Green Man on the ups and downs of work

My 'handler' at a local Christmas festival had walked me through the town before the event started to show me my two performance spots and where the procession left from. After I had performed in the procession, I moved to my 11am performance place, where I was due to do a 45 minute slot.

However a smartly dressed woman was depositing equipment in my place, and when I explained that I was due to work there, she said she was setting up her band there which was due to start after I had finished, I asked if I could have the spot before they went on and she refused, telling me that they 'always worked there' and indicated that they had done this gig for years.

I could have made a fuss. I could have gone to find my boss and asked her to sort out the situation. But I decided to let it go and to find somewhere else to work and to not make waves. I found a nearby spot, not as good as where I'd been told to go, but it sufficed. Whilst I was setting up there, the lady musician told me that I should stop doing my performance when they were playing. I told her that my stuff wasn't amplified and I did quite enjoy juggling to music... but she insisted that I should not perform whilst they were playing, so I agreed.

At the end of my show, when I could see they were setting up, I finished my act and let them play, whilst I stood with my equipment and waited in the cold. I'd have preferred to keep working, keep warm and keep entertaining the kiddies who had been enjoying my circus activities, but I did as I'd been asked.

But I was annoyed when, at the end of my second show in the same spot, they started playing before I had finished. Although I was surprised by their unprofessionalism and rudeness, I said nothing to them and just got on with moving on to my second venue for my third show. I did explain the situation to my employers at the close of the day, so that in following years these problems might be avoided (that's if I get booked!) I was not happy with my poor treatment but thought I'd dealt with the situation in a professional manner.

After the Festival had ended, I went to visit a family whom I'd made contact with on a previous visit to the area, when their teenage sons had crashed my show with their unicycling antics, and I'd 'bigged them up' and supported their skills, even getting them a hatful of donations for their spontaneous performance. I had then offered to help them develop their act, so this was the opportunity for me to tell them about insurance and Equity, advertising and agents, how to create and publicise a routine and ask for a fee, plus other information.

I was given a hot drink and some eats and made most welcome. It was very satisfying being able to pass on some tips and 'insider information' to help these talented and enthusiastic youngsters.

So my green tip of the week is a social one. Try to forgive others for their thoughtless behaviour, try to remain professional and don't let your anger spoil your day. And if you have the opportunity, help someone younger and less experienced with the skills and experience you have gained. Doing these kind of things can make you feel good and make you look good in the eyes of others. A win win win situation!