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Permalink Reply by Rebekah on August 8, 2012 at 5:58pm

I don't know how things are working in contemporary urban Mexico, but here in the US, what you're doing is fairly typical.

The present conventional wisdom is you'll have 7 careers in your life. Also, the career you end in may not exist when you're a young adult. When you finish this program, you'll be "due" for a career change, by contemporary norms.

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Permalink Reply by Netza R. on August 8, 2012 at 8:01pm

the thing is that here in Mexico there no contemporary norm, people are pretty much institutionalized. Most of them work for the same 1 or 2 companies for the rest of their lives and that´s it. And especially when it´s a family business, with other people´s expectations and all, it really takes some balls to do your own thing.. I´d say you´ve got more to gain than to lose, cause if you don´t give it a shot you may end up regretting it the rest of his life. I know because I find myself in similar situation, I´m 25, I´ve been working for over two years in a family housing business but me and my friends have been thinking of starting something we really love but it´s expensive and full of risks (a small brewery). You already have a great learning experience, starting a business, which even though you´re not too crazy about is all part of forming your character for future challenges. Go for it

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Permalink Reply by J. on August 8, 2012 at 5:58pm

If your family is supporting you and you're still able to pull your share of weight in the business, taking care of your family's food, shelter and other needs and you're still finding the time to pursue your passion, then congratulations! You've got it made!

Just make sure you remember that your family and present responsibilities are priority over your new degree, and that if you can't make the money you need as a professional audio engineer, you should return to the helm of your medical business and find a way to pursue your passion for music part time.

Congrats again!

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Permalink Reply by SteveSF on August 8, 2012 at 11:26pm

Brother,

I firmly believe that doing something that doesn't scare you isn't worth doing. I mean, if you are not pushing yourself, testing your limits, then you're just sitting still, right? Embrace the fear and go for it.

Besides, as you realize, embarking on a music career is not the most financially stable course one can choose, but you seem to be going about it in the most responsible way possible. You can still support the family business and pull you weight, and you have somewhere to go if it doesn't work out.

Imagine yourself at fifty if you never tried. It will haunt you. Plan to succeed, be willing to fail.

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Permalink Reply by Michael on August 9, 2012 at 7:32am

Hello. First, I would just like to commend you on your choice to pursue your passion, especially after stabilizing a business of your own. Not many people can do that. Also, I would like to tell you that you are definitely not alone. I did something similar once I graduated high school. I received my Bachelors in Music Education and I am currently obtaining my Masters in Music Performance (all in percussion). Although I am pursuing more of an orchestral track, I have experienced the same thoughts and fears as you.

I have seen my fair share of successes and failures in what I am trying to accomplish, and I can definitely say that experience is one of the biggest factors in the music world. Also, connections. It's not what you know, but WHO you know, that usually decides your fate (that may not sound fair, but what can you do?). It's good that you've played in bands before, and getting more education is absolutely wonderful! You just need to be as serious as you can about it. People are looking for the best of the best, and if they notice any ounce of doubt or fear in you, you won't get the job/gig.

It sounds like you have everything you need, though. You have support from your family, which will definitely make things easier. You have what seems like a steady business to fall back on if it happens to turn awry (which is more than I can say about most of the people I know in the music industry). As long as you have the courage and drive to work as hard as you can every day to gain as much knowledge about the music industry, you shouldn't have a problem. Just remember that you are not alone out there. I'm pretty sure everybody who studies music, whether it's performance, engineering, recording, is afraid of what the future holds for them. But if you know that what you're doing is something that you love, something that is your passion, and something that you WANT to do and not what you HAVE to do, then the journey will not be as bad. Hopefully everything works out for you, and I hope I've helped a bit. Be sure to keep us updated, and congrats!

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Permalink Reply by Mexwarp on August 9, 2012 at 10:57am

Well, thank you all for your comments. It´s been great to go through em and get myself focusing back on the situation, I am going to do something I always wanted with the full support of my family.

It is going to be hard work but I wouldn´t have it any other way

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Permalink Reply by Freddy on August 11, 2012 at 1:51pm

Since your family is pitching in and all your priorities are covered, I'd say go for it. Major life decisions don't always come easy, but you should follow your passions.

On a different note, I'll be off to college soon, and I'm thinking about business administration. Can you tell me some things about the classes, why you chose it, etc? It'd be greatly appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Mexwarp on August 13, 2012 at 12:02pm

Hey there man, thanks for your advice, I will make sure to keeo you all updated, specially as courses start next week, I´m excited!

So, about the career advice, I will tell you how things went for me, take in account that I am in Mexico, the labor market is completely different from the US and probably the courses will be very differente, but, for what it´s worth:

Back when I decided on my career I was very confused, I was actually 17 years old when I decided to study Business Admin. (Which I think was a major mistake, you don´r really know jack about life at 17, how are you going to choose a career) But anyway, I favored it because it presented a very wide spectrum of possibilities, since you didn´t specialize JUST in marketing, finance, etc. you studied a little bit of everything.

This is actually good while you are studying, since you see a little bit of everything, and it can prepare you if you ever decide to start your own business and have to wear many hats.....but....

Jobs for Business Administrators suck (again...in Mexico). You dont specialize so you dont really become an expert in anything, and from what I´ve seen, there are better jobs for more specialized studies.

I went to 2 post grad finance courses and was able to get some decent jobs before I took the family business, but this "jack of all trades, master of none" is a factor I would seriously take into account,

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Permalink Reply by Eliabe Vidal on August 11, 2012 at 2:14pm

Well, money comes and goes and you'll never know if you don't try, so I'd say, go for it, especially seeing that it is something you're passionate about. Fear can be pretty tricky and confusing; it can make you feel guilty if you listen to it.

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