Karaoke Forums

OK, just added the chocolate for those who were curious.

Lately, I have been wondering and thinking to myself,, if "This entire thing is worth it". For the most part, I am still enjoying what I do, but it's really getting more and more difficult to motivate myself and seem "upbeat" to the crowd. When is it time to walk away or just take a break? And how to "know" the difference.

What are some of your symptoms of "burnout" , and what do you do to combat them?

Does chocolate help?

Scott

Here is my suggestion.

Put an ad on Craigslist looking for a host. State your criteria and then doing a working interview at a show. Train them, work with them for a few shows, then cut them loose. Take a few weeks off to refresh, then come back.

I make it sound simpler than it really is, but I hope you get my point.

It is difficult to give up the reigns and just let someone else do it, but it is nice to be able to have your nights back too.

The key is finding someone that you trust and is good enough that they don't blow a gig for you. Sounds scary but I have had very good results doing exactly this.

-Chris

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-Chris

No one, and I mean NO ONE will take the pride that you do in your business, and no one will take care of your equipment like you do.

I experienced burn out a long time ago. I am down to 3 shows a week, and I would love to kill my Weds show. Bar won't do it.

Burnout happens - and it happens quicker and the effects are intensified when you mix alcohol with karaoke.

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I'm not a cheerleader, but I paid for my pom poms with my own money!

My suggestion is much the same, but remember to state in the ad that this is an independent contractor position (for legal purposes). Trust me on that - I have an SS-8 on file ruled against a karaoke company and the company had to pay many thousands of dollars in payroll taxes for not declaring it a independent contractor position.

Next, I get good results posting in the musician section. That's where you will get in contact with the people you want - MUSICIANS (but they're not all vocalists).

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I'm not a cheerleader, but I paid for my pom poms with my own money!

I am only doing 3 shows per week now, plus a full time day job. The travel is a factor too, 2 of my shows are over 50 miles away, the other is local. Training someone probably is not a good idea for me, I haul my equipment in a trailer now, and is quite large (I have been looking for smaller gear, and still am considering that option).

My wife told me the other night that I was just not as fun as I used to be, and I have to agree. I still host the most fair show that I know of, and I have the best sound for a portable system in the state. However, folks don't really care about that I believe. It's about having fun, and I just don't know if I have it in me anymore.

Every host I have ever hired has taken my business and equipment and ran it liek it was their own. Never had a problem in 20 years of having hosts. Just a matter of training them properly, paying them properly and what not.

I was burned out 10 years ago, was working 5 nights - now I am working 4 nights!

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Ed G was feeling Burnout a few years back (ok... about 10 years ago), and he did something interesting. He had "Guest Hosts" MC the show, and he ran the equipment and kept track of the Rotation. He used to have his Regulars volunteer to be the Host of the night. They would announce the next singer and field all of the questions. In between, they would throw in any jokes or entertaining tidbits. Also, some of us from the old JOLT Forum would guest host too (when we came to visit).

I work 6 days a week 10 months out of the year. Always take the time off from after Halloween to New Year's Day, do the New Year's party and it starts over again. That two month break is handled by a long term friend of mine that only wants to host during the holidays, he has his own equipment, a bit old school like myself. This arrangement has worked well now for several years. These last few years have been both a reward and a challenge. I'm pushing 70 now and in a couple of years plan to retire completely. Have a nice day.

Ya know Cue,, this actually sounds like it could be fun... might just have to give this a shot,,, could prove to be interesting

Your full time day job, 3 shows, 2 with over 50 mile drive - with the situation you described even younguns’ in their early 20’s will burnout in no time. I’m with you - it will be hard to get motivated when you’re already tired from the drive coming over & in the middle of the show already thinking of the dreaded 50 mile + drive going back home. Stressful indeed!

I also experienced serious burnout years ago when I was doing five shows a week in one venue. Only 6 miles away, stationary set-up, no tear down, full time karaoke, no day job. I tried hiring subs, not even one comes close to meeting my expectations. I train them exactly the way I handle my shows but I lost more than I bargained for. Late for work, equipment failure, disappearing cd’s, etc. It became a loyalty issue with the patrons. Either I host the show or they won’t show up.

Your long drive, the set up & tear down, I think the stress will take a toll on anyone’s physical well-being. Moot point to suggest find venues nearby – I believe you already mentioned that before – none close by in & around your area. I feel your pain, I’m doing only 2 five hour shows a week & enjoying every minute. Good luck, mrscott. I wish you the best of health.

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To be fortunate enough to derive an income from a source as fulfilling as karaoke music has got to be as close to heaven as we can get here on earth!

I have a saying........life's too short to spend it working....

I guess appearing upbeat can be beneficial, but I have seen shows that try to maintain what I think is too high of an energy level, and it would seem to me that one could get burned out from this, if you had to do it month after month. Just doing things professionally, running a good rotation, good sound, good library, and treating the singers well is all I expect from a host. They don't even have to say "let's hear it for seattledrizzle" when I'm done singing. If I sang the song I wanted to sing, on my turn, and with good sound, I'm a happy camper. If they try and do a lot more than that, it may be a difficult act to maintain, unless its a natural part of the person's character (which for some it may be). If the host is just doing their job though, as a singer that is all I care about.

I think knightshow, who use to post on this forum, ran such a solid show. He just tried to give the average singer who was spending their hard-earned money on beer and a song a good karaoke experience. It wasn't an epic experience, or an over-the-top experience, or a high-energy experience--just good sound and a fair rotation, and he had a steady and consistent show based on that philosophy.

Scott, we ALL go through "burnout" at some point, those of us who do this long enough.

Identifying your stressors (physical, mental, emotional) and reducing those will definitely make a difference.

For my own, (physical stress) I nap before EVERY show and drink natural energy drinks to keep up my energy. I also have made myself sit down for at least half the show since i developed back pain,

For the emotional stress, i not only lowered my own expectations of being "perfect" (even though nobody seemed to care i was giving 135% but me) and now give 90% and nobody notices or cares. I also take on the perspective as i am a well-paid babysitter and people are only out to have fun. They only (mostly) act stupid because of the effects of alcohol. They are just trying to have fun, and not trying to frustrate me or break my equipment.

For the mental stress, i make sure i do a "dummy checklist" so i never forget anything and i load up on song slips and pens and books for an entire year so i don't run out.

For the combination of psychological- emotional stress i sometimes feel, i learn new songs in different genres and practice them in my spare time and on the way to work (not 50 miles though!) and keep the show FRESH for myself. It gives ME something to look forward to, trying out new songs.

Cue made a good point in getting someone else to host while you're there running your own equipment. You'll be surprised to see how many people want to try it

But sometimes you just have to step away and re-evaluate your perspective. Take a week off if you can. Read a book on stress and see if other stressors in your life are contributing to your unhappiness at your karaoke job.

If things are out out of your comfort zone and you feel forced to be "mr entertainer" to do your job, and you're NOT...then don't do it. Staying within your own comfort zone is key to keeping your sanity.

Great idea to stop drinking on the job, but i don't think you do.

In all likelihood, your burnout is probably from lower mental, emotional, and physical energy levels simultaneously that have accumulated over time. The only real solution is to change your perspective on it, from negative to positive again.

And of course, cut out any stressors you can! It's difficult to stay upbeat when you're tired, hard to be happy when you have a few pita singers or bad service staff, hard to stay powered-up when the atmosphere is full of slow ballad songs, and challenging to be positive when you doubt your own abilities and don't want to sing out of insecurity.

ALL of those just listed you can change!

1. nap before a show and stretch before your long drive. Take vitamins or energy drink.
2. don't suffer fools. too much energy gets wasted on silly people.
3. create better communication with staff- start fresh. Ask for their input.
4. Play upbeat segway-filler-music between songs
5. suggest up-tempo songs to keep it from getting too sappy
6. use lighting to change the atmosphere. Use props for certain songs.
7. practice and learn new upbeat songs yourself
8. set up your equipment in a different area if possible. something fresh.
9. if the shows' not too busy or if people are just "blah" then entertain yourself and pick a spot on the wall to sing to, or pretend you're the original artist singing and forget focusing
on the negative vibe. People will see YOU are having fun and will respond.

just my opinion. i definitely speak much better than i write, haha! Either way, i hope you get some of what i'm saying Mr. Scott. The BEST to you! Let us know your progress!

JohnReynolds,,

Thank you so much for that input and suggestions.

Many of those that you suggested, I already do. Others I can put to practice as well.

I have to be honest here to everyone.. Burnout is only a part of what is going on with me at this point in time. There are other things that are creating stress and worry in my life. I know, I am no different than any other person on the planet with worries and obstacles to overcome.

Some of the things that are affecting my attitude and state of mind are, first. My mother passed away a few weeks ago, and I am not dealing as well with that as I could be for sure. Second, my marriage is in serious trouble. The wife and I are most likely headed for a split after 29 years of marriage. We simply have not communicated our feelings at all, and I bottle mine up until I blow up (not good at all). The day job is stressful enough without any of the other factors. And then there is the normal everyday stuff,, bills, money, kids,, etc.

With the problems my wife and I are having, and all that is happening with karaoke slowdowns, it has taken it's toll on my mental state. I am truly considering walking away from everything and starting over. I know, it's not a solution, but a change in perspective is definitely in order. Starting with me.

I'm very sorry to hear this........if you haven't already....gets some help......God bless...

I will keep you in my prayers Mr. Scott, as will others here on karaoke scene.

As Johnny mentioned, please get some help and support if you can. Going it alone makes Life even more difficult.... seek out answers others have used to cope that will aid and empower you. Speaking directly to God definitely helps me surrender my ego and any negativity. Chocolate comes in at a distant 2nd.

This is extremely difficult, but it pays off in dividends: thru-hiking the appalachian changed my life. I suggest it to anyone who doesn't have bad health problems.

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If you're going to eat my mic, do you at least want some condiments?

When life gets really hard to handle, that is when you will find out who your real friends are. This in itself can be an eye opener, but let it guide you through your next steps towards rehealing.

I lost my job 2 years ago, and have given up on ever finding one again. I lost my dog that was more than dear to me Dec 02, 2011. I lost my father-in-law Dec 27,2011. I lost my daughter July 31, 2012. Nearly lost my 98 year old mom in Aug 2012 from congestive heart failure. My exwife committed suicide Sept 23, 2012, and a very close friend that my wife and I were completely responsible for, died of lung cancer on Nov 23, 2012.

When I look back at having lost my job, I had no idea of what challenges lay ahead that would require my time. Life deals out problems that can seem to be unbearable, but I can assure you that time does heal all wounds. When I was young my mother would tell me me at bed time "tomorrow is another day" in German.

Best of wishes to you Mr Scott. Take 1 day at a time, and try to find some joy in something.

PS. I quit hosting in May 2012 and now only do an occasional show, and that in itself has helped reduce my stress enormously.

Anyone need a host and can give me five days work a week?