I often get asked "How are you lucky to get to be here (concert)? or "I want to be a photographer or (option) which should I choose?"
First I do not know a music or concert photographer that is LUCKY! If you have another option to choose. Go with that. There is no way to make it as a photographer if it is not your number one passion.
I normally tell people it takes 3 things to become a music photographer.
1. You have to love photography.
2. You have to love music and deal with a lot of the politics of the industry.
3. Most importantly is you must hate money. I really mean hate money. Don't expect to get paid or respected by getting paid too much or even at all for the first few years.
Through the years I have seen a lot of people wanting to be (music) photographers come and go. If I see someone around for three years that seems to be a long time. I once told someone that three years is about when burnout happens in some of the decent ones. Most drop off way before 3 years. Anyone I still see in the pit or backstage after that I do hold a lot of respect for.
A final thing I also say often is, "If it were easy everyone would be doing it."