This is what as known as "scope creep" -- simply put, when your scope of work is slowly expanded by your employer or customer incrementally, but without an increase in pay. In some cases, this is a conscious and deliberate attempt to add more value to their expenditure without adding additional cost. It's an unscrupulous and unfair business practice that is increasingly becoming the norm. Stop it, ya cheap bastards --- you know who you are!
I've worked in the corporate world -- I've seen it happen a lot there. But, I see it in music productions, too. In fact, I'm living it right now. I get hired to play the guitar. But, I also sing well. And I know how to run a band, as well as play other instruments, although I don't really advertise any of that, unless I'm specifically asked. It's hard to be in a production for any period of time without that sort of thing getting out, though. If you are also a singer, though, sometimes you open your mouth long enough for something musical to come out.
Try to avoid that at all costs.
Unless, of course, you want scope creep to...[ahem]...creep (sorry!) into your work. Now, I'm stuck singing backing vocals on half the show (for no additional pay, natch). Then it's "Oh hey, I figured you wouldn't mind singing lead on this song..."
[Me] "Um....ok..."
"Hey, that sounds great, here's 2 more for you to sing lead on..."
[Me] "Um....ok..."
More pay? Nope. Now, of course, I could say something to the effect of, "Ya know, you're really only paying me to play the guitar, ya cheap bastard!"....There's one problem with that, though: will they remember that the next time they hire a guitarist -- are you someone that provides more value to the client??? Maybe, maybe not. Are you willing to take the risk and lose a plum gig for your principles?
Principles, schminciples -- I gotta eat!
"Hey, since you know this material better than anyone on the gig, can you be Associate Musical Director?"...that means when anyone else in the cast has questions about the arrangements or the new key or whatever, they can come to me and ask for clarification, etc.
More pay?
Ohhhhhhhh, I think we both know the answer to that....
Double edged sword, as I see it. You are performing in a band setting so it is reasonable to ask you to add to the performance in any ways you can as a musician. Do the members of a 4 piece band playing bars parse out exact contributions and adjust the split accordingly? Not bloody likely. I realize that you are more of a 'hired gun' so in that respect I agree that your contributions should be negotiated when you get the gig, and for best effect your resume should include all of your talents. This way you can be up front about what you can add to the performances, let them decide your role, and negotiate your compensation accordingly. This way you can then tell them to pound sand when they try to add to your work load.
ReplyDeleteAs for taking on non-musical tasks, that is the other side of the coin. Unless those skills were on your resume and discussed prior to hiring, I would tell them that it is outside the scope of your job description. But, if you chose to list them on your resume then they are fair game in the negotiations. Most jobs are not run by job-shop piece part pricing. (snark)Do you want to get paid by the note? (/end snark) That could work against you.
In my case in my job I stress my versatility as one of my core strengths, so I expect that I will be asked to take on more diverse tasks when needed. My outlook is that I get paid by the hour, so while I may prefer to do x, if asked to do y I jump at the opportunity to grow professionally as well as add to my resume.
Just my .02
335clone