Great response Todd: I do personally think however, the game has changed considerably... I can really sympathise with where Thomas is coming from...
Sometimes trying to go for session work and gigging alone is not enough... You need to be active on line, get a Youtube channel, do everything you can really to get yourself out there so that someone will pick you up and give you that 'dream gig'. Even still you have to deal with the sea of musicians who are doing the same thing as you... It seems every man, woman, child and their dog is playing music these days.
I think it's more of an economical issue. You see kids who have parents who can afford to buy them an awesome practice room with top of the range gear, who don't really have to worry about things like working a day job, they can just sit and make Youtube videos all day, or can go to the world's top music schools without financial issues bugging them. They can quite easily find the time to play in a couple of bands and easily tour without worrying about 'where is the money for gas and food going to come from?' Plus, I'm sure that if I could spend all day in a practice room and didn't have to worry about a job etc I'd be nailing out some insane drumming.
There's also the other example of someone who had a dad (or mum) who 'was in a band in the 80s/90s' that is doing everything they can to make sure their kid has better successes. I've met a couple of guys whos parents (or other family member/family friend) just sorted them out with a label, or a buddy who would offer them sessions over any one else in their top of the line studio, regardless of their drumming. You want to tour with a top pop artist? No Problem... Back to the old argument of 'it's not what you know, but who you know'.
I know we can all sit here and list the reasons why we 'can't' do something, which sometimes for me, is listing excuses why things aren't working for you without addressing the real problems. I honestly do agree with Thomas that sometimes when you do hit 'the wall' it seems like the end of the road and there have been times in my drumming where I just want to sell everything and give up. That or the whole thing just make you extremely cynical about everything - probably like this post ha ha.
I work every day in a full time job because my parents aren't millionaires and I had to work when I was a kid to save up for my drumming gear, which still has to do now because of the sheer cost of equipment. When you're a gear in 'the machine' and getting practice in whenever you can (even though you're falling asleep half the time), it can seem tough. Also, you have no idea when you're next gig is going to be because you can't afford to quit your job, but you can't afford to quit music. It's a dilemma I am sure a lot of people face. Not to mention creativity going dry... I recently have just joined another band, which is only just starting up... I say to myself 'at least it's something to keep me going'.
I just try and practice when I get home from work, or before I go. Luckily I have an electronic kit so my neighbours don't complain... It's not a real kit, but it's the best I've got. Just stay the course and keep motivated, try and find a band just to keep you playing and I'm sure you'll be ok Thomas!