This past week end I had my first audition for this season. I was auditioning for the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra in Benton Harbor, MI. I was well prepared and, even though I did not win the audition I was fairly happy with how things went.
On my way home I was thinking about it and I am actually glad that I didn't win, purely because it was a 3 hour drive to Benton Harbor from Ann Arbor. I don't think I could handle driving that much for a not that much pay. The orchestra advertised their pay rate as $77 a service and it took a full tank of gas to get there and back (which is now encroaching $50 a tank here). $27 for a three hour rehearsal (where you typically only play half) and 6+ hours of driving I just can't justify to my husband or take work off for. Even with a travel stipend 9 hours is a lot of time and I just can't work for $3 and hour or even $8.50 an hour for that matter (not counting gas money).
All-in-all the audition was a good for the experience, and typically I don't mind driving a ways because I really do love playing with orchestras, but next time I might work out my hourly rate before hand and set a cut-off point where it just isn't financially worthwhile for the drive.
I love finding out what others do so....
How far are you willing to travel for a job?
Do you have a per-hour limit or a distance limit?
Leave a comment to share your tips or ideas for everyone.
