Recently I have been asked this question for two reasons:
- I write to make money.
- I play music to make money.
So… I make money for
playing.
Sounds silly right? But is it that silly? Should I have to suffer at my work to have it considered a “real” job? No, certainly not. Why is it that when someone says “why don't get a real job?” they often mean that you should go find steady work that pays in paychecks and schedules? I'm not knocking this type of job in the least bit, because that is how most people get by. But, what I can't understand is how western society paints the illusionary picture of an “American dream” while people are attempting to crush the dreams of those who follow them.
When a child dreams of becoming a doctor, we as a society support this child as strongly as possible. On the contrary, when a child says, “I want to be a baseball player!” we smile and say “that's great” all the while feeling the child will realize as he or she ages that this is not realistic. Why not? Why is it that we cannot grasp the very same concept our nation promotes? We try to direct children and teens to become professionals in something that will pay, not something they will enjoy. So, parents would rather see their strapping young lad become a lawyer rather than a rock star, or on a more realistic level, a professional musician. What many people do not understand is the number of paths there are available in pursuing something artistic or creative.
The minute many people hear that I'm writing to make money, the reaction is, “I hope he knows he's gonna have to put forth a lot of effort just to make a buck.” Well … if I'm pursuing something, don't you think that would've crossed my mind?
My point is this: there is no such thing as a “real job”, at least on most levels. Granted, if I were sitting around all day waiting for someone to call and ask me to write or play drums for them, then there might be an argument against trying to exist in this fashion. But, if you are actively trying to pursue a career in writing, music, art, or anything else creative, do not by any means allow people to tell you to “get a real job.” You do not have to suffer doing something you hate to have a reputable job.
Pursue the work you wish to pursue, and in the mean time don't let people criticize you for taking the right steps (however awkward they may be) toward making a living at what you love doing. A real job is relative to the worker.
