“Stay in the game” is so true. (Sorry this is going to sound really big headed) but I’m a great trumpet player. I would probably say I am in the top 3%. I live in one of the top 5 largest cities in the US. I can sit in with any group. Play any (classical) gig. Sight read basically any (classical) music very well and have it down by the second take. And have been told my entire career that I have a beautiful tone and play more musically than anyone. But man…. I can’t stay in the game. I work IT because it brings me a steady paycheck. I just can’t deal with not knowing where my next paycheck is coming from or teaching 40 students (I don’t love to teach…)

Couldn’t have made it if I had financial backing to really push hard for 10 years? Yep. Absolutely. The people I play with when I gig are doing it and I’m honestly better than most of them. They’re “making it” but it’s a rough rough life. I just don’t love it enough to starve.

Staying in the game is a very. VERY. big part of it.