Hobby v Career

On your musical journey your dedication to your craft will often be challenged.

So many things can get in the way of you making music. A lack of money, time, energy, or knowledge is the most common obstacle we face, but a lack of confidence can be just as powerful.

What, then, is the single most important question to ask yourself?

In my opinion, it's...

Is music my hobby, or is it my career?

Knowing your answer to this will define how you approach the challenges that come your way.

To be clear, there is no right answer to this question. There is also no wrong answer. There is only your answer, and that's what we're looking to find.

Let's start by breaking down the difference...

A hobby is an activity done for its own sake, something we do for fun, enjoyment, or fulfillment. Having hobbies is incredibly important to developing a solid balance between work and play. It's a great way to make the beautiful little moments we look forward to in life.

A career is a profession, a source of financial stability, and a long-term investment. It requires a level of focus and intention beyond the scope of a hobby. A career is monetizing your skillset and marketing your value.

So how do you know what music is to you?

Well, if you love music but don't want to bring the stress of money into it, keeping it a hobby is an excellent choice. Music will always be with you, and the community you'll find around it is filled with amazing people. You don't need to make money from music to enjoy a creative and fun life. You'll just need to find a way to survive elsewhere.

Meanwhile, turning your passion for music into a career involves transforming your approach. You need to be consistent, knowledgeable, dedicated, and purposeful. It means taking your relationship with music and turning it into a business.

Deciding to build a music career can be revolutionary and can lead to a potentially brilliant lifestyle in which the core of your work is your play. However, it's far from easy. Luckily, you're not alone.

Forever Current is always developing new ways for the independent artist to thrive in today's industry. One of the most accessible options we offer is the Label Release Checklist workbook. It walks you through the entire song release process, from writing to promoting, giving you the resources and insight you need to be successful.

You can find more info here: https://www.labelreleasechecklist.com

Regardless of whether music is your hobby or future career, answering the question above has many benefits.

While it can be uncomfortable, thinking about your relationship with music can optimize your resource management, reinforce your dedication, create a sense of emotional security, and provide you with clarity of purpose.

When you know why you play and write music, nothing can stop you.

Whatever path you travel, Forever Current is here with you.

Have a great week!