I don't know how or when, but some time ago I realized that I fundamentally lack the willpower and capacity for cold-calling venues needed to make a living as a modern musician, and that my life would be much easier and happier if I gave up any goals of getting a livable amount of money for making music. So far, so good.

I know people who make a living off of music (and one or two side jobs) - I generally feel that I am as capable a musician as them, but they are actually willing to spend huge amounts of time networking, cultivating a social media presence, living in New York - all deeply upsetting activities to me.

I have a full time job teaching kids - music, among other things. I make decent money. I have a room of my own just for working on music, and every day from about 4 PM onwards, that is most of what I do. I don't have to worry about booking shows, getting followers, or even putting out new songs. Nobody is really expecting anything new from me, and I can just work on making the best music I can - quietly and for myself, until I'm convinced it's worth sharing.

I would not have the luxury of enjoying making music if it were my primary source of income. Maybe someday if I decide I never want kids or a sense of security, I'll give it a shot. Till then I'm okay as things are.