Laid-off data analyst lands a job in rock ‘n’ roll for the summer
Duncan MacDonell, a laid-off systems analyst, has found a summer job as a guest-services representative at the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto. After struggling to find work in his field, he decided to pursue a role in the music industry, leveraging his past experience. He will work during concerts for various artists, fulfilling a long-held passion for music while ensuring attendees have a great experience.
- ▪Duncan MacDonell is a 52-year-old laid-off systems analyst who needed a job to support his family.
- ▪He will work as a guest-services representative at the RBC Amphitheatre, earning $17.50 an hour during concerts this summer.
- ▪MacDonell has a rich history in the music industry, co-founding Wavelength Music and previously working with Sony Music Canada.
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Open this photo in gallery:Duncan MacDonell, known as 'Doc Pickles' in Toronto indie music circles, is pictured near the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto on May 7.Laura Proctor/The Globe and MailShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountDuncan MacDonell, a middle-aged, laid-off systems analyst, needed a job. Unemployment benefits are not indefinite, and he had rent and child support to pay. The personable Torontonian spent all of 2025 looking for work in his field that matched his experience, but he had yet to hear the words “you’re hired” directed at him.“You just have to keep at it and keep a good attitude,” MacDonell says over the phone. “When you have kids, there are no other options.” After months of no luck, MacDonell changed gears.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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