
6 Career Lessons From Filipino Musicians With Day Jobs

These days, especially in the independent music scene, it is rare to come across a full-time musician. Most artists are phenomenal multitaskers; that skill is a given when one is expected to maintain a day job and forge a career path, while maintaining a passion for making and performing music at the same time.
We talked to some working musicians to find out how being a musician helps them with their day jobs, and here’s what we found out.
1. Be more attentive to details and feelings.
Josh Alipe, Tattoo Artist / Vocalist of Sirens

“Being a musician . . . has taught me to be attentive to details and feelings. This value really affected my life in a lot of ways, [even with] my training in jiu-jitsu, in how i deal with my relationship etc.”
2. Balance yourself out.
Dowell de los Reyes, HR Director and Project Manager / Vocalist of Diachroma

“For me, music . . . helps me create and mold what I need and want to feel in every time. It can cover and design all the banalities in my life. Suddenly every scene has a meaning. Every scene in my perception has more depth and emotion. [I] live my life the way I want to live it; not limited to "regular programming” or a 9-5 job.”
3. Breathe life into routine.
Miguel Rabat, Development Manager / Vocalist and guitarist of Progeny
“While routine can be comfortable for some, it prohibits me from truly enjoying life. Music, in a nutshell, breathes life into an otherwise lifeless routine. It provides the color in an otherwise grey background. It’s the art in earth.”
4. Develop a work ethic, confidence and people skills.
Pao Bagaman, Freelance video editor, producer, director, cinematographer / Vocalist of D.S.O.
“My experience as a musician has helped me develop a level of confidence when dealing with people I work with. It also has helped me be more patient when things don't turn out the way I want them to. The process of constantly learning and practicing has also helped me develop a more systematic way of doing tasks.”
5. Learn how to get “in the zone”.
Niko Ylaya, Art Director / Guitarist of Curbside
6. Start Innovating and creating.
Enzo Cabayan, Financial Advisor / Guitarist of Thieves and Wilderness
“Through music, I learned about innovation and being creative in one's craft. Innovation and creativity are vital in having your own business. You always have to possess an open mind, [while] at the same time, keep thinking of other ways to go about running your business.”