I think you have misunderstood me. What needs to be cut is not the artistic endeavor, but the dream to hit it big time.

In the case I mentioned, the aspiring C&W singer was never going to be big time. She needed to stop dragging her family through financial hardship year after year. But she could still ply her craft at a much more recreational level--and maybe even make a reasonable living at it.

In my home town, there is a rock band that does cover music from the 50s and 60s. These guys have about 10 gigs a year, which probably doesn't pay for their equipment. But they sure have fun when they are on stage. And not bad either. But they have no dreams of opening for the Rolling Stones. They have families and day jobs. And they still get to do what they really like to do.

It's all about balance.