why you don't need a backup plan but you do need a plan

Hands up if you've ever heard these statements (or said them yourself).

'I want to be a musician but I've got to have a back up plan.'
'My son is working hard at music but he'll have to have a back up plan of course.'
'A career in music is unrealistic.'
'I'm a poor musician'
'I'm DESTINED to be a struggling musician'

WHOA WHOA WHOA. Stop right there! Lets regroup. 

I'll be honest, I've heard those statements many times.
I've had them said to me.
I may have even believed one or two in the past.

But they're not true, and here's why.

An entrepreneur, tech student or even law student's ambitions are generally met with approval from others where as artistic pursuits are often met with 'you better learn how to make a good cup of coffee if you want to go down that road'. (I cannot make an excellent cup of coffee). 

A lot of musicians are programmed from a young age that there has to be struggle, there has to be a job that you hate before ‘making it’ and that you're somehow more authentic if you are a ‘struggling’ musician.

In reality - anyone who is chasing their dreams in any oversaturated industry is going to need a plan and a strategy. We're all in the same boat.

Looking at the options.

YOU DON'T NEED A BACK UP PLAN...
...but you do need a plan which takes every part of your life into consideration - your happiness, health and finances to think of a few. 

YOU DON'T NEED A BACK UP PLAN...
...but if in effect what you want to do is run your own business, you need to learn a lot of non musical skills or have the resources to hire those that do. (I'm talking marketing, tax, design, etc). 

YOU DON'T NEED A BACK UP PLAN...
...because there are a lot of paths you can go down as a singer/songwriter/instrumentalist. I've had the pleasure of working as a full time musician in Japan and have friends that are doing the same in various parts of the world.

Other paths include playing in a tribute band (some of these gigs are seriously cool), working as a session musician (for other original musicians or companies), producing or engineering (freelance or at a radio station). These are all very real, very attainable jobs. 

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I hope at the very least I've given you a couple of things to consider when thinking about your musical future.

​Let me know what you think below! 

Keep dreaming, working hard to reach your goals and enjoying life.
​
Holly
​xoxo