Sacrifice

I recently met with some musician friends from my music days. They have assimilated back into the real world, finding a family and stable jobs that don't require you to draw fans or promote. We reminisced about all the fun we had and the memories we could remember, given the time that had past and the influences we were under at the time. They had delayed their personal lives, getting married and having kids later in life since the majority of their youth was spent pursuing music and the arts. While they moved on to their personal lives, I seem to have substituted music for comedy.

I looked back on some photos a family member posted and I saw I was absent. During this pursuit of comedy (and music before that), I have missed weddings, funerals, births, birthdays and reunions. The sacrifices creatives have to make to pursue this path, when the cards are stacked against them are immense. I know other careers have many similar stories, but because of our work hours, we live in parallel lives, since most people relax and celebrate during the times we creatives work.

If and when I am done with this pursuit, it will be a rocky transition to normalcy. I talk about it a little on my new podcast Why Are You Awake, where I interview other creatives about being up late and living this life. I go to bed when some of you are getting your day started. I wake up sometimes when some of you are having lunch. I work when most of you are asleep.

The only reason to live this live is because you love it. And most of the times, I do. #standup #blessed #comedylife