Why it’s smart to hold a “regular job” while pursuing your music dreams

It relieves pressure

Some people prefer to quit everything and are determined to only concentrate on their dreams until they “make it.” While that approach may be motivating in some respects, it may not be the best choice for many.

Being able to focus fully on your career in the music industry without any distractions or commitments that come from a regular job may sound like the best move in the immediate. However, the potential mental stress you may face from being constrained financially is going to set you back even further and override the mental stability you need to pursue your dreams — what could likely happen is every move you make will be about making money versus being able to do what’s actually best for your career.

Both Justice Baiden (Head of A&R, LVRN) and Jasmine Collier (Manager, Joyce Wrice) held down jobs until their careers popped. Justice worked part time at Nordstrom in the women’s shoe department to help him survive as he and his confounders were putting the blueprint for their management company together. Jasmine served tables for four years, from 2015 to 2019, and often felt frustrated that she wasn’t able to make her dream come true quicker. She often worked at restaurants and delivered food to help her make ends meet – but this was strategic. She chose these jobs because they had flexible, short hours and she could get paid quickly. This allowed her to stay afloat financially and still have time to do what she loved doing.

Use your job to close the financial gap for now. Then, take the leap when the right opportunity can satisfy (or come just as close satisfying) income requirements.

It shows you how to run (or not run) your own venture

Wherever you’re working, remember that you can learn from anything. You may not work in the industry just yet, but there are things you can pull from your full-time job that can immediately apply to your dreams.

Realize that every company you work for is a business, so take inventory of how your current company operates. What do they do right? What do they do wrong? Are there any values your company has that you’d want to apply to your own operation? Would you treat your employees differently when you get the chance? How do they generate sales and treat customers? How do they handle their marketing strategies?

If you’re having trouble with difficult customers, use that as an opportunity to practice communication and de-escalation. Also, use every interaction with your coworkers as a way to develop your networking skills – you never know if who you work with could be a helpful connection down the line.

It forces you to become disciplined

As cliche as it may be, holding a job while relentlessly pursuing your dream builds character. After work, most people may get home and only want to relax for the rest of the evening. But if you’re serious about your career, you’ll have to find ways to energize yourself even after a long day at the 9-5.

Holding down a job will force you to create and maintain a schedule, and will help you know what you say no to. You likely will have to pass on certain opportunities or even prioritize rest on some days because you need the energy to pour into your dream.

The amount of discipline and hustle you develop while doing your job and your dream at a high level will absolutely translate into the day-to-day nuances that come with living your dream. Others will be able to pick up on the amount of drive you have, which will help you build your reputation as a hard worker once you’re in the industry.

Not to mention, working a 9-5 will help you determine if you’re serious about your passion or if it’s just a hobby.