This is easily the most personal post I’ve written to date. I know this is a music site and most of you don’t give a fuck about who I am, but this will also most likely be the last post around here for the foreseeable future. I am taking a bit of a hiatus to focus on the things that really matter. Sure, posting MP3’s and reviewing albums is fun, but it doesn’t pay the bills.
So what does all this mean and why I am telling you? Well, it means that I probably won’t be posting here for awhile, and if I do it will be only intermittently. Yeah I’ve got a decent middle management job at a good company, but instead of spending my time blogging I need to focus on finding a better job that will help pay a few more of our bills. I’m telling you because I can and because I should. Remember that there are people and families behind each and every one of these blogs you visit. Most of you are probably doing okay, but at certain points in almost all of our lives, we will be struggling in some manner. We are all human.
As we struggle to make ends meet we are pretty typical (I think) of many American families who have over-extended themselves. Maybe we’re not typical of the blogging crowd but, let’s be honest here, this country’s economic problems are not going away anytime soon. I feel like a failure because even though we live fairly comfortably, we just can’t get ahead. This is not a sob story and I’m not asking for any sympathy. These are simply the facts of the story. And if you are near Chicago and might be interested in a copy of my resume, send me an email..
you’ll be missed for sure, but you’ve gotta keep your priorities in line. good luck in the job hunt.
Happy trails, brother. I have found, that at every turn when I chose my family first, it was the best path to take. It may not have been the easiest path, however. You are doing the right thing and your daughter and your family will be better and stronger for it.
Peace.
I made this shift about a year ago. I gave up the crazy schedule of working in a theater. Cool job, could show off my tatoos, but bad money and long hours. So now I wear a tie sometimes, but I know who I am. And in the balance I find time to blog a bit and write a music article in the local weekly paper that even pays a bit. So there is a balance, but family is always number one.
Good luck!
Good luck with everything from NYC. I’ll miss the little bit of home in your posts. Peace to you.
You’ll be missed for sure. Success is waiting for you right around the corner, go find it.
Keep in touch.
Ryan
When it comes to family and fun, you gotta put family first. And, it’s hard, especially with one parent staying home to watch after a child to get ahead. You should check out daveramsey.com or get his book, Financial Peace for a no-nonsense method for money management. Good luck, Eric.
Thanks for sharing that personal story. I’ve enjoyed all your posts to date very much and I with you much luck in the future
Good luck with the search! I’ve enjoyed your site too. Doing these things is basically all about trying to document opinions in your heard. As long as those are opinions are still there, it doesn’t matter if anyone reads them. You’re right about priorities.
Good luck with everything. I’ve been checking your blog semi-regularly and have enjoyed it (esp. the nineties posts!). Sad to see you go, but it’s understandable. Be well!
Ditto to the supportive responses above. All blogging is a gift, each post has been a wonderful offering, but no one ever said you had to give everything to the world all the time. Taking a sabbatical in no way lessens the offering, or the intent, of what you have given. And as long as archives exist, your posts will keep on giving for you, even as you do what you need to.
Kudos, too, for being willing to take the big step and reprioritize. It takes courage to cry “hold, enough”. So many before you have just slogged through, hurting themselves, and leaving half-assed work in their wake. Yours is the noble route, and don’t forget it. Hold yer head high.
Thanks for the “so far”, take your time to do what you should and can and must, and we’ll be here, happy to recieve, if and when you’re ready.
I’ve been a lurker for sometime enjoying your mix of music and commentary. I am facing a similar issue in my new job hunt. Thanks for stepping up and putting family first. Good luck and Godspeed.
Amen, brother. The same thing happened to me two years ago (minus the blog) and I was fortunate/blessed enough to have the perfect job fall into my lap. But, as we good little capitalists do, I promptly proceeded to increase my standard of living and spend every extra penny that I made; effectively putting myself in the same spot I was in before. I have a two year old at home, and yes, it is very expensive. I thoroughly enjoy the blog — it helps me get through the work day — and I hope everything works out so you can get back to what really matters (touche): family, fun, music etc.
I’m with Nora. You’ve kept my ears in Chicago and have been a reminder of a scene I love and miss. Don’t let all of our gushing distract you from what you need to get done.
Hit us up with monthly highlights.
Keep your family rockin’
Cheers- Devin
Good for you. A man has to do what a man has to do, and I applaud you for having the courage to announce it. You’re blog was the reason I started mine, and I have enjoyed reading yours for so long now. I hope everything works out well for you.
Ditto w/ what everyone else said. I’ve been a lurker for a while, love your blog. Thanks for your work! Hope you keep it going, at least a little bit.
Thanks for all the support everyone. I’m going to scale back a little but I’m not going away. I think that just getting out and saying where my priorities are just sorta puts it all in perspective. Thanks & Cheers.
Not only would I like to echo the abundant praise above man, but I’d like to personally thank you for keeping my ear to the beats on the ground in Chicago. I’ve been out at school at Michigan for 2 years now and your blog has been my lifeline to a town with a music scene (weird, right? who woulda’ guessed a college town this close to Mo-Town could have such a profound lack of good music.)
Hey there. Like a few above, I’ve mostly been consuming not commenting but wanted to say that yours is the most visited and enjoyable blog of those I take in. I’m trying to get into a regular routine of writing and CYSTS has been a great example to me.
Mostly, though, good luck in your efforts and I think anyone who’s been through a bit of life will understand the difficulties of balancing the various aspects of it. Best wishes and I’m sure there will be loads of readers still waiting for you when you have time to post. Cheers.
your blog is pretty much one of the top reasons why my own blog exists right now. basically, your blog makes the internet a better place. good luck with everything! i hope it all works out.