Well-thought!

I think the modern career of the musician has been slandered by stereotypes and fabrications. I work with kids in my modern music program, and for example, half of kids interested in rap or hiphop come in with the mentality that they are going to be rich or get signed by a label if they begin writing/recording music. Having the next industry hit is an attainable goal within the next few years for them, and they start to mold their ambitions and growth around that - until I have something to say about it lol.

It's important to treat music like a job/career as any other would be. It takes work, practice, knowledge in the craft and in business. No one's first goal should ever be to 'make it big'. If I could ever think of a way to shatter someones' dreams and aspirations, that would be it.

We need to change the narrative.

Work on making your first $10 off of a recorded song, performance, or music service (like mixing or mastering). That in and of itself is a road better paved to success than thinking you're going to be the next pop star.

Working in music means you will be creating the job that pays you. Relying on the horribly sub-par music industry we see today for your well-being is like saying your career is buying lottery tickets with the intent to someday be a millionaire. It's silly.

But anyway, rant over! lol.

TL;DR - Work hard and practice, be patient and realistic, and look for job opportunities, not stardom.