Most people have a 9-to-5. They go to work, battle the dragon, come home… and then fuhgeddaboudit. There’s a clean break. A reset. They have boundaries.
Artists and treps don’t have boundaries. We don’t get that luxury. We don’t get to clock out from who we are. There is no OFF switch—it’s ON 24/7.
We carry it all—the waiting, the questions, the risks, the continual drive to improve. We’ve chosen a path where we are both the creator and the product, which means living with uncertainty, doubt, fear, and a fair amount of anxiety as permanent companions.
And yet… the payoff is enormous.
We’re growing our careers and lives in real time, and constantly learning:
— How to resolve unexpected problems and confront high-stakes moments.
— How to trust our own judgment when it counts.
— When to floor it, and when to slam on the brakes.
— How to navigate the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
— Who to turn to, when we find ourselves in times of trouble—and where to find that bridge over troubled water.
And somewhere in that process, something shifts.
We realize we’re not just chasing a career—we’re forever building one, tearing it down, and building it again, ad infinitum.
Important because whether we asked for the title or not, we are the CEOs of our creative careers. And that matters—because the real growth curve isn’t just about mastering our craft, or skills, or building a brand. It’s about leading with integrity, shaping our character under pressure, and honoring the promises and commitments that define both our work and our personal lives.
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J. Michael Dolan is the former CEO of MCI publishing corp., and the founder of Music Connection and Songwriter Connection magazines. He is also a best selling author, beloved blogger, and private consultant to artists and entrepreneurs.
Copyright © 2026 J. Michael Dolan, All rights reserved.
FYI: I never use AI to create my work. However, I value it’s help with research, punctuation, spelling, and tightening—never grammar.
