Anyone who has a passion for something like music, writing or throwing your feces at pedestrians understands that in today’s society, it's just not practical. Why not? Take a college student for example. After their fourth and final year at school, they enter the world of reality. They’re expected to not only find a job, but a well-paying job, in the hopes of keeping a comfortable distance between themselves and their parents. In order to find this “dream job," you need to study, write papers and attend after-class sessions with boring teachers to answer the question: “What the f*ck is sociological imagination (a real class I took)?"
While you’re busy focusing on securing your future, how in the world can you find time to focus on your passion? Most artists that become overnight sensations are typically discovered, well...overnight, and at relatively young ages. They have never had to make real-life, adult decisions. Once we reach college, it becomes tough to keep our fiery passions burning (not in a sexual way, but who am I to judge?) when you’re bombarded with schoolwork and deadlines and parties that your friends drag you to.
A passion is one thing, but it’s another thing to be good. No one’s naturally amazing at what they love unless you’re Chuck Norris. Developing a talent takes time and practice, time that you just don’t have in college. What’s the other option? Oh, I know! How about drop out of school and pursue a career in music full time?
Work a little on the side but focus on your passion. Unless you get discovered or win the lottery, this is the quickest way to becoming a manager at a Starbucks. The society we have created discourages artistic integrity whether we like it or not. The people who become performers are around 1% of the people who dream of performing. This isn’t the way it should be, though. I know several kids who loved playing the guitar, writing creatively, doing standup comedy, or programming video games but set those dreams aside for “responsible” decisions for their future. What are these decisions for? To make money.
Money? MONEY!? What is money? Is money important to you? Have you dreamed of making money since a young age? If so then you’re on the right track. But for me and all the other creatives out there, money is nothing more than merely paper. Worthless paper. Most people won’t understand. Even more, people will call you crazy. But for the minute selection of people that understand where I’m coming from, don’t give up on your dream. Keep at it. Work hard, and the money will come. Don’t work for the money, work for yourself. We only get one life, why dedicate it to paper?
