On a recent Adam Carolla Podcast, the Aceman rightly emphasized the need for one to do a lot of work for free in order to be successful. This is something I’ve touched on in this blog a time or two, and a fact that I embrace rather than fight. In this particular episode, Adam and comedian Jeff Garlin (a personal favorite) estimated that about 90% of their time spent working is unpaid, but that it creates the room for the 10% that does pay. (Conversely, the paid 10% allows them to do the unpaid 90%.)

Very true.

Between all of my gigging, practicing, teaching, driving (!), and administrative/business-related music work (including this blog and my website), I’d say that 10% is a liberal estimate. It’s probably closer to 5%. Given where I’m at in my career, though, that’s not bad. That 5% does me well, but it’s not like any other “job.” It doesn’t simply end when the horn goes back on the stand. It’s a constant process of bettering my craft, promoting my name, and establishing/maintaining a positive reputation. Even when I’m not “at work,” I’m still working.

It may seem daunting if you’ve not experienced it, but I assume that to be truly successful in any field the same rule applies across the board. It thousands of hours (i.e., years) to lay the groundwork and develop your own recognizable niche. However, in the end, someone will eventually (hopefully!) desire or require something from the niche you’ve cultivated, and when that time comes you’ll be thankful for all those free hours.