Phillip Sais stands outside dueling piano bar Willy D’s on March 27. Credit: Andrew Epperson (crop photo to bring Sais in closer)

Financial support from parents is a key element of many UofA students’ educational and professional success. For one former student, a fight resulted in an introduction to self–reliance and a realization of needed frugality to make ends meet.

Phillip Sais, 21, was born in India before he was adopted by parents in Arkansas when he was 1 1/2 years old. Shortly after he began attending college, he and his parents got into an argument that resulted in an agreement that seemed simple at the time: he’d pay for his own responsibilities, including rent, utilities, food, school and lifestyle. Essentially, he was off his parents’ payroll.

An avid musician from a young age, something he picked up from his mother, Sais turned to searching for a job in one of the many scenes in Fayetteville to make ends meet. He searched “dueling piano bars” and found an establishment named Willy D’s. He was worried about potentially being turned down because his age was under the drinking limit at the time, he said. Despite his doubts, he was offered a tryout and ultimately a role as a runner and pianist.

“It was scary going around on Dickson Street and asking for a job,” Sais said. He was under the legal drinking age, and the prospect of playing music around intoxicated patrons frightened him. “It was so scary, but I did it, and I absolutely love the job.”

As Sais continued to become more comfortable to his role, a problem with his handling of student loans put him in a situation where he needed to take out more loans to pay off old ones, so he was left with no choice but to drop out of college with less than a year remaining before he’d get his degree. Still, he’s paying off student loans in an attempt to open up his budget to take on the expenses of more loans once he enrolls again.

As of March 28, Sais’ weekly schedule goes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The hourly salary for a musician in an employer listed under “Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)” on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment data was $24.09 in 2016.  (SHOW THIS TO ME) Based of his schedule, when calculated on a yearly scale, his yearly salary is around $22,548.24, which hovers around the median income for workers of much-less specialized jobs.

–Question for Epperson on the Sais graphic – bar musicians. where did you find that data?

Sais purchased a motorized scooter to get from place to place in the area, as gas prices and car insurance made it unfeasible for him to purchase a four-wheeled vehicle. He pays a “roadie fee” to his friends who have cars and can help him transfer his equipment from gig to gig.

Phillip Sais poses behind his piano at Willie D’s. Credit: Phillip Sais

During football season, business booms and Sais sees an increased number of tips. During the summer, on the other hand, the lack of students and fans coming to Dickson Street makes business a little tougher to come by. During a really tight period, Sais was forced to resort to asking his family for money, he said.

“[To stay afloat,] you have to be willing to do what it takes to make ends meet, even asking family for money sometimes,” Sais said. “The important thing is to never stop, never stop working, and make sure you’re willing to do what it takes to earn an adequate living.”

In the future, Sais plans to enroll in school again to finish his bachelors degree in music performance, he said. If everything works out economically, he will continue working at Willy D’s while attending classes.