I'm a Builder, Not a Maintenance Man

Recently, I completed my album, "In a Sentimental Mood" and it's been a bit of a journey. From the finding of the tunes, to performance, setting up the machinery for the web / social networks, to where I am now...promotion. It's exciting being the "builder", but soon, my status will change from builder to "maintenance man".

I've been down this road before, in fact, I've memorized each and every turn of this journey. From proposals, to solos, from projects, to payday, the trek is the same, it's more fun, for me, to create something out of nothing...it's the "kick" of the whole ball of wax. For many of us "builders", we love the challenge of overcoming obstacles, finding ways around difficult situations to get us to our goals, but we all come to the great bridge, going from builder to doing maintenance.

My last 9 to 5 gig was great at the beginning, the position that I held didn't exist, so I "built" it. The library needed a website, so I created something out of nothing. When an infrastructure needed to be built for a wireless network that would include staff & patron computers, as well as servers, my creative juices flowed,..and then it happened...I got bored. My job went from creating to maintaining.

All of the building was done and now my job consisted of maintaining my creation. For a builder, such as me, as well as many others, the switch in roles is difficult and can be....well....maddening!!

So, what do you do when you put on the breaks at the bridge that takes you from your city you built to the janitor's closet? Well, you can do several things.

Start by looking beyond your own creation. This world / society are ever changing and you will have to do some creative thinking to keep your project on top. For me, since my album is done, creative ways of promoting my work will engage my brain. Branch out in different directions and keep that busy little builder happy.

Look at how you can take your "baby" to the next level. When I created my position in the church (Media Director), the "kick" started to wear off when I got my first paycheck, so what did I do, I started plans on webcasting our services. Taking your project(s) to the next level will keep the builder interested.

Stop being so "hands on" with your ideas. If you're like me, you like to be in control of your creation, but it can be detrimental to the overall goal. Use that builder brain to plan out ways of getting into an administrative role. You may have to give up some control, but your baby will grow up big and strong.

What if you do all these things and you still feel like you're putting on the janitor's coveralls...well, maybe it's time to move on. There comes a time when the kid has grown up and you have to break free to start something else. In music, you can only sing a couple of songs for so long before it gets maddening...you have to add more material.

Half of your success is determining if you like to build stuff or maintain. There's nothing wrong with either role, but if your life is spent in one, when you are meant for the other, then, my friend, you'll never know true happiness in your work.

I have been known at the "Go To" Guru by many people. My skills include audio / video production, music, voice coach, media production, live webcasting, and teacher. I take a very no-nonsense, "GET REAL" approach to my crafts and one of my top goals is to take the dreams of individuals and "give it legs" by which to stand.

Robert Wimer, the "Go To" Guru
robertwimer@robertwimermusic.com
http://robertwimer.com
Phone: 816 200 7133