Work & LiFe Balance…

Being a full-time musician is such a strange world compared to the regular 9p-5p job. We are balancing ten-thousand hats while walking on pogo-sticks in order to make our $100/person pay. I know the recording world is especially volatile because we don’t have a good replacement for music merchandise at this point when digital streaming and the lack of CD players has taken away that extra pay from selling our music at shows.

I can safely say I’m a failed touring musician, but I can also say that I am successful in balancing touring, gigs, recording work, and teaching while also maintaining/releasing my own music, website, and maybe my sanity! There are so many aspects we need to master to be a professional musician surviving on music and I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had and continue to have.

One other thought I have that meanders through my mind is that I’m noticing some additional respect from fellow musicians that wasn’t there when I was networking and performing in my 20’s. I think the grey hair helps, but I am also confident, while being aware I still have so much to learn.

I love the journey and joy. Life is a huge improvisation session like jamming in a music group, and it is full if surprise twists and turns. All I can say is enjoy the adventure and take the hard times in stride and I think you'll be happier and fairly content. It’s ok to feel directionless at times too, so just explore how you’re feeling and try stuff out. You might find a path that gives you a renewed sense of purpose.

I’m not sure why I wanted to write down my random thoughts, but I hope they are useful and interesting to you if you are still with me here. Until next time, have a great fall week.

Michael G. Ronstadt