Comments

The very last comment is very well put. Beautifully said Very nicely stated. It is funny how all of those questions are always asked of us and the answers are so difficult to explain. I always have students ask me the hardest questions and I just try to answer them as best as I can. Our lives are on a day at a time basis. Sometimes things run smoothly for a few weeks, but mostly there is always some sort of chaos. Cancel these students to go to this gig, move these students to there for this and so on, it's constantly evolving. What can I do to supplement my income during spring break when all of my students are away? How many church services can I play at on Easter? Your last answer is close to a point that our conductor keeps making: music is something that brings people together. Well done! The best career one can have is the one that makes that person happy, regardless of what that career may be or how much money it brings (although, at least one must be able to afford a living).

Are you happy?

These questions are applied almost in a daily basis to any musician in the freelance world. It is a shame.
But I am Happy at what I do, believe me I left MED school for music, and will not go back to Med. No regrets!!!

Blesings to you,
Keep going!!!!!
We will back you up!!

Sincerely,

Federico.

Indeed, I'm happy with all that I do (mother, violinist, teacher, writer, editor), but it doesn't fit into a tidy package for display on "career day"! Perhaps your purpose in that career day might be to send 3 messages to the kids:

1) not all careers fit perfectly and neatly in tiny pigeon holes.

2) career success may not be measured by how much money you make but the level of your own happiness and your positive impact to other people.

3) you can't have a career and nothing else. A career that lets you balance your work, your personal well being, your family and friends etc. is to one to go for. Not many of us could honestly say we have such a career.

I think you actually played a more important role than the others on that day. Excellent work!

So true, William. If the other aspects of life aren't in balance, the "career" won't likely be as fruitful to one's self or to society.