Ep. 74: Should I Take The Gig If It Doesn't Pay?
- Melissa Cartwright
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
If youâve been performing for a while, or even just getting your feet wet, youâve probably had one of those should-I-or-shouldnât-I moments when a gig comes your way⊠but it doesnât pay.
Whether itâs an open mic, a showcase, or a community event, these offers can be tricky to navigate. Are they great exposure? A waste of your energy? A stepping stone? Or just someone hoping to get your talent for free?
Letâs break this down together, so you can feel more confident about when to say yes - and when to pass.
Start by Listening to Your Body (Seriously)
Your body often knows whatâs up before your brain does. If the idea of taking a certain gig gives you that weird tight feeling in your chest or your stomach turns into knots, pay attention.
That doesnât always mean âdonât do itââsometimes nerves are just part of the dealâbut it might be your body waving a red flag, saying:
âHey, I donât think this is fair.â
âWeâve done this before and it didnât feel great.â
âIâm tired and this might be too much.â
Bottom line: if it feels off, pause and check in with yourself.
Whatâs This Gig Really Gonna Cost You?
Sure, itâs unpaidâbut there are other costs, too.
Are you giving up time with family or rest you desperately need?
Will it drain your energy or your voice?
Will you leave the gig feeling proud⊠or a little resentful?
Even if the price tag says $0, your time, talent, and emotional bandwidth are always part of the equation. Don't ignore them.
The Truth About Open Mics
Open mics can be great when you're starting out, testing new material, or just want to share your voice in a low-pressure space. Plenty of arts organizations offer wonderful and supportive opportunities for this kind of growth (and we do seasonal online open mic nights inside of the Passionate Performer Program!).
But if the venue hosting the event is a for sale establishment, like a restaurant, brewery, coffeehouse, winery, etc. - is it just free entertainment for a venue that doesnât want to pay performers? And if you're pouring out your heart every week with no real growth, no connection, and no progress - it might be time to reevaluate.
Ask yourself: Is this helping me grow as an artist? Or am I stuck in a loop because itâs easy, familiar, or expected?
Some Reflection Questions To Help You Decide
Here are a few things to ask yourself when you're on the fence about a gig:
If itâs not a hell yes⊠is it a no? That lukewarm feeling? Itâs trying to tell you something.
How would I feel if someone else got this opportunity? A little jealousy might actually mean your heartâs in it. Or⊠you might feel relieved itâs not yours. Either way, thatâs good data.
What will I have to say no to if I say yes to this? Your time and energy are finite. Make sure the trade is worth it.
What is my body saying right now? Fear is normal. But dread? Exhaustion? Tightness in your throat or jaw? Thatâs something else.
Does this bring me closer to my dream performance? Even unpaid gigs can be valuable stepping stones - but only if theyâre pointing in the direction you want to go.
Celebrate Your Worth
Here's the truth: You can love your craft deeply and still want to get paid for it.
You can say no to a free gig and still be a passionate, generous artist.
Being selective doesn't make you selfish. It makes you smart.
You deserve to show up in spaces that respect your time, your energy, and your voice.
Youâre Allowed to Choose You
At the end of the day, saying yes or no to an unpaid gig isnât just about money - itâs about alignment. Does this opportunity serve your growth, your goals, and your joy?
If not? Thatâs okay. Your worth isnât tied to every "yes" you say. Youâre allowed to be discerning. Youâre allowed to rest. Youâre allowed to protect your passion.
Letâs keep making music that reflects who we really are, and shows up with the respect and energy we truly deserve.
Need more support figuring this all out? Iâve got you!
Come hang with us inside the Passionate Performer Program, or grab your free 7 Days to the Stage Journal HERE, and start aligning your gigs with what truly lights you up.
Weâre in this together. RESOURCES mentioned in this episode: The Body Keeps the Score â Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. The Wisdom of Your Body â Hilary L. McBride, PhD Honestly, Dear Listener Podcast episode
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