1. Music Isn’t a Hobby for Me. It’s Part of Who I Am.
I tried giving it up. Life got busy, and for a while, music had to take a backseat. But the ache that showed up when it was gone? That told me everything I needed to know.
If you’ve taken a break from music, you know that feeling—that sense that something essential is missing. That quiet grief over not expressing this part of yourself.
Getting back to music didn’t just feel good. It felt like coming home.
And over time, I’ve learned that I need to check in with myself often. What part of music lights me up right now? What do I miss?
Lately, it was performing live. After years online and behind the scenes, I realized I needed to get back in front of people again. That’s why I added in a job as Worship Director and performed a few keynote concerts again.
Because we change. Our needs change. And part of staying on this journey is allowing space for that evolution.
2. I’m Not in This Just for the Paycheck.
Sure, I run The Profitable Musician and help others earn income from their art. But profit was never the reason I stuck with it.
There’ve been lean seasons and big pivots. Times I wondered if another path might be easier or more lucrative.
And based on my background in finance and marketing, I know I could land a corporate job and make six figures. I've even gotten to the edge of the cliff, the second interview stage, a few times with different opportunities.
But every time I picture that, I feel it in my gut. A subtle dread. A heaviness I can’t quite explain.
Because I know I’d be giving up something priceless—my freedom, my creativity, my sense of purpose.
Money is part of the picture, but if it’s the only thing driving you, it won’t sustain you.
Music has to mean more. And when it does, you’ll find ways to stay in it, even if you need to reimagine what that looks like.
3. I’ve Learned What to Let Go Of.
There was a time I offered one-on-one coaching. It brought in income, sure. But it also brought frustration. I felt deeply responsible for students who didn’t follow through. And that weight made me question whether I wanted to coach at all.
So I let it go.
I focused instead on what I love—group coaching, teaching, building community, promoting and advocating for female musicians. That shift brought back my joy.
And over the years, I’ve had to keep doing that. Delegating tasks I dreaded. Saying "no" to things that drained me.
As women, we’re often told to just suck it up and “push through” or “make it work.” But I’ve learned that protecting my energy is not a luxury. It’s essential.
If something is crushing your joy, even if it makes sense on paper, it’s okay to pivot. To let it go. Your love for music is worth protecting.
4. I Make Room for the Life I Want, Too.
I love working. I love helping musicians. I love creating and performing.
But I also love traveling with my family. Paddleboarding in Maine. Taking long walks just because the weather is perfect. Trying a new recipe.
And if I don’t make space for those things, my quality of life slips. I get tired. Irritable. Disconnected from the parts of myself that bring balance. And my physical and mental health suffers.
So I’ve built my business around flexibility. Around being able to chase an idea the moment it hits and not have to ask for permission from a boss.
Work 12 hour days when I'm in flow and to take long breaks when I need it most.
You don’t have to choose between your music and your life. In fact, the more you honor both, the longer you’ll be able to keep doing what you love because you'll preserve the joy and creativity that fuels your "secret sauce".
So, if you’ve been wondering how to keep going, or whether you should, I hope this letter gives you some clarity.
It’s not about hustle or heroics. It’s about listening. Adjusting. Protecting your joy. And making space for the version of music that fits your life right now.
You can do this. In your way, in your time, with your values leading the way.
Always in your corner,
<3 Bree
You're reading the Profitable Musician Newsletter, FEM Friday Edition. This Friday newsletter is created for Female Artists & Advocates, and focuses on our mission to amplify quality music by Female Artists & Female-Fronted Bands in all genres and help them build a thriving music career and solid business. If you'd like to unsubscribe from FEM Fridays but still receive our regular Wednesday Profitable Musician Newsletter, click here and we'll note your preference.
