Should I Quit My Day Job?
A well-known fact is that musicians are often broke and spend thousands of dollars on gear. I can’t help but giggle when I think of my guitar-enthusiast friends who own more guitars than dishes in their cupboards. Making money with music isn’t always easy. We’re often told to dedicate ourselves entirely to our careers and forget about everything else. But is this really the best approach?
Take Care of Yourself First
The truth is musicians have needs beyond gear and guitars. That’s why it’s essential to think about the money required to meet your basic needs, as well as the time needed to hone your craft. Everyone must eat and pay rent. You don’t need to suffer to pursue what you love and grow in your career. In fact, most musicians you’ll meet have side jobs to cover their basic expenses, fund their projects, and buy their gear. You don’t need a GoFundMe campaign to live properly.
If you know how to play an instrument, take advantage of that skill and give lessons to young artists or people eager to learn. Teaching can be a lucrative part-time job. Many unions hire musicians for workshops, and schools or elderly homes are great places to start if you’re looking for extra cash.
The Cost of Making Music
Creating music can be incredibly rewarding for both the artist and the audience, but being in the music business isn’t cheap. Some people manage to record decent albums on their own with basic equipment, which might work for pop or electronic music. However, for other genres, you’ll likely need a band of live musicians, and mixing becomes more intricate with real instruments.
To be taken seriously, you need to produce music that meets industry standards. This often requires investing in professional studio recordings, which can be costly. Producers charge anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 per song. With these expenses in mind, having a steady cash flow becomes crucial. While grants are available, they’re difficult to secure and shouldn’t be your main plan for funding. Think of grants as the cherry on top of the sundae, not the sundae itself.
Your Day Job Doesn’t Define You
Many musicians see their day jobs as boring or unimportant. However, your day job doesn’t define you. Instead, think of it as the vehicle that supports your passion for music. It allows you to fund your projects and provides stability while you work toward your goals.
When Is It a Good Time to Quit?
The key is to find a job you somewhat enjoy that is flexible enough to accommodate your music career. Whether it’s going on tour or releasing an album, having a reliable source of income can make all the difference. Some musicians juggle multiple part-time jobs, which might sound complicated, but this can help you develop management skills that will benefit your career in the long run.
Personally, I balance several positions, each requiring only a few hours a week. This flexibility allows me to pursue my music while maintaining financial stability.
Final Thoughts
Take care of yourself by ensuring you have the resources and tools you need to succeed. The only time to quit your day job is when your music career can fully support you, allowing you to save for the future — not just scrape by. Keep grinding and playing. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be in a position of growth.
Singer, Songwriter Composer /MUSIC ENTREPRENEUR
Website: sarahsokal.com/