that the contractor learned of the misery post-gig from other players. Those situations have become less frequent. They do seem to come in waves as people come and go.

The Curmudgeon recommends being nice... until you can't.

With all do respect, there is one common denominator in all of your undesirable situations.
I am happy for you that you can pick and choose, most giggers aren't that fortunate . I've always just kept quiet, played as well as I could, smiled a lot and went to the bank the next day- hopeful I'd be called back

[Ferguson]

With all do respect, there is one common denominator in all of your undesirable situations.
I am happy for you that you can pick and choose, most giggers aren't that fortunate . I've always just kept quiet, played as well as I could, smiled a lot and went to the bank the next day- hopeful I'd be called back

Well of course you did that. You're not a curmudgeon.

If you were, you'd understand.

SF
/too many dang positive people around here sometimes

[tofu]

The relief that curmudgeons seek.

[UDELBR]

It's worth remembering, though, that you owe your identity to these irksome individuals. If everyone were reasonable, thoughtful and capable, what sense would there be in a Curmudgeon?

That's my justification. It's their fault.