Is Being in a Rock Band a Bad Career Choice?

Sometimes I come across pretty funny things online. Last night, I stumbled upon a forum where someone was asking if it was a wise move to choose "rock star" as a career path, much like doctor or ditch digger. I'm not sure you pick "rock band" or "rock star" as a career. Both are sort of the antithesis of a career. After all, most musicians say they joined bands to avoid working lame jobs in the first place! Still, to say success is less than guaranteed in the rock world is probably overstating expectations. Fact is, not very many people make enough money off music to live comfortably. Also, I think if you have to ask if it's a smart career move, music for the long haul probably isn't for you.

Let me be clear: I'm not mocking the poor 18 year old who started the thread. He even mentioned dressing up like an 80s rocker which sort of made my heart soar. Most people gave the kid some great advice: stay passionate about music, but stay in school and get a job, too. Quite frankly, I don't know what I would tell someone that came to me specifically for advice regarding a full time career in music. I'd probably tell them to go to dental school. I have said as much when people have told me they want a career in print/online/television journalism. After all, dental school is just a few years above regular college, the hours are decent and the pay is good enough to allow for multiple rock n' roll vacations.

I don't meant to sound negative here. The fact of it is, the people who make it in music break all the rules. They live on stale bread and cigarettes, put endless miles on an already worn out car and travel across the country, playing for anyone who will listen. I certainly don't have the cojones to make it as a rock star. Then again, I don't have the talent either. I guess that's why I admire my favorite musicians so much: they never asked how. They just did.