Any job that pays a decent salary presents the same challenges. There are many band directirs who have a life outside of band. The quality of the program is dependent on the quality of instruction, not trophies, or events. It takes a careful balance between the classroom and home in this profession. Try thinking, music education is your primary goal. Performance is an extension of that education, however, it is only one component and only serves as a demonstration of what is done in the classroom. For marching band it is ok to not to chase trophies. Use your marching contest.s as an evaluation tool. Maybe just got to a pre UIL and UIL. You want to get comments on the overall teaching in your program. Go to contests that serve more as evaluation rather than out and out throw downs. If you go to area you can guage how the program stands up to others. But it is not necessary. Also rememver your kids and their families have other things to do also. If your community culture is not into hyper competitiveness, find the balance that works for you the kids and community. Maximize your in classroom teaching time and do what is necessary outside if that time, but be careful to balance so that you and the kids have time to do other things. Most importantly. Speak with other directirs who have figured out work.life balance. You might surprised at how many out struct boundaries around their work life