OT: Career discussion, your thoughts??

[mightyjoeyoungxnj]

Gentlemen, fellow amp whores, music bretheren,

I just wanted to through out a discussion regarding careers if anyone is interested in contributing. I'm 22 and on the verge of graduating. My degree will be in History, which I decided not to pursue after all; I'm most likely going to attend grad school for accounting.

I constantly struggle with either: Pursuing music production full time or make money in a stable field, and then build a studio. This would be for extra cash/money on the side, and who knows...maybe it would turn into something later on.

I've considered the musician route and have decided against that a while ago as a career. I love my music too much to want to subject myself to such a slimey business. I'm not saying all of it is, but I honestly would not want to be a millionaire off of music (a one in a million chance anyhow.)

My question to you gents: When deciding on a career, did you ever struggle with the fact of "selling out"? Meaning, I feel in a way by not pursuing my "dreams" per say, that I am selling out a bit. I know it's a bit of a juvenile thought, but how did you guys in the same situation come to terms with this in your everyday lives? I know I need to be realistic, but am honestly just curious how you guys feel about these types of situations.

Rant over!

-Joe

 

[Slaytallica]

I never felt I was selling out. I went the route of music for several years as a club and industry party dj. Have been very successful with it and made a lot of connections traveled to many different countries and built relationships with many many big name clients. That said the money was good but I really wanted to have something to fall back on and not having medical and dental is a bitch when your sick or have a toothache. As I got older and wanted to settle down I wanted to have something with more of a regular lifestyle to it.

As far as music production as a career, like guitarist, so called music producers are a dime a dozen. While you can probably survive with it remember that every year some new technology comes out that make the last piece of gear you bought obsolete. It's a crazy expensive field. But if you have a passion for it and your good and your prices are reasonable you're good to go.

I say your young enough to peruse your dreams as a . Go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Plus you have your education to fall back on.

 

[defpearlpilot]

I always wanted to get a good career before persuing music. The chances of making it in music were too small. And even then, you can't do it forever. Now, I have a good career and can do the music thing in my spare time.

 

[degenaro]

Gentlemen, fellow amp whores, music bretheren,

I just wanted to through out a discussion regarding careers if anyone is interested in contributing. I'm 22 and on the verge of graduating. My degree will be in History, which I decided not to pursue after all; I'm most likely going to attend grad school for accounting.

I constantly struggle with either: Pursuing music production full time or make money in a stable field, and then build a studio. This would be for extra cash/money on the side, and who knows...maybe it would turn into something later on.

I've considered the musician route and have decided against that a while ago as a career. I love my music too much to want to subject myself to such a slimey business. I'm not saying all of it is, but I honestly would not want to be a millionaire off of music (a one in a million chance anyhow.)

My question to you gents: When deciding on a career, did you ever struggle with the fact of "selling out"? Meaning, I feel in a way by not pursuing my "dreams" per say, that I am selling out a bit. I know it's a bit of a juvenile thought, but how did you guys in the same situation come to terms with this in your everyday lives? I know I need to be realistic, but am honestly just curious how you guys feel about these types of situations.

Rant over!

-Joe

Put bluntly...if you're pondering this question you have already made a decision.
I never gave it any thought and just played music for a living until I hit my 30s and needed to generate income from a different source.

Now to actually answer your question, making money in music production is just as much a long shot as making money as a musician. And it's not going to get any easier with everybody and thei brother having a home studio.
I remember over a decade ago I was considering hiring some name guys for an album, and the cost for the talent and getting them all in a room togeher at the same time and the cost of that was just way out of my league. Now since all those guys have their own studios...no problem. But I digress, short answer get a REAL career. It's really no fun having to hunt down gigs/work wih bands you wouldn't for money.

 

[bill]

I am a commercial roofing consultant and a weekend musician. I never play for money and won't take $$$ for my gigs ever. It keeps it fresh for me and takes it way far away from being work. I play lead guitar in a church band and get to play several times a week as much as three to four in some cases. Work is for money music is for the Lord. I'm not saying it's wrong to be a professional but its a life I would not want.

 

[Bob Savage]

Gentlemen, fellow amp whores, music bretheren,

I just wanted to through out a discussion regarding careers if anyone is interested in contributing. I'm 22 and on the verge of graduating. My degree will be in History, which I decided not to pursue after all; I'm most likely going to attend grad school for accounting.

I constantly struggle with either: Pursuing music production full time or make money in a stable field, and then build a studio. This would be for extra cash/money on the side, and who knows...maybe it would turn into something later on.

I've considered the musician route and have decided against that a while ago as a career. I love my music too much to want to subject myself to such a slimey business. I'm not saying all of it is, but I honestly would not want to be a millionaire off of music (a one in a million chance anyhow.)

My question to you gents: When deciding on a career, did you ever struggle with the fact of "selling out"? Meaning, I feel in a way by not pursuing my "dreams" per say, that I am selling out a bit. I know it's a bit of a juvenile thought, but how did you guys in the same situation come to terms with this in your everyday lives? I know I need to be realistic, but am honestly just curious how you guys feel about these types of situations.

Rant over!

-Joe

"Sell out" is an over used, mis-used term that people pull out of their arse whenever it's convenient.

Quite frankly, I'd love to "sell out" if it means bringing in more money.

 

[mightyjoeyoungxnj]

Thanks for the replies guys. It really helps.

By sellout, I guess I should say, "selling myself short." And yes Ed, I suppose you're right. By questioning it, then it's most likely not for me.

It's just a great fear of mine to wake up in 20 years and feel that I've missed out on something. Then again I want: security and financial stability.

I could still pursue my dream I suppose, by someday building a kickass home studio and record myself and friends bands.

Pursuing music would be a long road for me, I'm sure...And even if I had a hint of success I still wouldn't have the security I need.

Keep the stories/opinions coming guys, I enjoy hearing how you guys view the situation and music itself.

-Joe

 

[bill]

I think its very hard for a musician to stay active as a player as he becomes an adult and has a family, job etc. For me being a church musician the gig was always there and it never hurt my family. Sometimes I meet guys who used to play and they can't even hold the guitar anymore, its sad to me. Hard to make it all work but it can be done if you want it bad enough. Still playing at 57 and having a blast.

 

[Gainfreak]

Put bluntly...if you're pondering this question you have already made a decision.
I never gave it any thought and just played music for a living until I hit my 30s and needed to generate income from a different source.

Now to actually answer your question, making money in music production is just as much a long shot as making money as a musician. And it's not going to get any easier with everybody and thei brother having a home studio.
I remember over a decade ago I was considering hiring some name guys for an album, and the cost for the talent and getting them all in a room togeher at the same time and the cost of that was just way out of my league. Now since all those guys have their own studios...no problem. But I digress, short answer get a REAL career. It's really no fun having to hunt down gigs/work wih bands you wouldn't for money.

agree 100%
all of the guys who I know who have made it in music never gave it a second thought and just did it.

 

[moronmountain]

I totally agree that if you're asking the question then forget about it. Joan Jett once said to a buddy of mine, "Craig if you're gonna play rock and roll, you gotta live it and breath it." If you're already thinking at the tender age of 22 you need a responsible career, then you shouldn't consider pursuing music as a full time thing. I made a turn towards the career thing at about 27 and although I feel like I may have missed out on some things music-wise I'm gald I did. I don't think I would've made it to my late 30's without ending up a wreck if I had kept going the way I was. My local mentor did nothing but music until he was about 40 and now I see a 52 year old man with a ton of regrets. I have regrets too I suppose, but not as many as he does.

 

[defpearlpilot]

I could still pursue my dream I suppose, by someday building a kickass home studio and record myself and friends bands.
-Joe

As an aside, I'm pretty much convinced that I have the best wife ever. Right now, I have a pretty decent recording rig that has gotten killer results. I brought up the idea that I will eventually want to upgrade to a Pro Tools HD rig(or whatever they come out with). My wife asks me how much it will cost and she didn't even blink when I told her the price. YIPPEE!!

I definitely want to record bands later on. I had one offer already after a band heard my material. It feel through cause the band is on hiatus.

 

[Bob Savage]

As an aside, I'm pretty much convinced that I have the best wife ever. Right now, I have a pretty decent recording rig that has gotten killer results. I brought up the idea that I will eventually want to upgrade to a Pro Tools HD rig(or whatever they come out with). My wife asks me how much it will cost and she didn't even blink when I told her the price. YIPPEE!!

I might argue that you have the most dangerous wifes ever.

 

[Digital Jams]

Gentlemen, fellow amp whores, music bretheren,

I just wanted to through out a discussion regarding careers if anyone is interested in contributing. I'm 22 and on the verge of graduating. My degree will be in History, which I decided not to pursue after all; I'm most likely going to attend grad school for accounting.

I constantly struggle with either: Pursuing music production full time or make money in a stable field, and then build a studio. This would be for extra cash/money on the side, and who knows...maybe it would turn into something later on.

I've considered the musician route and have decided against that a while ago as a career. I love my music too much to want to subject myself to such a slimey business. I'm not saying all of it is, but I honestly would not want to be a millionaire off of music (a one in a million chance anyhow.)

My question to you gents: When deciding on a career, did you ever struggle with the fact of "selling out"? Meaning, I feel in a way by not pursuing my "dreams" per say, that I am selling out a bit. I know it's a bit of a juvenile thought, but how did you guys in the same situation come to terms with this in your everyday lives? I know I need to be realistic, but am honestly just curious how you guys feel about these types of situations.

Rant over!

-Joe

Put bluntly...if you're pondering this question you have already made a decision.
I never gave it any thought and just played music for a living until I hit my 30s and needed to generate income from a different source.

Now to actually answer your question, making money in music production is just as much a long shot as making money as a musician. And it's not going to get any easier with everybody and thei brother having a home studio.
I remember over a decade ago I was considering hiring some name guys for an album, and the cost for the talent and getting them all in a room togeher at the same time and the cost of that was just way out of my league. Now since all those guys have their own studios...no problem. But I digress, short answer get a REAL career. It's really no fun having to hunt down gigs/work wih bands you wouldn't for money.

I would have to go with this guys response due to his resume.

 

[degenaro]

Thanks for the replies guys. It really helps.

By sellout, I guess I should say, "selling myself short." And yes Ed, I suppose you're right. By questioning it, then it's most likely not for me.

It's just a great fear of mine to wake up in 20 years and feel that I've missed out on something. Then again I want: security and financial stability.

I could still pursue my dream I suppose, by someday building a kickass home studio and record myself and friends bands.

Pursuing music would be a long road for me, I'm sure...And even if I had a hint of success I still wouldn't have the security I need.

Keep the stories/opinions coming guys, I enjoy hearing how you guys view the situation and music itself.

-Joe

Like I said if you're worried at your age about stability then this industry is so not for you. I did my first tour at 18. First major label deal at 19, moved to the US from Europe at 23 with a very limyed ability to speak English. Got signed to another major label at 23, rehab at 26, etc...being 43 and looking back at the last twenty som years...would I do it again? Fuck yeah, but there are many boneheaded decisions I made I wouldn't want to repeat.

As for regrets, can't really I have too many since any bad decisio I made...well I made those myself. Bitter that I haven't made it? Not at all actually. Now that I'm an amateur that has a day gig I get to play with as hip a player as I can afford.

 

[Digital Jams]

Gentlemen, fellow amp whores, music bretheren,

I just wanted to through out a discussion regarding careers if anyone is interested in contributing. I'm 22 and on the verge of graduating. My degree will be in History, which I decided not to pursue after all; I'm most likely going to attend grad school for accounting.

I constantly struggle with either: Pursuing music production full time or make money in a stable field, and then build a studio. This would be for extra cash/money on the side, and who knows...maybe it would turn into something later on.

I've considered the musician route and have decided against that a while ago as a career. I love my music too much to want to subject myself to such a slimey business. I'm not saying all of it is, but I honestly would not want to be a millionaire off of music (a one in a million chance anyhow.)

My question to you gents: When deciding on a career, did you ever struggle with the fact of "selling out"? Meaning, I feel in a way by not pursuing my "dreams" per say, that I am selling out a bit. I know it's a bit of a juvenile thought, but how did you guys in the same situation come to terms with this in your everyday lives? I know I need to be realistic, but am honestly just curious how you guys feel about these types of situations.

Rant over!

-Joe

"Sell out" is an over used, mis-used term that people pull out of their arse whenever it's convenient.

Quite frankly, I'd love to "sell out" if it means bringing in more money.

I also subscribe to this statement and while trying to redo the home I would love to sell out some more.........................

 

[defpearlpilot]

As an aside, I'm pretty much convinced that I have the best wife ever. Right now, I have a pretty decent recording rig that has gotten killer results. I brought up the idea that I will eventually want to upgrade to a Pro Tools HD rig(or whatever they come out with). My wife asks me how much it will cost and she didn't even blink when I told her the price. YIPPEE!!

I might argue that you have the most dangerous wifes ever.

I refuse to believe this!

 

[gybe!]

While money does not equal happiness it does equal freedom. I am 25, have about a year left before I finish my Ph.D here at Cornell (in chemistry), and am contemplating going to law school for patent law (or tagging on to a firm after graduation so they pay for my law education, a pretty common thing to do for people in my situation). The way I see it, chemistry (or history or an MBA in your case) is not really my first love but if it puts me in a position to do the things I want to do (by way of money) then I am content doing it. The likelihood that I would make enough as a producer or engineer to support myself and my family and still be able to do the things outside of music that I love to do are verrry slim, hence why I didn`t pursue them. I know you see getting your MBA as selling out right now, but think a bit further down the road than a couple of years. What happens when you are a struggiling producer (which can be a very fun lifestyle) and your priorities shift? What happens when you want to start a family? What happens when you want to go take a tour of Europe (and not stay in youth hostels)? What happens when you want to get a place nicer than a shoebox apartment? etc...

I am not saying you can`t make a living being a producer, or that you shouldn`t neccessarily pursue it, just to think a little further than the next few years. I chose to compromise and do something that will give me the ability(aka money) to pursue my passions on my time. I am in a band again and once I am making better money (that is, out of grad school) I fully intend to make a nice home studio big enough for a band to record in. I won`t be doing it 24/7, but I also will be eating things other than Ramen and going to Hawaii at every opprotunity. Its a compromise, but one I am more than happy with.

 

[gravfed]

While money does not equal happiness it does equal freedom. I am 25, have about a year left before I finish my Ph.D here at Cornell (in chemistry), and am contemplating going to law school for patent law (or tagging on to a firm after graduation so they pay for my law education, a pretty common thing to do for people in my situation). The way I see it, chemistry (or history or an MBA in your case) is not really my first love but if it puts me in a position to do the things I want to do (by way of money) then I am content doing it. The likelihood that I would make enough as a producer or engineer to support myself and my family and still be able to do the things outside of music that I love to do are verrry slim, hence why I didn`t pursue them. I know you see getting your MBA as selling out right now, but think a bit further down the road than a couple of years. What happens when you are a struggiling producer (which can be a very fun lifestyle) and your priorities shift? What happens when you want to start a family? What happens when you want to go take a tour of Europe (and not stay in youth hostels)? What happens when you want to get a place nicer than a shoebox apartment? etc...

I am not saying you can`t make a living being a producer, or that you shouldn`t neccessarily pursue it, just to think a little further than the next few years. I chose to compromise and do something that will give me the ability(aka money) to pursue my passions on my time. I am in a band again and once I am making better money (that is, out of grad school) I fully intend to make a nice home studio big enough for a band to record in. I won`t be doing it 24/7, but I also will be eating things other than Ramen and going to Hawaii at every opprotunity. Its a compromise, but one I am more than happy with.

I'm in pretty much the same situation. I'm 24 and have months left on my Masters in Geophysics and have a job lined up where the company will pay for me to finish off my MBA which I started a few years ago. I couldn't agree more with what Gybe! said. You have still have a lot of the music benefits, but also have a good job to support the habit. Good luck with the decisions!

Edit: PS--gybe!, I know you said you're Chem, but do you have any affiliations with the Planetary/Space Science department at Cornell? I have some friends who go there.

 

[LedZep77]

I'm most likely going to attend grad school for accounting.

Good move

I'll be taking the CPA Exam this summer

 

[mightyjoeyoungxnj]

Thanks so much for the personal replies guys, it's really what I needed.

I'm still not 100% in my decision. I am a confused youth, that's for sure. I just want to find something that I'm passionate about. Something that means something, something I can be proud of.

To you musicians, mainly Ed in this thread, who have pursued music this long...I commend you! It seems like a tough road for sure, just to do what you really love doing. I wish I could be that strong and just say FUCK IT, and just do it.

I am trying to think years ahead, and where I will be...what I will be doing, where I will be working, if I will have a wife. It's all relative, and it's better that I set things straight now, than try to make things right when I have no direction when I'm older.

And to the two dudes hat posted above me, I envy you equally! If I could go back 4-5 years, I would TOTALLY major in engineering and/or a technical field. I would absoIutelty love a field like that. I still have pipe dreams of being an environmental engineer, and dealing with renewable energy as my profession. I'd love to make a difference that way. slacked off majorly my last 1 1/2 years of high school and regret it greatly. At the time I didn't give a fuck, and paid no attention to school and barely applied to any colleges. Meanwhile previously I was a very good student. Oh the woes of being young and stupid!

Phew...It's amazing how much I have to say after work, and after quite a few glasses of wine.

Thanks so much to those that reply, and I look forward to more responses. There really isn't a better way to answer a question like this, than from you folks.

Peace,

-Joe