I think it might be important, at this point, to talk turkey about income. I know that concerts and festivals and recordings pay more than schools, hospitals and birthday parties. I also know that concerts and clubs and festivals are more prestigeous than nursing homes and day camps. I am also aware that none of us got into the entertainment biz with the dream of becoming steadily employed at senior centers. Still, these bread and butter jobs have a lot to offer. They are easier to get. There are a lot more of them. They can be done without travel time and travel expense. They can be doubled and rebooked. They are more likely to lead to other jobs. They are available daytimes and evenings, weekdays and weekends. The income is more predictable. The audiences are attentive and grateful. And, drum roll please, at the end of the year THEY PAY BETTER! Yes, it's true. I was kind of surprised, myself. I have a number of friends on the curcuit (I wont use their names but I'm sure you are aquainted with their work) and we have compared annual net incomes. In almost every case, I make as much staying home as they make on the road doing concerts, clubs and festivals. On top of which, my life is a lot easier if less glamorous. Sometimes we joke about who has the better deal. I envy the adventure and they envy the security and then we all decide that it works out fine either way. So, my advise is to stay ay home and build your career where you live, where you are available to take last minute jobs (I frequently get calls to replace performers who cancel), where you can take advantage of contacts and recomendations.