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While I give a lot of tips on dealing with stress in my book, "I'd Kill For That Job", I want to talk about some of the issues that specifically face DJ's that have been around for a while. If you're just starting out, though, don't skip this part. You need to take this advice to heart as well and you'll save yourself a lot of headaches down the line.
The #1 problem overall that I see among SCDJ's is not properly managing their money. While you probably would agree with that, you may not realize how much that affects your attitude. Think about it, what's your attitude like when you've got a few grand in the bank? And what's it like when you've got about $20 left over from last night's shift? Probably not very good.
What I suggest you do is immediately begin saving 20-25% of your weekly tips & shift pay (if you get it). To start with, you want to have the equivalent of 3 months income set aside, preferably in a money market account. The confidence and positive attitude that will come from that little bank roll is going to carry you through the tough times when business is slow or the bills are stacking up. Promise yourself you won't touch the money no matter what, no matter how tough things get. It's the attitude that's going to get you over those bumps in the road, not the money itself. That positive attitude is going to keep you from getting too stressed out and hurting your tips or even costing you your job.
If you think about it, a lot of the things that we get stressed about in the club are when we have an out of control dancer or a manager that's bitching about one thing or another and we feel stuck. You want to tell the manager or dancer to stick it but you can't afford to quit. You feel stuck because, let's face it, where else are you going to go to make this much money? On the other hand, if you know that if it comes down to it, you're covered for at least three months income, it'll probably won't be that big a deal.
Beyond this emergency 'attitude money', you want to continue to save or invest at least 20% of each week's income. Those of you that have read my book know that you can very easily have well over $300,000 in savings and interest after ten years in the biz even starting out at the very smallest clubs. For those of you that have been DJ's for a while, it's never too late to start saving. You'll be amazed by how much your attitude improves and your stress is reduced.
Bill Hibbler, a veteran DJ and club manager, will show you how to Make $500 Every Day as a Gentlemen's Club DJ. Click the link to find out more: Strip Club DJs