Careers Quote by Paul Smoker
“I don't really have a career as a jazz musician. I don't really have a career as a classical musician. I don't really have a career as a college professor, and yet I did all those things and I did them well. I put out some records in the 1980's and 1990's that changed the way some trumpet players played.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz Times, 1998
A non‑linear career path can still yield mastery and influence across fields, defying conventional expectations.
In simple terms: Unconventional careers can still succeed.
Key Takeaway
Embrace diverse experiences.
Themes
career
jazz
teaching
creativity
Mood
inspired
proud
Type
biographical
motivational
When to use this quote
- music education
- career change
- artistic development
Key Concepts
interdisciplinary
mastery
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define career success?
- What risks are worth taking?
A Different Perspective
Success may require perseverance.
![“I use a lot of double-tonguing [using the tongue to control airflow]; that allows me to play as fast as if I was slurring, but with clean articulation on every note.” quote by Paul Smoker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa1/paul-smoker-51723_articulation_i-use-a-lot-of-double-tonguing-using-the_1039733.jpg)
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away-from-home_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
![“The only regret I have in my career, is my managers wanted a big payday, and I wanted four or five more fights before going in with [Larry] Holmes. That would have made all the difference.” quote by Gerry Cooney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d63/gerry-cooney-20863_bigs_the-only-regret-i-have-in-my-career-is-m_1534.jpg)
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
