Don't quit your day job...yet!

Do I need to quit my day job to be a working actor? The simplest answer is no. Here's why you should keep your day job.

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about being a full-time working actors is that you're working 40+ hours a week, auditioning, being on set, and keeping up with an actor's daily life.

But the reality is that the daily life includes your job or side-gig.  The way the industry works today with most auditions being taped at home, you can squeeze these in between your job, your family, whatever it is that you do during your day.

Even working actors who consistently book do not audition everyday.

What If I Start Booking?

So what if you book book the co-star role for a day or 2 on set, or the guest star role that takes a week on set, or a supporting role or even a lead in a movie?

It's very tempting to feel like your career is about to sky rocket when you book a gig. You're motivated and you're spirits are high and soaring. It's happening!

But the honest truth is that sometimes we book a few in a row, and then the lull hits. This is the life of an actor. This is our norm. It's unpredictable. 

Learn To Enjoy The Rollercoaster!

You can go from incredibly busy auditioning and working on set for a few weeks or months, and then it can slow down again. 

How can you have so much momentum, and then it stops? And the answer to that is that it just does.

A lot of booking film and TV shows is luck. The stars all aligned, or it was your turn, or you were in the right place at the right time and it all happened one right after another.

But the magic that happens in matching you with a specific role when all of the timing comes together is not mathematical. An yes, there are ways to capitalize on the momentum if you have the right team or if you leverage one booking to the next.

But most times, it fizzles and there will be times when you're back in auditioning again and waiting for the next booking.

So even when you have momentum behind you, my advice is, "Don't Quit Your Day Job."

Acting Expenses

Being an actor has its business expenses, as all businesses do. To remain at the top of your game, you need to consistently invest in great acting classes, sometimes hiring a personal coach for big auditions, having outstanding professional headshots, having transportation to get to live auditions and to set. And there's other smaller expenses along the way. 

Not to mention that you still need to be able to support yourself for food, shelter and clothing. If you have a family to support, even more reason to keep your job. 

The Juggling Act

And here's why I say don't quit your day job. You don't need to. Yes, you're going to have some things pop up where you have to decide whether you're going to your day job or you're going to a live audition. You may have to use some vacation or ask for people to fill in for you when you book a film or a TV show or a commercial.

You can find acting classes that work around your job. Most acting classes are in the evenings, and there are some during the day if you work nights. And if live classes aren't an option in your area, Zoom classes are really common and effective.

Professions Within The Acting World

In my acting class right now, which is a weekly, on-going scene study with my acting coach and 10 other regular students, we have people between the ages of 22-60 years old. In my acting class, these actors are bartenders, college students, engineers, waiters, accountants, models and a CAREER COACH.

We can find time in our days, weeks and months to do what we love, while maintaining a paycheck outside of acting. When we get paid to act, it's a bonus both to our spirit and our bank account. 

Shows Get Cancelled

Even actors who are series regulars on TV shows don't always quit their jobs. If they have something that is flexible and they can work it around working on set, they can keep it.

Why would a series regular choose to keep their day job? TV shows get cancelled.

Even when you have a regular gig and a regular paycheck coming in, once that show is over, you'll rotate right back into auditioning like you did before.

The Spotlight Is Temporary

It might be surprising to actors, but we're in the glamorous limelight during the show, but once the show is over, we join our fellow working actors in the audition room again. 

I might sound crazy joining what sounds like chaos, but it's great! Every day is unpredictable. That means that some days are the usual life you know right now, and some others are more exciting and thrilling.

Obviously, we have frustrating days, weeks, or months when it comes to working as an actor, but the excitement and creativity and exploration of ourselves as actors is so fulfilling that we must fit it into our lives.

If acting is what you love or even what you want to try, you can fit it into your life.

The Flaw In "Starving Actor"

One of the fastest ways to push yourself out of the acting world is by not being able to afford not only your expenses as an actor, but not being able to maintain your lifestyle.

If you're in debt, broke, or starving, it won't last long. Maintaining healthy finances and healthy relationships with your family and friends will give you more motivation as an actor.

If you're desperate, it leads to bad decisions, bad attitude, and even poor quality in your acting.

Don't Quit Your Day Job...Yet.

In the busy times, you'll have to be good at juggling your responsibilities, maybe begging someone to cover for you at work, maybe using some of your vacation time, or even taking a leave of absence if you're allowed to. 

But do everything you can to squeeze it in before you jump from where you are.

Moving To LA Or New York Requires Savings And A Job!

If you're considering moving to Los Angeles or New York, or any location to become an actor, you're going to need a lot of savings to make that move, find housing, afford the acting expenses, and support yourself until you find a job that pays the bills.

If at all possible, have that job in hand before you move. 

So if you want to be a working actor, it's very possible to do so while you have a full-time job.

I know actors out here in LA who have a few full-time jobs! You'll find a way and make a way for what's important to you. 

Remember, we're called working actors...it's work! But it's amazing and thrilling to be a part of this industry.

If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way to get your foot in the door. And remember, I'm always here to help!

Break a leg!