The Pros and Cons of Being a DJ

For any music lover, the idea of being a DJ sounds appealing. Once you’ve bought your DJ gear, you’ll be raring to learn the ropes and maybe even start a career. Below, we explore the pros and cons of being a DJ.

Benefits of Being a DJ

Live your passion

Most people dream of turning a hobby or a passion into a career. And by becoming a DJ, you’ll have the opportunity to live your passion. Sure, when it becomes your living, you’ll have to take it seriously, but the opportunity to devote your days to music is incredibly exciting.

Meet new people

The DJ circuit is all about who you know and the contacts you make. Bookings are much easier to secure if you have trusted relationships with the right people. This whole process of meeting new people can be a lot of fun. You can meet plenty of like-minded creatives as a DJ and it can be one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Be as creative as you like

Often, the most creative DJs rise to the top. And having the opportunity to be creative every day is a huge perk of the job. To progress to the next level you’ll be frequently coming up with new ideas and listening to new music to create the best mixes possible. If you enjoy being creative this will be a thrilling career for you.

Disadvantages of Being a DJ

Bad for your ears

Consistent exposure to loud music can potentially damage your hearing. There are steps you can take to minimize the risk, such as noise cancelling headphones. But nevertheless, this is a profession where you’ll have to worry about your ears.

Late hours

As you progress as a DJ and take more bookings, you’ll find that the late nights and travel accumulates. If you’re a night owl this might not be such a bad thing. But if you’re particular about your sleep pattern you could find the lifestyle difficult. Travelling in the early hours can also be difficult and it’s best if you have your own car.

Low pay at the start

At the start of your career the pay won’t be great. Bookings will often be inconsistent, and it can be hard to rely on regular slots to earn a living. In many situations, you’ll have to take on a second job. However, once you begin to rise in your career, the pay can quickly improve.

Being a DJ can be a truly rewarding profession. You get the opportunity to meet new people, be creative and turn your passion into your life style. And it’s why many DJs put up with the cons that come with it.