On the Convoluted Path of a Composer

This piece by Max Giteck Duykers about his self-described "convoluted path as a composer" articulates a lot of my feelings about the role of conservatory-trained classical musicians who have day jobs outside of the music field (like myself). From NewMusicBox:

"So there I was at the end of my college career without a clue as to how to get to the music in head and certainly no idea of how to make others hear it. I think it was at this time that a fundamental element of my personality was formed: I need to have a strong and secure personal and financial foundation before I can give credence to my creative impulses. Many musicians, such as my father who is an operatic tenor, essentially live hand-to-mouth and rely on their craft as their breadwinner. This has made no sense to me. I have always felt like working as a composer or performer for a living would spoil the thing I love. "