/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>used to be a prominent instrument player
>wasn't able to go to a college with a music program
>still play in a couple public groups but mostly just work
>instrument has some physical defects that have affected its sound
>need to buy a new one in general but it'll cost between $1000-2000 buckaroonies
>parent keeps going on about how I could get into the USCGB even though I'm a 22 y/o borderline NEET that plays second/third position in every band I'm in on a half-broken instrument
>The USCGB is entirely made up of people who have either been in it for 20+ years or have Julliard/Yale/Conservatory-tier education in music performance


Every compliment or piece of encouragement I'm given just makes me realize how shitty and unaccomplished I am