Even if you get onto the bottom rung there's still a long, long way to go.
Recently we (Foxen) were asked to do an opening spot at a local festival (unpaid of course). There we were at 11am on a Saturday in a small tent in a corner of a field playing to a dozen or so people.
Afterwards the MC announced: "It's always good to have someone reliable to do the seagull shift -- when only the seagulls are there to hear you."
Refreshingly honest but it could have been depressing. It wasn't because of that dozen in the audience two couples who had heard us play at different clubs had come specially to see us. What a fantastic compliment to get appreciation for something you actually enjoy doing. What better way to spend time than singing and playing which can be its own reward.
I can only say to our Unknown that you have to keep pushing (but nicely not arrogantly) and be grateful for the seagull shifts.
PS By the way Blandiver, was the Penguin quoting the Silkie or Ward The Pirate:
"Go home, go home, says Captain Ward
And tell your king for me,
If he reigns king all on the land
Ward will reign king on the sea."