Foreword to why I quit music
How it started: When I got into music, it was the only career path that I could envision. Right after finishing school, I struggled with the idea of conforming to a typical 9-to-5 job and becoming a slave to selling my time instead of working by building something. This decision was not about choosing an easier path; rather, it was about understanding that following a career path devoid of desire is far more difficult than pursuing something challenging yet fulfilling.
I made money mainly through teaching but on the side I also plugged songs, and worked in publishing, while building my own songs as a songwriter.
If I wanted to just make music, I would have continued it as a hobby. But it was more than that, which made me willing to learn and get involved with the less glamorous aspects as well. This was not about succeeding for a short time, but it was about making this career sustainable, so I learned about the business aspects.
Many musicians prefer to focus solely on their art, avoiding the business side. That’s not wrong, but riskier, it’s operating on luck and hope. Perhaps I also did go this route because I began with no network at all.
Why I Quit Music
Toxic Environment That Led Me to Quit Music
One of the major reasons I decided to quit music was the environment itself. While the industry is filled with wonderful, talented individuals, it also has its fair share of drama. There was often no middle ground; people were either on the incredibly kind and super vulnerable or manipulative and toxic side. It’s okay if challenges come and go that’s normal in life, but the never ending extremes were too much.
There was much gossip, disrespect, childish and unethical noise. I did question whether it was because of something I do. While we all make mistakes, on average most individuals I talked to were not spared from similar experiences. In fact, I can’t think of anyone. It’s the nature of the industry which attracts more narcissistic people because of it’s connection to fame, recognition and image. This is a topic that still comes up in conversations with other experienced musicians.
So it’s important to have boundaries and be assertive if needed. If there’s one thing I wish were different, it’s this part.
People also often have to learn as they go, which often leads to a less professional environment.
What’s the right answer then? Quit or keep going?
For anyone asking themselves, “Should I quit music?” it’s a deeply personal decision. I’m glad that I followed the advice of many mentors and allowed myself to make risky decisions within my 20s. They used to say in your 20s it’s about experience, get as much of it as you can and build on it in your 30s.
In the beginning, I did quite a lot of unpaid work for people who had more experience than me. I wanted to understand the perspectives and challenges of those I wanted to work with, so I could connect with them better and make valuable offers.
The growth that came from those experiences has been immense, but it was time to move toward a path more aligned with my values.
Coincidentally, I watched an interview with the Korean actor Daniel Henney recently, where he mentioned that he started writing scripts because he didn’t like waiting for callbacks after auditions. It’s similar in music, that part resonated with me too.
Inflexible monetary system
The monetary system was less of a reason, that made me step back BUT I can’t lie, the financial opportunities in marketing are much more lucrative.
The financial structure in the music industry is unique, and most people probably never heard of a system like that. You have limited control over the price of what you sell. Many people have power over you, without you ever handing your power over.
I don’t believe in trading time for money. While there are ways to overcome this in music, the options aren’t as strong as other fields. That said, I’m still incredibly grateful that I pursued it.
Other Industries Move Much Faster
Of course, working in marketing isn’t without its challenges. I have to always stay on top of complex projects. When taking over new ones that have escalated under previous management, the de-escalation can be tough. However the industry I’m in right now is built different, there’s good balance and the drama is not the same as to what I’ve experienced in music, it’s more professional. I enjoy working with like-minded and hungry people. The camaraderie and shared goals make my work enjoyable and fulfilling.
In contrast, music often made it difficult to escape the sense of isolation, even though I’m someone who is very comfortable being alone.
Additionally, while certain income in music requires an extraordinary amount of time to become substantial—some say it can take 10 to 15 years—in many other industries, like marketing, progress happens much more quickly. Depending on what you do, it’s possible to achieve significant milestones in just one or two years. That too, I willingly sacrificed, but the sacrifice wanted more sacrifice, if you don’t have boundaries it will take it all and leave you in void of everything.
Conclusion
Seeing the peace that comes with this new journey, I can confidently say that I’ve found other ways to still enjoy my connection to music. Quitting work in the industry doesn’t mean, I’ve quit music entirely, I just knew it was time to move on. Sometimes, you have to let go of something great to make room for something even greater. However, this doesn’t mean I’ll stay here forever—I’ll continue to follow where success and desire leads me.
Marketing is also a powerful skill to learn. Many people and companies have great products or services, but it’s often effective marketing that sets successful ones apart. Take McDonald’s, for example. Despite offering unhealthy food, it enjoyed much global success because of its brilliant marketing strategies. Similarly, in music, some artists succeed more due to their marketing, not necessarily the quality of their music.
So I feel like I’ve gained a powerful new skill, and it’s interesting to see where this new path in marketing takes me every day.
