How I’m Overcoming a Music Career That Doesn’t Work For Me

I was living my ‘dream career’ for the past decade playing in great orchestras, teaching high level students in colleges, and a fair amount of traveling, but the true cost of this ‘dream career’ was high. I was dealing with frequent burnout, low job satisfaction, abuses of time/energy, and often low wages. I took a hard look at the relationship to my career and it was pretty toxic. 

The first wake up call was the pandemic lockdown, I didn’t touch my viola for 6 weeks…I was numb, in a state of complete exhaustion and enjoyed the forced down time. I started a doctorate and loved the change of pace, learning new skills and embracing my business interests. 

Once the lockdown ended, I was happy to play again, but the stress swiftly returned. More of my old work habits meant old injuries got worse and I developed severe auto-immune issues from the stress. 

For the first time, I had to take numerous days off from the orchestra to preserve my well-being. 

I seriously considered quitting my ‘dream career’ and saw many of my colleagues jumping to real estate, tech, and business and asked myself if I should do the same? Something had to give.

After some serious self-inquiry, I became aware of the many problems that plagued my work life. I realized I didn’t need another degree, organizational method, or self-help book, I needed to learn how to manage my career and self at a higher level…and I was well-equipped to do it. 

So I stopped reacting to everything around me and began managing my relationship to work with intention. Instead of placing work first, I began advocating for my health first.

Starting my own business came quickly after, it was an obvious choice as I had helped start three other non-profits before, but this one was different. I created a healthier business model for myself via Aspire Music Company, one that fueled my purpose, paid a livable wage, and didn’t burn me out. I took a year off from the Houston Ballet Orchestra for the first time, hired an assistant, prioritized time with family/friends, started career coaching, and developed programs that I really cared about. 

I had conversations about the corporatization of arts/academic organizations, the low job satisfaction for high level musicians, LGTBTQ+ and BIPOC issues around identity, and much about personality, purpose, and health. 

I kept asking myself…how do you manage all these complex layers? Here’s what I’ve found:

• If you put you at the center, you have energy to help others

• If you become more conscious of your unique needs and skills, you are empowered by what you can offer people

• When you start to pull the career levers intentionally, there’s a sense of traction and stability

• When musicians consciously manage their career/self, health, financial prosperity, and lasting impact are all obtainable

The traditional ‘dream career’ was toxic for me, but I became empowered as manager to craft a career around me. And now i’m paying it forward by coaching other musicians to have healthier relationships with their careers.

Have you had issues with your ‘dream career’? Are you reacting to everything around you or having trouble managing it all? 

Let’s talk about clarifying your musical identity, embracing your skills, and forging a sustainable career business model centered around you. 

Join the conversation in my online community here and schedule a free listening session with me here.