The Impacts of Career Uncertainty on Contingent Workers: The Case of Freelance Jazz Musicians in NC (2008)

Undergraduates: Jacob Rosch, none none none

Faculty Advisor: Peggy Thoits
Department: Sociology

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This paper explores how freelance jazz musicians cope with uncertainty in their careers. 15 musicians were interviewed regarding the problematic aspects of uncertainty, coping responses, and thoughts about the future. My findings suggest that uncertainty is not viewed as a stressor, and that unpredictability does not impede coping. However, musicians expressed serious difficulty thinking about the future, and expressed frustration with their lack of creative control. Many coped by adopting what I call a “sideman mentality” redefining their expectations for artistic control.