I need some job advice. Right now, I’m working your basic nine-to-five. I do data entry and some administrative stuff for a nonprofit. It’s okay. I mean, the pay’s enough to keep me going, but I feel like I’m in a rut. I’ve been in the position for three years, and although I have my bachelor’s, I don’t think there’s any rung to climb to speak of. Not unless I get a master’s or…I dunno.
My true passion is music. I’ve been writing songs and setting them to rhythm since my teens. I’ve played in garage bands, I’ve been in a wedding band (still am), and I’ve even gotten some of my shit on TV for local ads. I’ve also recorded videos of my own songs and put them up on YouTube. Those are all just me and a guitar, but I can also play the piano, the electric guitar, the bass, and the drums.
I guess what I’m asking is whether or not I should quit my job and devote all my time and attention to making it in the music business. Maybe I just need the pressure of having to make things work in order to force myself to get to the next level. I feel like if I wasn’t going into work every day for ten hours (commuting and lunch, etc.) then I’d not only have more time, I’d have more energy. Sometimes, I’m just really fucking drained.
I’m twenty-seven, by the way. Closing in on thirty. I don’t have a wife or a girlfriend. No kids. So, I don’t have to worryabout my decisions impacting anyone else. I’m just worried that sometime in the future, I may regret not having given it my all.
Sincerely,
Wanting to Fly
V:Keep your day job. Straight up.
Mary:*shakes her head* V, I’m not disagreeing with you. But don’t you think that’s a little harsh?
V:*lights up* Here’s the bottom line. I’m not saying you can’t make it in the music industry. But you didn’t tell us about your family. Do you come from a shit ton of money? Because if you think that you’re stressed and distracted now, how are you going to feel when you run out of whatever savings you have, your rent is overdue, and you’re thinking about selling your car to feed yourself?
Mary:I believe what Vishous is trying to say *gives him a meaningful look* is that you can follow your dream, but do it in a way that keeps you financially stable—which it sounds like you are?
V:Also, define “making it.” Do you think you’re going to be the next Springsteen or something with your guitar? Those kinds of artists come along once or twice in a generation. You’re probably not that—
Mary:Okaaaaaaaaaay, let’s not make any harsh judgments here.
V:Am I wrong, though? The number of people who make it big are infinitesimal. I’m not saying the music isn’t worth it to him. That he isn’t personally fulfilled or excited by what he does. My advice is keep the job, enter some contests (AGT,American Idol,The Voice, local music festival concerts, etc.) and continue to put your shit on YouTube. Then, do research into who’s buying what. Send recordings in to them. Keep putting yourself out there. Don’t give up—but also don’t screw yourself by giving up your income stream. If you’re going after your dream, be realistic.
Mary:*blinks* That’s actually good advice.
V:*curses* When are you going to realize I’m good at this?
Mary:Your delivery sucks.
V:Why does everybody say that?
Mary:Because it’s true. And Wanting to Fly, V is spot-on. You didn’t mention what genre you focus on. If it’s C&W, isn’t Nashville the hub? Go there. Is there a place where rock is focused? NYC, maybe? Go there. Network with fellow musicians. Key your ear to the ground for trends and information and inside gossip that you can use to your advantage.
V:I know the day job is a grind and probably boring. But if you want the dream enough, you’ve got to be willing to sacrifice. And sometimes sacrifice comes in the form of endurance.
Mary:And remember why you’re singing and writing songs in the first place. It must make you happy. It must feed your soul. You don’t need the whole world and financial success and fame to validate that very private happiness.
V:Agreed. I’m sure you feel like you have something to say to the world, and maybe you do. Just keep saying it and let the Fates take it where they do. Maybe you are the next Springsteen, who knows? Just don’t make it harder on yourself than you have to, true.
Mary:*nods* When in doubt, believe in yourself. And remember that even if you only touch one other soul, that’s more than enough.
V:Yeah. Too bad you’re not a rapper. I’d ask for a recording. Soulful, folksy, earnest shit gives me a goddamn rash—
Mary:*puts head in hands* So close. You were so close.
V:Well, it does.
Mary:But you don’t need to say that to him.
V:He wrote to me. *exhales* By now, people should know who they’re talking to. If they don’t, they got bigger problems than whatever the hell they’re writing in about.
Mary:*sighs* Well, on that note. Best of luck and let us know how it goes! I happen to love a good soulful singer.
V:Of course, you do. *rolls eyes* then *winks at Mary* Until next month.
Mary:Take care!
