When you are on an airplane and they give the preliminary safety instructions, there is always the bit about securing your own oxygen mask before assisting others. I think they remind us to do that because our instinct might be to care for others around us first, particularly anybody who seems vulnerable in any way. We do this sort of thing all the time, nearly always forgetting to take care of ourselves properly, and yes, FIRST. It may feel selfish, but it’s just practical: if you are on the plane and you can’t breathe, how on Earth are you going to help anybody else??
We musicians are often spread painfully thin. We tend to find ourselves overworked and underpaid and yet somehow agreeing to do more and more even when we simply can’t afford to. It ends up being bad for our health, our pocketbook, our friendships, our playing… it’s just bad.
Remember to stand up for yourself. Remember to say no. Remember it’s actually part of your job to stay well. Remember that you deserve adequate compensation and gratitude. Remember to take care of you.
