The average Joe doesn't know how frustrating and tedious this work
can be,
whether its building customs or restoring crappy harps bought on ebay.
If a harp tech hasn't felt burned out some point in his career he
probably hasn't been working hard
enough or long enough at it. ;-) The only way I can juggle a day job
and be a homeowner, husband and musician and harp tech is to
take a few months off a year and take time to experience the world
around me.
We get caught up with these list group discussions and pleasing
customers until it overwhelms us.
I learned to put things into perspective a few years ago when I
realized nobody outside this community gives a rats ass about
us and the online fights or emotional discussions we get into.
(Anyone) try telling your spouse or friends about the discussions we
have and the small stuff we argue about and they will probably roll
their eyes. Granted, we always have to be on guard to please
customers because bad news travels faster then good news but one way
to be on our game is to set aside down time for yourself, and not
feel bad because you did.
It's all meaningless in the bigger picture of what's going on in the
world today. The world would still spin and people would still buy
stock harmonicas if harp techs vanished. So take a deep breath and
relax. It's cool to chill out Tim. It's not cool to stress out.
Give customers notice of a slow down so you can take time off when
you shut down for business.
I use part of the time to make needed changes in business, updates to
the website and to organize the shop. The rest of the time is spent
being outside the window instead of looking outside.
I use to take Nov./Dec. off but I get more done taking the summer
months off. Sounds like you are due for some rest so take it.
I never lost business by asking would be customers to wait a few
months before placing an order for custom or repair work.
mike "fathead" easton
On Nov 5, 2006, at 11:52 PM, harp-l-request@xxxxxxxxxx Tim Moyer wrote:
Who knows what the future holds? Hopefully good things for all of
us.