Is there a limit on following your dreams?

[georgejungle]

I mean there always comes a time when things

get busier, more important things take over, work, school, etc but

nobody wants to ever have that feeling of What If I Had Continued

Following My Dream? What If I Had Tried A Little Harder? Could I

Have Accomplished More of My Goal? I did alright but, What if i had

Tried just a little bit harder?

 

It's rough. Boggles the mind. I'm at a point right now

where my dream has taken a big back seat to important life

things and working the day job to support the fam. I'm all

about the family. But i also have my dream and

i've gotten close to making it my living, but obviously not close enough.

It's all i've known since i was 15 and have done so-so in with

it in terms of fun experiences. But when do you draw the line and

realize, o.k. maybe i need to do something else and get into something else

more attainable. Is that giving up on the dream?

[carrotgirl]

Is there a limit? other than the very real constraints of health, affinity, time and circumstance? I don't think so. And I say that with sincerity. No, I think the only limitations are the ones we place on ourselves or society places on us. But sometimes no matter how we unburden from self-limitation, those other factors get in the way.

 

One of my brothers pursued a pro-football career for some time. He's extremely talented, he was in the right place at the right time and for years he suffered horrible injuries, one of which was a frightening spinal fracture.

 

As a family we came together and talked it over and encouraged him to appreciate walking more than he appreciated money or fleeting fame. He made the decision to retire before he got married and had a family. He is a college professor now and earns a steady income.

 

Though there are times, I know, he wishes he was earning the money he used to. I also know he wouldn't trade the life he has now with his family for the other life. I also think he likes having the use of his arms and legs more than he likes football.

 

I will also say, that sometimes after a while, we what if in the other direction, What if I had stayed narrowly focused on a dream I couldn't fulfill and missed these other opportunities? What if I hadn't had the courage to explore a different dream?

 

You draw the line when you can't keep physically and emotionally healthy, feed, clothe, shelter and educate yourself and your family. But drawing the line doesn't mean giving up! It just means being open to other possibilities so that you can support your existence. Also, taking a different path doesn't mean never, it only means, not right now....

 

It's good to dream

Carrot

[Starting Over Again]

Well I'm 34 and only now started taking classes at the local community college for art and design, which I should've done but took a more safe route, and only now I'm realizing that you GOT to do what you love.

 

It is hard. You know, I'm in class and everyone's like 23, so to me it's not even about your skill or talent anymore, it's how confident you are in your ability to network and go through all the social hustling you're gonna need to do. What exactly is your dream? I'm guessing whatever it is, it's about who you know not how good you are. Trust me I'm in LA and that's all I see. Guys into video, design, gaming ind, web, film movies all want to make it, work for sony, disney, ea whatever. These are the guys I see in class.. but they're all young, and I feel like I have the exact same chance as they do--even better, cause I have more experience in terms of the actual work. But they have an edge that they're out there networking, doing internships, being friends with people who are in those industries. and since they're at the right age it's not a big deal. But as a 30-something who's been working a different field and knows nobody relevant to that industry, that's a hard choice.

 

But I say, since you seem sure about this thing, you said you done it since you were 15, then you should go for it. You already are a step ahead of me. I just know I want to do something creative, but not sure what. W/O knowing what you do tho, I can't really say. Cause you must keep in touch w/ people in that field right? But since you're asking here, I'm guessing you might not. Like me, your completely detached from that world?

[MaxManwell]

I'd say somewhere between the age of 25-32 is generally where all dreams should end, depending on the dream.

[georgejungle]

I feel like I have the exact same chance as they do--even better, cause I have more experience in terms of the actual work. But they have an edge that they're out there networking, doing internships, being friends with people who are in those industries.

 

This is exactly the thing that keeps me from jumping back into it. I'm

in my early 30's now. It's different. I got to do a bunch of stuff in my

20's, got to travel, experienced some cool things, but it nothing was

ever solid. I'm in the Music Game by the way, a musician in a world

full of them. Never been great at networking. But i'm not that far

removed from the scene where i'd need to start from scratch, i've

just never "freelanced" I guess you could call it. I see guys younger

than me who really hit the streets and network and shmooze and

live in their parent's basements. That's not me. ..But i'm just as

good as those guys.

 

I guess the answer would be, as long as you can do it and

still be able to financially take care of your responsibilties and

family (being a married man) It couldn't hurt to try at least a

few more times with this, then call it a day.

[Starting Over Again]

have you tried auditioning for a local band. you could try craigslist or something. Nowdays everybody's going the cragislist/myspace route to fulfill their starving artist dreams. My roomate did that and ended up playing some decent gigs, but you're right you need a solid dayjob lol.

 

I say your best bet is keep your job and search craigslist for people just starting out.

[Starting Over Again]

I'd say somewhere between the age of 25-32 is generally where all dreams should end, depending on the dream.

 

Me too. I think if you're dream job isn't the kind you can find on monster.com, you're right. But if it's just a different field you wish you had done, but is still sort of a traditional job that you can apply, build resumes, etc.. I'd give it an extra ten years.. 35-42.

[Explorer]

This is exactly the thing that keeps me from jumping back into it. I'm

in my early 30's now. It's different. I got to do a bunch of stuff in my

20's, got to travel, experienced some cool things, but it nothing was

ever solid. I'm in the Music Game by the way, a musician in a world

full of them. Never been great at networking. But i'm not that far

removed from the scene where i'd need to start from scratch, i've

just never "freelanced" I guess you could call it. I see guys younger

than me who really hit the streets and network and shmooze and

live in their parent's basements. That's not me. ..But i'm just as

good as those guys.

 

I guess the answer would be, as long as you can do it and

still be able to financially take care of your responsibilties and

family (being a married man) It couldn't hurt to try at least a

few more times with this, then call it a day.

 

GJ,

 

I encourage you to read succesful outcomes of entrepreneurs. I am one, so are most people I know.

 

If you want to jump (At your dream), you will get dirty (put everything on the line). How far you take your dream is up to how much you want to risk. Is it worth it?

[burning 4 revenge]

I want to produce a line of multi-colored cocktail swords with a groove under the handle that latches to the side of glasses so when servers are serving similar colored beverages (primarily sodas) they can tell them apart if they get mixed up

 

I think it would be a useful product

[Trialbyfire]

Must you give up your dream of music for your day job? I have a friend who's a corporate securities lawyer/director by day and a clarinet player for a jazz band by night. He's in his early forties.

[burning 4 revenge]

Must you give up your dream of music for your day job? I have a friend who's a corporate securities lawyer/director by day and a clarinet player for a jazz band by night. He's in his early forties.

I think when I reach my forties Im going to re-enter the arena of punk I left in my early twenties

 

I figure Ill have twice as much to b*tch about

[Trialbyfire]

I think when I reach my forties Im going to re-enter the arena of punk I left in my early twenties

 

I figure Ill have twice as much to b*tch about

You'll do well!

[MaxManwell]

Me too. I think if you're dream job isn't the kind you can find on monster.com, you're right. But if it's just a different field you wish you had done, but is still sort of a traditional job that you can apply, build resumes, etc.. I'd give it an extra ten years.. 35-42.

 

Depends on the job. Some dreams really must end at 25.

[georgejungle]

I'm going to keep at it. More though, i'm going to

do my own thing for a little while...Re-Discover my

craft and practice more and work on my own. Then

maybe next year if i'm feeling good and feeling that

i still have something to offer, i'll try and see what I

can find, network and then make smart decisions that

will further me, but won't take me out of my role in the

home.

 

I guess when you get to be a certain age (or maybe it's

just me) you start (I start) to freak out a bit on making

the right decision...Feels like time's running out..Which is

silly. But, I ain't 21 years old anymore!

[wierdmunky]

I'd say somewhere between the age of 25-32 is generally where all dreams should end, depending on the dream.

 

I kind of find that hard to believe. My best friend graduated this summer and is starting some really fun internships with strong, popular companies. What she's doing there isn't actually her 'dream' but its definitely a step towards it. Not that what she's doing isn't fun either. She'll be doing more graphic design work instead of filming which is what she was aiming for in the future (MTV music videos ect.)

 

All of us can see her taking all the right steps and seeing a lot of progression even before she graduated, and it is sometimes about the people who you know, because I myself have worked at Johnson & Johnson with people from UC's and EOP interns, working with engineers while I was just going to a JC because I met the right person and talked myself into it. Unknowingly actually. We were having a conversation (in a job interview at an art store) and he fwded my resume!

 

If you have a path to follow and believe in yourself I don't really think there is an age limit. Knowing people in the same field is helpful because they have experience along with knowing other people with probably even more experience. Also people with that passion can admire yours also, and might show you what they did and how they achieved it.

 

My friend is 25 just graduated and for me I just see her just beginning her dream. And I still think that living your dream is a progression that you will probably enjoy doing and learning more about even before you reach your actual goal. It does take work. But your own thirst for it is always most likely going to bring you happiness because you like doing it, and will see your own progression in something you love.

 

Also there were graduates at her ceremony that looked WAY older than 35. No offense

 

But she also doesn't have any family commitment, so spending time with kids or being a mom or wife doesn't take any of her time. Mostly just work and school. I was a spa the other day and my masseuse said, well since the given the fact that lately the trend of life expectancy is 90,

All that time in school is a drop in the bucket...

 

A really good helpful one too.

My ex's dad was 27, had a wife and 2 young kids when he started a tiny auto repair business. I don't even think he had a shop. He was a high school drop out, and is a successful diesel mechanic. Ten yrs later he has more than 3 businesses, and all because of hard work and being persistent.

 

I'm not saying to just start taking unreasonable directionless risks, but impossible? I just don't think so. All those people had a direct mindset to have to succeed because it was the only possible thing to do. But I know only you can say what's good for you, so some people might think it not a good decision. My ex boss gave up being CHP because he had a brand new family, and decided not to take that chance on his life. I still think he enjoys his current life and enjoys it as much as any other dream.

[georgejungle]

well said, WeirdMunky...

 

See, that's how the other side of my brain feels:

"There is no age limit on following your dream" because

your dream could be to become a Swimming Instructor.

You have plenty of time for that. But I think the pressure I

feel is Being in my early 30's and thinking about competing with

guys younger than me, who have all the time in the world

to hit the streets and network. Guys who quit jobs, get new ones,

quit jobs, go on tour, come home, get a new job, etc. I can't

do that stuff anymore. I have bills and responsibilities.

 

But there are ways to make it work i suppose, if you truly believe

in your dream, which i do.

[Starting Over Again]

well said, WeirdMunky...

 

See, that's how the other side of my brain feels:

"There is no age limit on following your dream" because

your dream could be to become a Swimming Instructor.

You have plenty of time for that. But I think the pressure I

feel is Being in my early 30's and thinking about competing with

guys younger than me, who have all the time in the world

to hit the streets and network. Guys who quit jobs, get new ones,

quit jobs, go on tour, come home, get a new job, etc. I can't

do that stuff anymore. I have bills and responsibilities.

 

But there are ways to make it work i suppose, if you truly believe

in your dream, which i do.

 

I know what you mean. You're married and got kids I'm single no kids but I think it's still the same, we past that prime window of time.

 

So the way I take it is.. find a backdoor way in. I wanted to work for a design or creative agency, that was my dream. Since that field is all about networking and knowing the right people, I feel like I'm so far behind cause I just don't know people other than students I meet at school, but it's not like we become great friends and spend a lot of time together.

 

So for now I took a job at a design studio but it's a technical position, which is what I know. Then I'm just going to try meeting people, asking dumb questions, and hope something comes up. If not, just gotta stick with a technical career.

 

You never said what your day job is, or if you have one. Is there any jobs similar doing what you do, but where musicians are present? You just want to be around them.. I think that's the best way of getting a dream job is immersing yourself in the environment, you know just being there, being around them is the challenge.

[georgejungle]

I just have a regular Day job, nothing i love but solid

work. I'm still confused over this, hence this updated post:o

 

 

I would love more than anything to continue on with what

i've loved for so long. But again, i come to that decision of

wondering if it's the right thing to do, meaning, I don't want to

waste any time since i'm older now.

 

I think I have this hunger and this drive now and possibly this

dellusion that I could achieve what i've wanted If i keep at it.

Almost like "If I try again at this game one more time and give it

my all and really try to make it work, I might be able to make

it big" so to speak. Maybe it's just wishful thinking. I always have

been a huge daydreamer.