Re: Passive Agressive Musicians

"BW" <barrybassist@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1183121712.707469.43440@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sorry to fight the tide here, but I have a different opinion of the
situation. Getting canned is never a pleasant thing, and there may be
baggage, but whoever said (paraphrasing) that "word gets around" has
it exactly right. Word DOES get around, and if told by your former-
boss, any questionable behavior on your part will headline the story.
Don't give him/her that ammunition. Next to the ability to play the
right notes, your reputation is your most important asset. Protect it,
and make sure it's so sparkling that even if someone tries to bad
mouth you, the listener will know it's crap.

I agree. Very solid advice. You never know when an *** might be in a
position again to screw you. It's always good to give people a graceful out.
Everything is a situation, so *how* you do that will vary. Of course, you
have to keep your own interests in mind, but it's worth the effort to try to
find the most graceful and painless way to end it.

I take exception to John's advice about making it look like the biggest
mistake they ever made was to get rid of you. You have to be careful not to
put yourself in a situation where the boss can say, "Well, he was a pain in
the ass until he found out he needed to look for a new position. All of a
sudden he was great. If you're gonna hire this guy, make sure he never feels
secure in his position or he'll slack off." By the same token you don't want
to be a *** and give them further ammunition to badmouth you.

If possible give the guy a way to get rid of you where neither of you look
bad. Try for something like the guy saying, "Yeh, I like you, but I think
this gig is beneath you. It looks like you're not into it. I think we'd both
be better off with someone for whom this gig was a challenge." It may be
bull***, but so what?

All that said, sometimes it just crashes and burns anyway. Such is life.


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