Job Flexibility: Paying Your Bills While Pursuing an Acting Career
Keeping your days open so you can go out on auditions is one of the toughest situations a new actor has to face. On the one hand you have to pay your bills and keep your lights on, on the other, you need to be free during the day to go out on auditions. Your agent expects you to be available during the day. There is very little room for negotiating here. If you’re gonna be a serious actor–keep your days open. Monday through Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm should be kept open. Always. Don’t worry about weekend auditions as 95% of all Hollywood auditions are during the regular business week.
Okay, so what do you do? How do you pay your bills while trying to pursue your acting career? Here are three suggestions that may help you:
1. Find a flexible job during the day. If you’re gonna get a job during the day make sure it’s flexible. You should be up front with your employer right from the start. Don’t be afraid to let them know about your acting career ambitions. If you receive any friction as a result of your openess, then perhaps that is not the ideal job for you.
2. Find a night job. Sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do. A night job or graveyard shift is a good way to go. It will be tough but at least your days will be open. You’re gonna need to be highly disciplined and organized (especially with time management) to pull it off but you can do it. The last thing we need is for you to be sleeping on your auditions so be careful!
3. Find a part time job. Maybe you have some money saved up already. Maybe you’re still living with your parents and all you have to do is pay your cell phone bill. Maybe all you need is some pocket change and some “run around” money. That’s a blessing; you’re in a good position. However, a part time job may still be ideal for you. Perhaps the weekends will be sufficient. Whatever you do–keep your days open.
