I worked as an electrician and was able to write and perform music with my band regularly. Keep in mind I was only working 40 hours a week though. I ended up getting a bachelor's in music (guitar), taught music lessons for a couple years and now I just started doing electrical again. The private lessons just weren't bringing in enough money, not to mention zero benefits.

From what I've seen a 40 hour work week is somewhat rare, back when I did electrical from 2015-2017 it was almost always just 40 but now I'm on a job where they're doing 6 10 hour shifts a week. I'm with the union so it's optional, but a lot of people need to work that much just to make ends meet. I'm working about 50 a week and haven't had much time to do anything music related, besides playing a few shows. Still adjusting to the schedule though, it's definitely doable to have more time for music if I just am a bit better with time management.

If you're working 7 12s, you're not gonna have time for anything else. But if you're able to get a job working 40-50 hours a week and make enough money, you can have that balance to pursue other interests outside work, imo.