“The useless days will add up to something. The bad waitressing jobs. The hours writing in your journal. The long meandering walks. The hours reading poetry collections and novels… these things are your becoming.” – Cheryl Strayed

Being a musician is without a doubt a gift and can bring many enjoyable experiences into your life. But before these rewarding moments there are endless hours of dedication and hard work. Between the countless expenses, dealing with rejection, and hours of practicing it can feel like too much at times.

These 5 celebrity success stories show that hard work really does pay off, and that there is no shame in working your way up from the bottom! 

#1 Gwen Stefani: Worked at Dairy Queen 

The famed singer first started off serving soft serve and then worked her way up to retail before joining her brothers band.

#2 Madonna: Worked at Dunkin Donuts 

Material Girl Madonna had a more modest upbringing working at Dunkin Donuts when she was a teen.

#3 Debbie Harry: Waitress 

Even Debbie Harry lived the waitress/musician stereotype! The Blondie front woman was a waitress at legendary restaurant and club Max’s Kansas City in New York City. 

#4 Alanis Morissette: Envelope Stuffer 

If you ever feel down about your day job… you could always be an envelope stuffer!

#5 Beyonce Knowles: Hair Salon worker 

Before winning 22 Grammy Awards, Beyonce worked at her mum’s salon sweeping up hair. We all start from somewhere!

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