I got a Bachelor's in English Literature at 21, then spent ages 21-26 pursuing my love of music, which has been a lifelong passion.
I can't express how committed I was to music. I won't detail my devotion, but anyone who knows the intricacies of my life always praises me on my work ethic. Between my job and my music, I've been 'working' 50-70 hour work weeks for the last 5 years. That said, I'm not sure I can spend any more time pursuing this lifestyle because it's showing no signs of being financially rewarding.
It's very sad because I know how far I've come, and I've seen how far my devotion has got me. I don't have a music career to show for my endeavors, but I have acquired a very wide musical skillset (piano, guitar, sound design, songwriting, arranging, mixing & mastering).
It's also sad because I know if I carried on this level of devotion for another 5 years, I feel like I could be truly 'great' at my craft... But I'm 26 now, and I'm really not sure it's wise to spend 26-32 developing this 'skill set' just in the hopes that I'll finally be a 'great' musician.
I've sacrificed so much to keep my goals alive, and I'm not sure I can keep doing this anymore.
I'm just finishing up producing my own album entirely myself, and I think I could be happy just releasing it, and then moving on with my life.
I am upset, but I could accept leaving the dream behind. I have absolutely no debt, I have an okay degree, and a great part-time job that I love (swimming teacher).
So does anyone have any advice? Should I continue pursuing music? Should I look for a more reasonable career path? I am a very hard worker when I know what I want. But right now, I feel very lost.
Any advice is welcome.
Submitted April 30, 2018 at 11:41AM by HashtagHashbrowns69 https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/comments/8fzxrh/ive_chased_my_dream_for_5_years_and_it_isnt/?utm_source=ifttt