Some thoughts on "burn out" syndrome. Elf should read
Pyratepeg1
certainly understand and appreciate the feeling, though I have yet to
experience it myself except in minutae. I have often wondered why it is some go
through this and others seem never to suffer it. I came to a conclusion for my
own self...it will not apply to everyone else, but I thought I would post it in
hopes that others might follow suit, and somewhere therein something of use can
be glommed for those that are feeling less than satisfied with something they
have in past loved.
For myself:
I have been doing the faire for...er...well, a long time. OK, it's been 16
years of performing, and prior to that, add about 5 years of patron status.
Things have certainly changed over the years for me, and I have my share of
crappy stories that I could tell. However, there are a few things that keep my
experience fresh year after year, and some methods I employ to keep the jerks
away from me and out of my experience. Performing with the Pyrates Royale is
one of the biggest reasons that I do not suffer burn out. Learning new
material, keeping the act fresh, doing many different performance venues,
recording C.D.'s, etc. I also have never tired of being on stage. It's an
addiction. All of this makes for a certain amount of diversity that helps to
keep any one thing from going stale.
As for the Jerks...
Again, being with the Pyrates is an awesome @$$hole deterant. When we are faced
with a problem, we close ranks. We are like family...we don't allow things of a
harmful nature to get to any one of our members, or the group as a whole. If
one person can't or doesn't want to handle an issue, others will pick up the
slack. It has been a very symbiotic relationship...I remember Brad stepping
between a drunk and myself, taking him aside and talking to him like he was his
best friend and dissuading him from pestering me any further. I once dealt with
a fairly irritating person via e-mail for Darcy. We have all at times stepped
in for one another, keeping the times when anyone is out there having to deal
with crap to a minimum. It is a difficult thing, sometimes, being a member of
this group, but all in all, the benefits outweigh any of the crud we go through
from time to time.
How does this translate for others? I have no idea. I only know that, were it
not for these things, I probably would have gotten burnt out a long time ago. I
hope that there is some way for you to find your peace, *and* be able to do
that which once brought you so much joy.
Lynn
"Peg!" (tm) of the Pyrates Royale, Bosun on the "HMS Sinkwell" (often called
"The Running Sore"), and official ale taster (anywhere, anytime, anyones)
Official quote: "Don't know...don't care...gimme a Guinness"
Wulfie
<19990121084142...@ng-ca1.aol.com>...
<Chomp! er, I mean Snip!>
Aww... who says Pyrates don't have warm fuzzies?
Wulfie
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/\ /\
(o o)
(( O ))
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U
Woof!
KATT4U2
posting.......
Faire just wouldn't be the same without her....
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bronxelf
>Elf, I am sorry to hear that you're feeling a tad burnt out on faire.
A tad, I think happened 3 years ago.
<snippage happens>
>For myself:
>I have been doing the faire for...er...well, a long time. OK, it's been 16
>years of performing, and prior to that, add about 5 years of patron status.
>Things have certainly changed over the years for me, and I have my share of
>crappy stories that I could tell. However, there are a few things that keep my
>experience fresh year after year, and some methods I employ to keep the jerks
>away from me and out of my experience. Performing with the Pyrates Royale is
>one of the biggest reasons that I do not suffer burn out. Learning new
>material, keeping the act fresh, doing many different performance venues,
>recording C.D.'s, etc. I also have never tired of being on stage. It's an
>addiction. All of this makes for a certain amount of diversity that helps to
>keep any one thing from going stale.
I think that people that perform, or people that like to feel as
though they are performing, enjoy faire more over the long haul.
It also happens to be a bonus if you just like *people*, in general.
To really have a desire to get out there and be with a whole lot of
people you dont know in the hopes of making some of them happy.
such is the nature of performing.
I got out of the music business the day I realized that I would no
longer be willing to sing for free. After the experiences I had with
that cursed booth last year, I am beginning to feel that same way
about faire.
As of this moment(still season early I know) I cannot think of a
single reason to go to faire that does not involve someone *else*
wanting me to go. ND Im really tired of going just because other
people want me there. That, to me, feels like performing. And I dont
want to be performing.
smiles, everyone...smiles, smiles....
WHAP!
Oh I feel so much better. i always hoped Tattoo would get even one
day.
elf.
bronxelf
Grand High Huntress of the Renaissance Assassin's Guild-"Chooser of the To Be Slain": Assassin #001.
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"To err is human, to forgive is not our policy." --Anonymous
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The creativity of an elf knows no bounds.
PyrateLady
> I think that people that perform, or people that like to feel as though they
are performing, enjoy faire more over the long haul. <
Excellent point. Even on a bad day, it's pretty hard to maintain a scowl and a
negative attitude when one is being smiled at and applauded every few hours.
Though, Lord knows I try!! (Isn't that right, Peg? : p )
As Peg said, it can be addictive.
"Hello, my name is Kat and I am an applausaholic." (Oo, sounds like something
for the sig line!)
Kat Fairbanks
Navigator, the Pyrates Royale
http://www.pyrates.com -- and don't even THINK about stealing my graphics
(To reply to me, remove the SCURVY... and be sure to take yer vitamin C so it
doesn't return)
Brassy Trouble
> I think that people that perform, or people that like to feel as
though they are performing,
enjoy faire more over the long haul. <
system out of wac.
The idea of standing in front of a group of people again, with their focus
on me is sickening.
However for me, faire is not performing, it's just a place to let myself run
free. A place where I can
be me, and not have to conform to "rules and ideas" placed upon me due to
surrounding conditions. If
people want to watch me, that's great. It's even better if they join in. I
truly earned my nickname "Trouble"
here. But I give, as good as I receive.
I have worked a booth for approx. 10 years now and only last year did I get
paid. I found a home
where we the participates make the booth fun for both us and patrons. We
constantly "play" with
each other while we work and "play" with our patrons at the same time. And
we actually educate people
to boot. And yes, every so often, we get those "oh so lovely" patrons that
we would love to stick with a
sword. (After 35 mins taking pictures of our treasures while we lean over
our counters, does get rude
and tiresome.) We politely chase them off, or call a friend to have them
escorted elsewhere. Drunk men
around our booth aways brings rude comments. But we play them off to the
enjoyment of our patrons.
We just try not to take anything too seriously, only when we must.
I hope that after a short haitus from faire, you can feel the enthusiasim
that many of us feel at faire again.
If you choose to visit RPFS, please stop by the Brass Rubbing Booth to visit
Brass Angel, Brassy Lassy,
and myself. We'll be happy teach you how to rub our Brass.
BrassyTrouble
Mistress Rowena
Goddess of Lost Minds and Places Not Remembered
Follower of the Properly Pleated Kilt
Navigator-Team Piper, Go Team Piper Go
Matron of the Brass Rubbings (and if you don't know what a brass rubbing is,
stop by and I'll teach you!)
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Dra...@rocketmail.com
pyrat...@aol.com (Pyratepeg1) wrote:
> (snipping Lynn's very good post)
I think that the kind of burn-out Elf is referring to is kinda specific to
the NY faire. She was getting burnt before she moved away and started going
to other shows; I can count six or seven people, myself and my fiance among
them, who have decided not to return to faire on a regular basis any more.
Last summer was our brick wall, I guess. It is hard to explain, unless you
have been there (at NYRF I mean).
Wish I could be more clear; an old post I put out last summer might help
clarify things alittle, I think I called it "To all NYRF attendees".
Dranaan
Wench #94
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NORMTUBA
>Personally, I hate performing. It always got my stomach in knots and
my>system out of wac.
>
>The idea of standing in front of a group of people again, with their focus>on
me is sickening.
>
>
I was extremely nervous when I first performed before an audience in the fifth
grade--as a tuba player in the back of a band of over 100 people. After doing
it a few times, it became old hat. A lot of it is practice and getting
used to it. And, if that fails when you get up in front of an audience, close
your eyes for a moment and imagine that they all are sitting out there buck
naked. Has a very relaxing effect.
BrssyLassy
do with faire enjoyment, to me...it's having a group of people who are willing
to "close ranks" if necessary, adn to give you a shove in good fun when you can
take it, and just ...be there....during, after, at 2 am...whatever....family I
guess. that's what keeps me from being burnt out.
Moira Shaw
Wench #545, Mischief
CocoFan of Sarcastica, Dipper of Manly Men
CoGoddess of AllThingsBrassy
GoTeamPiper,go,goTeamPiper!
" I dont mind if life sucks as long as it sucks with integrity"
" Ihaveamindlikeasteeltrap.Rustyandillegalin37states."
KelevEcco
not gonna make you happy? There are a lot of things that we don't have a
choice about, but going somewhere in our free time is not one of them. If you
hate it right now, don't go. Seems like common sense to me.
Lady Alyssa (aka kel)
Have garb, will travel
a Sister of the OC
Rennie Retreat Hostess
1/2 of the 'Cookie Ladies'
The next Faire isn't until WHEN?
My life revolves around KRF, Sterling, Tux, VARF, Maine & Hammond
Remove .spamit to email
DrgnflyDsn
>After the experiences I had with
>that cursed booth last year, I am beginning to feel that same way
>about faire.
Well that is certainly understandable. Let me ask you this..wasn't that an
isolated case? Do you normally do well at faires?
I remember you posted it was just awful and each year I have to stop and ask
myself if going on the road to all the events is really worth it.
Then I remember how much I hate working for other people even if I work three
times harder at my own company.
Some of the events we have tried were a learning experience to say the least.
Our local faire the first year was pretty low in sales and I was a little
unsure about a second year. We did go back and did 4 times the business of the
previous year. So, heck ya it was worth it!
The public also just tires me out fast. I am really painfully shy and
interacting with hundreds of folks in a day just seems to suck the life force
from me. I too worry about reaching that burn out point.
So, you have time to think about it.
You might look in to other opportunities in the off season.
Creativity on demand is hard!!!
I believe I have mentioned my hubby is a scenic designer/painter and we have
this discussion often. Six shows in this years season and he ends up just worn
out creatively. That doesn't even count all the projects he works on for
Dragonfly.
For me I really have to get out and see other artists at work to spark
something inside and make me want to keep going.
Maybe you need to get back in touch with your creative side.
Or..maybe you just need some one to sell your work for you.
Just a tired thought or two...
Best wishes...
Ronda
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dragonfly Design
http://members.aol.com/DrgnflyDsn
Masks, Historical Clothing Patterns, Garb
Remove "98" at end of e mail address to respond
Pyratepeg1
Excellent point. Even on a bad day, it's pretty hard to maintain a scowl and a
negative attitude when one is being smiled at and applauded every few hours.
Though, Lord knows I try!! (Isn't that right, Peg? : p )
And I add:
Hmmmm? Er...uh...(inside voice: How should I answer this so as to insure the
least amount of damage to my person???). Soooo...how 'bout them Mets?
bronxelf
>
>Well that is certainly understandable. Let me ask you this..wasn't that an
>isolated case? Do you normally do well at faires?
>I remember you posted it was just awful and each year I have to stop and ask
>myself if going on the road to all the events is really worth it.
>Then I remember how much I hate working for other people even if I work three
>times harder at my own company.
>Some of the events we have tried were a learning experience to say the least.
>Our local faire the first year was pretty low in sales and I was a little
>unsure about a second year. We did go back and did 4 times the business of the
>previous year. So, heck ya it was worth it!
>The public also just tires me out fast. I am really painfully shy and
>interacting with hundreds of folks in a day just seems to suck the life force
>from me. I too worry about reaching that burn out point.
>So, you have time to think about it.
>You might look in to other opportunities in the off season.
Judging by this post and some of the email I have received on this
topic, there seems to be a couple of misunderstandings.
Ok, from the outset, I have *never* wanted to work at faire. All this
time(before last season) I have managed not to do so, with the
exception of working for the armoury either in the shoppe(not at
faire) or helping to build the booth for the armoury(onsite, but not
during faire). Again, i have never had a desire to work faire. As a
matter of fact, just the opposite is true. I was trying very hard
*not* to work at faire, even when asked.(ask bethany. she can vouch.)
The other thing is, I dont make any money off of the small stuff I
paint. I really dont. It takes me a lot of time to paint the little
things (boxes, bottles, fountains, gargoyles, whatever) and were I to
charge for *all* of the time it takes me to paint, box, ship(or cart
to faire, set up and be there) all that stuff, I promise you....I
could never sell the stuff. So when I paint small items, I charge at
a lower rate for my time than I charge when I do walls and furniture.
I rationalize this to myself by saying that I dont have to travel to
paint, I dont have to climb the ladder all day, and I can paint in my
underwear and watch cartoons.
the booth was NOT my idea. As a matter of fact, it was something *I*
wasnt sposed to be involved with at all. It was Duckie's idea, and if
any are reading that were on afr then, they can tell you it was *he*
that posted to the ng saying a booth was in the works.
The original plan was for me to paint the stock.
period.
I would be on site in case anyone needed to ask me anything, but I was
*not* sposed to be working in the booth.
what wound up happening, however, was that I was working (no kidding,
this is NOT a typo) 20-22 hour days a week before each show, for
about a week to 10 days in advance, between getting stock ready, the
booth ready, US ready(organization is not one of duckie's strongest
personality traits) *and* doing my day painting jobs as well.
I was doing the books, I was doing the inventory, I was doing *WAY*,
*WAY* more than painting the stock.
And by the time the faire actually came around, I can assure you,
faire was the *last* place I wanted to be.
All I wanted to be doing was sleeping, preferably in a place that
would bring me room service.
But Id be at faire. *And* stuck in the booth all day(also not part of
the plan)
AND making no money and in some cases *losing* money on the deal.
And every time Id tell Duckie that this was NOT what I had signed on
for. But he couldnt do it himself, and I couldnt afford to pay
anyone(hell I wasnt getting paid myself.)
After doing this several times, on no sleep, and making nothing to
show for it, I realized, I was hating being at faire. I didnt have
any money to shop. Hell, If I hadnt brought food for the people that
came with us and in one case Lara's wonderful generosity, I probably
wouldnt have eaten at all.
And Dranaan is right, I was toasty before I left. But that just sank
the boat for me.
I see no real reason to do the booth thing. I dont see anything
changing in the arrangements, and I am unwilling to go through doing
as much as I did last year for as little return. Not when I charge 2x
as much for outside painting jobs.
When I work at faire, thats all it is, work. And if Im not making any
money, frankly I have no reason to be there.
>Creativity on demand is hard!!!
Actually, for me, its very very easy. Dealing with *people* is hard.
Which is why I never went into retail.
>I believe I have mentioned my hubby is a scenic designer/painter and we have
>this discussion often. Six shows in this years season and he ends up just worn
>out creatively. That doesn't even count all the projects he works on for
>Dragonfly.
>For me I really have to get out and see other artists at work to spark
>something inside and make me want to keep going.
>Maybe you need to get back in touch with your creative side.
>Or..maybe you just need some one to sell your work for you.
>Just a tired thought or two...
>Best wishes...
>
Thanks Ronda. *hug*
stuck with a ton of stock(buy now, buy now),
Robin the Scribner
bronxelf wrote in message <36a9842a....@news.earthlink.net>...
>On 22 Jan 1999 05:53:00 GMT, drgnf...@aol.com98 (DrgnflyDsn) wrote:
>
>
>Judging by this post and some of the email I have received on this
>topic, there seems to be a couple of misunderstandings.
8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8< 8<
<lotta snips>
>The original plan was for me to paint the stock.
>
>period.
>
8< 8< 8< 8< <more snips>
>I was doing the books, I was doing the inventory, I was doing *WAY*,
>*WAY* more than painting the stock.
>
>And by the time the faire actually came around, I can assure you,
>faire was the *last* place I wanted to be.
>
>All I wanted to be doing was sleeping, preferably in a place that
>would bring me room service.
ummmm, you have informed Duckie that he owns you a weekend in a 4 star
hotel, right?
>When I work at faire, thats all it is, work. And if Im not making any
>money, frankly I have no reason to be there.
>
Yuppers. Sounds like the elf needs to play.
play, elf, play.
Arise, go forth, and party.
>
>Actually, for me, its very very easy. Dealing with *people* is hard.
>Which is why I never went into retail.
Always wise to play to your strengths. ;-)
>
>stuck with a ton of stock(buy now, buy now),
>elf.
>
>bronxelf
Do what's best for you. Take a break, and don't forget to say "hi"
occasionally.
--
Robin the Scribner
Ollie Ollie Oxenfree of Sarcastica, the BlueLightus Specialus
Member of the Media and Press, Moderate, Republican, and Union Boss
Man of Paradox