Working in sound is an incredible journey—one that can be both deeply rewarding and brutally challenging. I’m lucky to do what I love and get paid for it, but it hasn’t always been easy. This industry has tested me in ways I never expected, and I’ve learned some hard lessons along the way.
In this blog, I want to share 10 things I wish I had known sooner—not to discourage you, but to prepare you. Some of these lessons may seem harsh, but knowing them now could save you years of struggle and frustration.
1. The Music Industry is Toxic
I got the call—I landed a job at a major LA recording studio. I packed up and drove over 2,000 miles from small-town Minnesota, ready to launch my dream career.
At first, I was just an intern, scrubbing toilets and staying invisible—until one day, Eddie Kramer, a legendary producer, noticed me and took me under his wing. I was thrilled.
The next day, I was fired.
Why? Because interns weren’t supposed to be noticed. The studio had unspoken rules, and I had unknowingly broken one.
Lesson: The music industry runs on egos and rigid hierarchies that often don’t make sense. If you struggle with arbitrary rules and politics, working in a studio may not be the right fit.
➡ Pro Tip: If you want to avoid these power struggles, consider freelancing or working on independent projects where your talent, not studio politics, determines your success. I took this path for years!
2. Build Your Network—Fast
In Hollywood, who you know often matters just as much—if not more—than what you know.
I owe my transition from music to film to the connections I built. Because of Eddie, I met Grammy-winning engineers and producers who later helped me break into the industry. One of my first major clients, filmmaker Nick Simon, came from a student film connection that led to bigger opportunities—including work with Warner Brothers.
Lesson: Your network is your most valuable asset. It’s not about using people—it’s about building relationships with those who can push you forward.
➡ Pro Tip: Always stay connected. Follow up with people, collaborate, and find ways to add value to their work. One opportunity leads to the next.
3. The Early Days Will Require Sacrifice
When I started in music, I was paid negative dollars. My routine? Work unpaid at the studio from 9 AM to 6 PM, then clock in at McDonald’s from 7 PM to 1 AM to afford rent.
Breaking into film wasn’t much easier. I took projects that barely covered my expenses, often reinvesting my pay to ensure my team was compensated. As a Type 1 diabetic, this made health insurance an expensive challenge.
Lesson: The first years in this industry demand sacrifice. But if you stay focused, build relationships, and keep growing, it will pay off.
➡ Pro Tip: Know your worth early. Be strategic about which projects you take, ensuring they build toward something bigger.
4. Join a Union
Before I joined the union, I constantly struggled to get fair pay and benefits. But the moment I did, my life changed.
Why unions matter:
Guaranteed fair pay (most of the time)
Health insurance
Pension contributions
Colleagues who are among the best in the business
Union work is both challenging and rewarding. If you work in film, I highly recommend joining one.
➡ Pro Tip: Research unions in your field early. The sooner you qualify, the sooner you’ll have stability.
5. Plan for a Rainy Day
When I first joined the union, Hollywood was in the middle of the 2007-2008 Writers’ Strike. For 100 days, there was no work.
Fast forward to today, and the situation is even worse. Between the COVID-19 lockdowns and recent strikes, most filmmakers I know are struggling to find work. Many have been out of work for close to two years!
Lesson: You will face dry spells. It’s not a matter of if, but when.
➡ Pro Tip: If you can, try and save at least six months of living expenses. When work slows, you’ll be glad you did.
6. Editors Will Fall in Love with Their Temp Mix
I once spent two weeks perfecting a feature mix. Every line of dialogue, every reverb painstakingly selected—I polished it to perfection.
Then came playback.
“I think it’s a good first try, but I have some notes,” the editor said. “Did you listen to my guide track? I think we should stick with that.”
I wanted to cry. The temp mix was full of rough, unprocessed sounds—yet the editor had spent months with it and grown attached.
Lesson: Sometimes, you can’t win. The client pays the bills, and they get the final say.
➡ Pro Tip: When possible, involve the editor early in the sound process to prevent attachment to a rough mix.
7. Be Careful Who You Trust
A producer once asked me to mix a film headed for Sundance. I needed a team, so I reached out to a studio I hadn’t worked with before for recommendations.
I found a promising mixer who seemed excited to collaborate. He asked for all the project details—then disappeared.
Turns out, he underbid me and took the project for himself.
Lesson: The industry is full of people who will take advantage of your kindness. But it’s also full of amazing collaborators. Find and stick with the right people.
➡ Pro Tip: Protect yourself—never share sensitive details until contracts are signed.
8. Never Stop Learning
The sound industry is constantly evolving. I’ve seen massive shifts:
Film to digital
Analog mixing consoles to digital workstations
Traditional noise reduction to AI-driven tools
Each time, some refused to adapt—and they got left behind.
Now, AI is disrupting post-production. Some fear it, but I see it as the next tool to master.
Lesson: The industry will change whether you’re ready or not. Keep learning.
➡ Pro Tip: Stay ahead by embracing new tech. Those who adapt will always have work.
9. Grow Skills Outside Your Craft
I’ve explored brewing beer, playing music, software development, business strategy, public speaking—even learning Thai.
Why? Because expanding my skill set has opened doors I never expected. It’s led to conversations, connections, and ideas that shaped my career.
Lesson: The broader your knowledge, the more valuable you become.
➡ Pro Tip: Develop skills outside of sound. You never know when they’ll come in handy.
10. Work Should Not Come First
This industry has a high rate of burnout, depression, and failed relationships.
After long 12-15 hour days, many sound professionals go home with nothing left to give their loved ones.
Lesson: Your career is important, but your life outside of work matters more.
➡ Pro Tip: Set boundaries. Make time for family, friends, and yourself—your future self will thank you.
Final Thoughts: Is This Career Worth It?
This industry is rough. I’d bet every one of my colleagues has a story just like mine.
But despite the sacrifices, setbacks, and struggles, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
If you’re willing to:
Build strong relationships
Keep learning and adapting
Stand your ground and know your worth
… then this career will reward you.
Would you do it? Knowing what you know now, would you take this path?
If you do—I promise, it’ll be one hell of a ride.
