This thread brings up a mostly-related idea that's been on my mind before.

Why is it that if an musician takes a gig that makes enough money to pay the bills, they've "sold out." But if a white collar 9-5'er does the same thing, they're a "good provider" or "taking the best opportunities."

I personally feel sad when I think a performer has sacrificed quality for money, but to a lot of people, being a musician is a JOB. We all like to have jobs we enjoy, but why is it that we hold musicians (or artists) to a different standard?