1. The Music
Music has been at the forefront of my mind all of my life. When younger most things I done was based around music – whether it be xmas, birthday or my pocket money – I was always in ‘Our Price’ (jog a few memories lol)
To be able to have a career that allows me to use my music knowledge is fantastic.
2. The Money
I never deny the fact that I DJ for a career and income. I often get ridiculed on DJ forums and for saying this, but hey it is true. If I did not have the income I simply could not continue to carry on being a DJ.
3. The Working Hours
I have always had jobs with strange working hours so it is nothing new to me. What I love about being a self-employed DJ is the ability to have days off when others are at work so everywhere is nice and quiet. I may sound like a bore but I much prefer to work when the majority are off and vice versa.
4. The Challenges
Nothing could have prepared me for the challenges that I would face being self-employed, let alone the challenges of being a DJ, especially in the wedding industry. I love the constant changes and research I need to constantly do to keep up with how things are ever changing. It is easy to doubt oneself, especially when seeing others who waste money offering many inferior services, so strict self-control is needed before making mistakes which will undoubtedly catch up and bite you on the behind.
5. The People
Really, this should have been further up the list because I love meeting different people, colleagues and couples getting married alike, together with guests, venue staff etc. Not many other jobs allow you to travel around the country and meet so many people. Again, I am very open about the fact I never intend to strike up friendships with customers, but it is great to be in their life for a short while and to make a memorable difference to their wedding or event. It is fantastic to often meet couples many years later to find they are now very settled with a family etc, yet they still recall their wedding evening.
6. Making a Difference
All my working life I have had a customer focused role. To be able to make a difference to someone’s party, or more relevant for me their wedding day, does give you a special feeling.
Being part of peoples wedding really is humbling and the fact you are entertaining them for the biggest chunk of the day brings a lot of responsibility, but when everyone has had a great night there is no better feeling than realising you have made a difference.
7. The Industry
Not just the DJ industry but I love the whole wedding industry. Having been involved, one way or the other, for over 25 years now (although only 14 as a DJ) I truly believe I am a specialist and am constantly amazed at how much I continue to learn.
The wedding industry is often known for being cut throat and back stabbing – whilst this is true there are also many great suppliers who I have struck up lifelong friendships with. It is great how we can openly discuss each others businesses and learn from each other.
8. The Diversity
Yes, I play music and to be honest on the surface that sums up what I do. However, the wedding industry is very fast paced and ever changing.
New opportunities often lay ahead, and constant changes keeps things very interesting. Of course, you also have the fact that no 2 weddings are the same, in fact a lot of what I do I have to decide as I go along
9. Family
Yes, this is a family run business, but it truly is family ran. In fact, whenever a new idea or changes pops into my head, the first person to approve or dismiss is my wife. Simply if we don’t think something is right, we won’t do it.
I also have one son, Kieran who has took a great interest in the business since it started. His interest however wasn’t so much about the music but the equipment – lights and sound. The result is he is now currently studying Technical Theatre and Stage Management with view to developing a career in the Theatre Industry. Totally different to Wedding and Discos, but the interest he first gained in my own business has helped him realise his own career dreams.
10. Being your own boss
Now, Strictly speaking I never believe you are TRULY your own boss – to me our customers are my boss – but this is as close as I can get. Having worked in Hospitality and Retail for many years, making a lot of money for other people, stepping out on my own was something I always desired. Now I have done that, I must admit I sometimes think it would be better working for someone else haha.
To me though, there are a lot of challenges being your own boss but it is also something I love and would not change it for the world.
Chris
(Owner)
