The Harsh Advice That Almost Killed My Dream — and Why I’m Glad I Ignored It.

My first magic show. 2013

Over 10 years ago, when I was still a hobbyist doing small gigs while working a 9–5, I sat with a seasoned pro—one of those old-school magicians who has seen everything.

In the middle of talking magic, I told him:

“I want to become a full-time magician.”

He looked at me and asked, “Do you have a family?”

“Yes.”

Then he hit me with:

“Well, then you can’t be a full-time magician and have a family.”

Just like that—no hesitation, no encouragement, just a blunt prediction about my future.

But I’m Filipino.

I grew up with immigrant parents who believe in hard work, grit, and exactly five acceptable career paths: nurse, nurse, nurse, engineer, or… nurse.

So when someone tells me I can’t do something?

I automatically hear: Watch me.

Growing Up Filipino & Starting From Zero

I didn’t have business experience.

I didn’t have a polished show.

I had zero idea how to “go full-time” in magic.

But I did have:

• a passion for making people smile

• a strong work ethic

• and a responsibility to help raise my kids

So I built slowly.

Nights. Weekends. Days off.

From hobbyist → side hustle → something real.

As the years went on, the magic business grew—and eventually, it outgrew my day job. I reached the point where staying in the 9–5 meant holding my dream hostage.

That’s when a quote I’d heard years earlier finally clicked:

“Jump, and grow your wings on the way down.” — Les Brown

So I jumped.

And I haven’t stopped growing those wings since.

Life Happens — And You Keep Going

If you’re wondering about the family part, here’s the honest truth:

My relationship didn’t work out.

Not because of magic, but because life is complicated, and people grow differently.

If you want the full story, you can read it here:👉 https://www.jonathanmolo.com/post/from-rock-bottom-to-rebirth-how-i-found-my-purpose-through-faith-family-and-magic

But here’s what I know now, more than a decade later:

YES — you can be a full-time magician and have a family.

It will just take intention, sacrifice, and time.

Every dream costs something.

But so does regret.

For Magicians: The Real Behind-the-Scenes

If you’re thinking about going full-time, understand this:

Magic is a business, not just a skill.

You’re not only performing.

You’re:

• Marketing

• Booking

• Communicating

• Editing

• Rehearsing

• Traveling

• Managing clients

• Packing and repairing props

• Creating new material

• Running everything yourself

The show is one part.

The work before and after is the real grind.

But if you’re willing to commit and treat it like a career, not a hobby—it’s possible.

For Clients: What a Magician Really Does

When you hire a magician, you’re not hiring someone who “knows tricks.”

You’re hiring someone who:

• Designs an experience

• Crafts moments that connect people

• Writes scripts and builds routines

• Rehearses nonstop

• Packs a mini theater into their car

• Runs their own business

• Creates core memories for your event

Magic isn’t simply entertainment.

Magic is intention.

Magic is storytelling.

Magic is experience design.

Today: Living Proof

Today, I’m proud to be a full-time magician performing across Southern California, around the country, and at the Magic Castle.

It took more than 10 years.

It took failures.

It took rebuilding.

It took faith.

It took that moment where I finally said:

Just jump.

So if someone ever tells you,

“You can’t do that,”

smile, thank them, and get to work.

Because the only thing worse than falling…is never growing your wings at all.

-Jonathan Molo

The Man in the Purple Suit