Thoughts? Comments?
Q: I would like to have a job and do recording as a hobby and possibly make money doing it on weekends. Is there a balance between these two worlds?
A: Sure, you can do that. Lots of people do that. Recording is great fun. As long as you're single, it's pretty easy to maintain a 'normal' career, music and home recording, and have a great time doing it. As far as money making potential, well, it's 'possible',... it's not impossible, but how much money you can make would depend on a lot of things.
I, personally, don't think of music or recording as a money making venture at all, just the opposite, it's a very, very expensive, very worthwhile hobby, to which by now, I've dumped tens of thousands of dollars into, I'm sure. I haven't stopped to count.
Also, being in the recording industry is fine for some people, and there are jobs out there, but money making potential might not be too great, at that. I think, that unless you're considered a top engineer, or recording top talent, the money you'd make on average might not be that high. Lots of people work in the entertainment business for free, just trying to get a break.
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Q: I imagine that It would be difficult to maintain a day job, a recording career, a wife, etc.
A: Well Spunky, you really sounded like you had it all goin on, until you got to "a wife, etc." Why'd you have to go & ruin a perfect plan? HAHA. The "wife", whoever the lucky girl may be, will have to be understanding about your musical aspirations.
If she's really not behind you, that you want to play & record, then eventually something will give... either the marriage or the music hobby/career.
That's just life, man, so be prepared to have some women you may meet be basically against the whole music and jamming thing. They may give you all sorts of reasons, or head trips why they don't like your jamming, or want you to play, but it all adds up to one thing, no two: 1) women like this are insecure, and 2) women like this are attention whores... Actually, those 2 things are the same thing. Basically, any girlfriend, fiancee or wife that doesn't accept that you'll spend lot's of time and money on this music/recording thing, will be incompatible. Ok? Don't say I didn't 'tell you so'. I'm twice your age, I know, accept this at face value.
Find a wife who's supportive of your musical/creative side, and you'll do ok. Find one who can play drums and sing at the same time in harmony, and you'll be even better!
Now, ..."a wife, etc.",... the "etc" part is "kids". Once you have kids, it's a lot harder to maintain an active role in music/performing/recording, but... it's do-able. It's very do-able.
FYI: I was faced with the same questions, a long time ago. I'm 39, almost 40. I opted to go with the 'straight' and solid career choice, and never regretted it.
I started playing when I was 13. I bought my first 'nice' guitar when I was 21. Since then, I've accumulated an awesome home studio, full of great stuff.
When I was single, I was in bands, and we played out. I was recording people as a 'budget' independent producer... trust me, there's no money in that. I did it just for fun, in the long run, I did recording projects for people 'gratis'... that means 'free'.
After kids popped up, it was a little harder to maintain a manic pace, I stopped playing in bands or playing out, but I've continued playing and home recording the whole time. I'm the most jammin' dad on the block, and certainly the biggest 'recording mogul' on the block! Haha.
Yes, it can be done, but it takes desire to follow your dreams, an understanding mate, and money. Find a well paying career or trade, outside the recording industry, and you'll probably do much better, than trying to make a living in the music/recording industry.
I feel I did just that. I have a good job, and I've always had money to spend on my musical and recording stuff. I've never regretted having a great, steady job. 19 years at the same place, as a friggin' computer repair/support engineer, and sure, a normal job and life takes time away from music/recording and art, but it also helps you get to where you're going, in life.
PS, go ahead & smoke as much pot as you want, as you possibly can, but stay away from most of that other shit that's out there.
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) Whether Im gigging or recording .. nothing happens before noon or 1-2pm and then goes till the early morning hours. That being the case, theres all morning to spend with my prettier half. Kids are a dif story. I havent figured out how thats gonna work. Thing is Sjoko, you gotta take 1 day a week off....7 days a week???