I didn't follow my dreams, what should I do?

<p>Ever sense I was 9 years old I wanted to be a musician. I wrote a lot of songs, practiced guitar, and studied music. When I was 14, I was very good at guitar for my age. I played in a talent show, I was in jazzband, and this one musician, who would play for Bob Dylan before shows, encouraged me to pursue it. But when I was 16, I started to have personal problems, and I practiced less and dropped out of jazzbanad. 17 years old, I got my grades back up, and was getting straight As and was in advanced placement, and was doing better personally, but I wasn’t playing music. After high school, I practiced a lot and got more or less to the skill level I was when I was 15.</p>

<p>Now I am 20, and I am in community college. I have about 40 credits and have a 4.0 and could get into a good college and probably have a successful career. But I feel weird, sad, and confused, because in my heart of hearts I want to be a successful musician. Sometimes I wish I would of dropped out of high school when I was 15 to pursue it honestly. I feel like I don’t want a normal life and am worried I will be miserable if I have to work in an office or for a business someday. Also, one day I am going to be dead, and I wonder if it will be worth it playing it safe.</p>

<p>I never even tried, never was in a band or uploaded any music, etc.</p>

<p>I’m really confused, what should I do? some insight would be helpful. its actually taking a toll on my personal life, i could be spending more time having fun and forming better relationships, etc. maybe i should compromise in some way, just try this summer and see if i am good enough? but that seems like it could be a waste of time.</p>

<p>i’m tired, sorry this isn’t really well written.</p>

<p>can you do both college and music? it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.</p>

<p>You have to be realistic.
You need to have a way to support yourself.
That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t have music as a hobby-a serious hobby.
Have friends who play in bands, jazz groups, community symphonies, play coffee houses BUT have full time day jobs.
They live to play their gigs but bills don’t pay themselves, so they work 9-5.
Practice, get your chops back but finish college and get employed.</p>

<p>My dad went to a wedding recently where the drummer in the band was the CEO of a successful local software company. Some people find a way to do a few of the things they love forever.</p>

<p>Maybe you should read this article, which basically says that you can get a nice job while still following your passion, but you should do it as a hobby, not for pay.</p>

<p>[Why</a> You Shouldn’t Follow Your Passion - On Careers (usnews.com)](<a href=“http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2013/04/17/why-you-shouldnt-follow-your-passion]Why”>http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2013/04/17/why-you-shouldnt-follow-your-passion)</p>

<p>Start recording and uploading to SoundClound and YouTube!</p>