I have a friend who is a country singer. Even though country is not on my list of favorite music genres I recognize that my friend has what can only be called an “other worldy voice.” Seriously. She is the process of recording a new album and as a way to make money she works a fairly decent side gig (and that’s how we know each other).
I’ve asked her many questions about the music business, leveraging social media, and how does someone become famous? She was very close (and I’m convinced that she will become famous) and she had some really interesting thoughts and insights about the process. Creative contracts and lack of power as a music artist.
Every time I hear about Kesha and what is going on with her I’m taking back to the tales that my friend told me about her experience in the music industry.
Kesha
If you’re vaguely familiar with pop music you may have heard the disturbing story concerning allegations of physical abuse against the singer. What’s even more troubling is her inability to break free of contact with the person that she considers her abuser.
Why I am even writing about this on a personal finance website? Because I think that it’s very easy for people to get swayed by the “possibilities” of success, support, exposure that other people promise you.
Beware
Last year I signed a 2 year non-compete contract for a service that I no longer due. At the time that I signed that contract I was very hesitant because it would potentially block me from other opportunities that could have potentially come my way. But I signed it because I needed the money at that the time, and I wanted to ramp my business up. I actually ended up disliking the client intensely and disliking the type of work that I did for this person. Fortunately, I am no longer worried about this contract because I have no interest in doing that type of work in the future.
Still
I am increasingly troubled by how much control and access employers can have over their employees. I am unnerved by Ke$ha’s inability to actively pursue her career without the tacit approval and agreement of the person that she has alleged has abused her. Where do we draw the line?
The business you work for can:
- Test you for drugs
- Say “yes” or “no” to raises affecting your long-term earnings and savings.
- Say “yes” or “no” to time off/vacations/etc.
And this week I saw a video where a company is now implanting a chip in lieu of giving employees key cards for entering the building or making copies. Sigh.
Let’s be clear, I am not against working for businesses or other people. My point in this ramble is to always be your own best advocate. I am encouraged by artists such as: Rihanna, Prince, and Taylor Swift owning their own creative content.
When you are in the position where you’re about to sign a contract don’t just think about short term gains, think about the long-term. What if you change? What if there is a problem? How will you navigate removing yourself from that situation with dignity? Even though I specifically talked about musicians this issue is relevant to anyone who is signing a business related contract in any field.
Be aware that if you decide to question a contract you may lose the job….but, I’m sure that Ke$ha would have questioned the length of her contract if she had the possibility to do it again. Hire a lawyer who you have independently vetted. Don’t jeopardize yourself, your safety, or your career.
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I agree – it seems like in general employers have employees by the balls a lot of times (pardon mon francais). My mom, for example, has a medical condition that requires her to drink water frequently and take medicine. She works in an area where she can’t have water with her, and so she has to leave the work area to take her medication. Her boss actually reprimanded her for it and told her she can’t do that! She also asked for some time off before so she could take a college class and educate herself about computers (the poor woman is totally computer-illiterate). Her bosses response? “Yeah…that’d be nice, but you will be here.”
I can’t stand how some employers treat people like that! She has no career training aside from this and is not in a financial position to do something new. She is literally trapped. 🙁
I am absolutely appalled and shocked that she is literally being help prisoner by her work related business terms. I am just flabbergasted. It pisses me off that employers can make you feel like you’re doing something wrong when you have MEDICAL condition. WTH? I’m sure that your mom also hardly ever calls in, is on time to work, and is conscientious about being a great employee. The fact that he would talk down to her is BULLSH$T. Can you help your mom find an online computer class? Or, a website where she could learn coding on her own time. Or, start finding youtube videos that will teach your mom how to use computers. The whole thing has just enraged me.
The Kesha situation is really sad and I hope that someday she breaks free and is able to resume her career before it’s too late.
Well…it’s not looking so good. It’s just a very scary and very crappy situation.
Poor Kesha. I just hope she bounces back again because she has inspired lots of youth.
The whole thing is just so sad. Am keeping my fingers crossed for her!