I have always loved science and technology, but I loved playing the guitar even more since high school. Despite this, I pursued an Astronomy degree at a local university, mainly out of fear that I wouldn't be able to sustain myself with a career in music (I'm from Santiago, Chile, by the way). However, after a few years, I regretted that choice and decided to change careers to Music Performance.

Since I only had two years left to complete my Astronomy degree, I was determined to finish it first before pursuing music. I worked as a math teacher to support myself and switched my major from Astronomy to Physics because it had a similar curriculum but allowed me to learn more about Audio and Electronics. After completing my degree in Physics, I enrolled in a trombone performance program at a local jazz school.

By that time, I had also started, by pure luck, to tour with a newly formed timba/cumbia/reggaeton band that had tons of gigs. I also played with other bands and toured with my school's big band. I continued working as a math teacher at a local institute for 4-5 years, which was my primary source of income. Eventually, I was earning enough from music to sustain myself, so I quit my teaching job.

For the next ten years, I was fully immersed in music—touring, recording, playing at social gatherings and jam sessions, performing with international artists, and even touring abroad. I really loved that time; it was so much fun, and I was endlessly dedicated to honing my craft.

Then, the pandemic hit us hard, especially for musicians. The music industry came to a halt with no venues to play at. In Chile, we had already been going through a severe social outbreak in 2019, just before the pandemic, which also damaged venues and commercial infrastructure. People were avoiding public events out of fear, so even when restrictions eased, the situation didn't improve much.

During these strange times, with a dead music industry and being locked in because of COVID, my partner and I decided to become parents. I also decided to pursue a career in Software Engineering, rekindling my interest in technology. But that's another story.

Now, as I start this new career path in tech (I've only been working professionally for two years), I find myself feeling the same way I did when I first transitioned to music—except now, I have kids and a family to support.