By Dr. Sue Ann Guy
Definition, Occurrence and Symptoms: Musicians tend to convey high artistic, social and enterprising interests [1]. Writing songs, notes, playing instruments, etc. require significant artistic and creative ability. Successful collaboration with band members, singers, producers, etc. relies on the musician's social skills. Producing music that people continuously enjoy (demand) reflects enterprising skill, influence or sales ability. However, competition in the music industry is fierce [2]. Musical talent is a dime a dozen and the industry churns out one-hit-wonders regularly. Musicians may quickly lose confidence, motivation or determination, becoming angry or depressed [3]. Some musicians either retain additional employment or soon seek out new career paths altogether, such as film, technology or business [4, 5]. While a musician's transition into the technology, film or business industries may seem daunting at first, these industries share common ground. Workers in music, acting, tech and business all convey high social, artistic and enterprising interests. Therefore, musicians will find ease transitioning into these roles.
Coping Strategies: Musicians may start their transition to new career paths by first understanding needs, assessing strengths, setting goals and updating their resumes [6]. Resumes should clarify interests and strengths with goals for future development in the new role. Musicians may post some of their content as a portfolio within a LinkedIn profile [7]. Actors seeking employment, for example, likewise develop portfolios to showcase several of their most popular artistic works and projects. A strong work ethic that attracts new customers is appealing to any employer. Since musicians desire to influence their audiences' emotions and feelings with their music, musicians' natural tendency to persuade others reiterates their strong ability to drive sales and increase income for businesses [8]. Musicians' enterprising skills are critical for selling - for example - new film and video productions, technological innovations and business services. While musicians may require a passion to effectively sell products or services [9], their ability to naturally influence sales successfully benefits any business.
References:
1. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-2042.00
3. https://www.mymusicmasterclass.com/the-mental-game-of-the-music-business
4. https://knowledge.insead.edu/career/pivoting-business-after-artistic-career
6. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-transition-careers
7. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2489-linkedin.html
8. https://www.musiciansway.com/blog/2014/03/connecting-with-audiences/
