Temp Jobs and Talent: Making It Work While Making It Big
Acting is a profession of passion, and while you’re chasing that breakout role, temp jobs can offer the flexibility and income needed to support your dream. Here’s how to not just survive but thrive in temporary positions, with tips that move beyond the basic advice, leveraging them as stepping stones in your acting career.
Leverage Creative Gig Economy Jobs
The gig economy offers a plethora of jobs that are perfect for actors needing flexible scheduling. Rideshare driving (Uber or Lyft), delivery services like DoorDash and Postmates, or creative freelance gigs available on Upwork and Fiverr provide opportunities to earn while maintaining control over your schedule. These platforms allow you to work as little or as much as you need based on your audition schedule and can be a quick source of income when acting jobs are sparse.
Explore Temp Roles in Offices
Many actors opt for temp work in office environments, which often offer a day-to-day or week-to-week work commitment. This setup not only helps in paying the bills but keeps your nights free for performances or rehearsals. Agencies like Artisan Talent and Atrium Staffing specialize in such roles, offering positions that require little responsibility beyond general administrative tasks, making it easier to step out for an audition when needed.
Dive Into Real Estate
Getting licensed as a real estate agent offers a flexible schedule with high earning potential. It’s a job that requires patience and networking, skills that most actors naturally possess, and can become a lucrative career parallel to acting, providing substantial financial support.
Turn to Teaching and Tutoring
If you have a knack for teaching, leverage it. Whether it’s tutoring students, teaching dance, voice, or acting classes, or even conducting workshops, these roles not only bring in income but also help hone your communication and public speaking skills. Platforms like VIPKid allow teaching English online at flexible hours, ideal for managing around auditions and rehearsals.
Engage in Childcare
Nanny or babysitting gigs offer substantial pay and manageable hours. If you have experience with kids, sites like Sittercity and Care.com can connect you with families who need childcare. For actors, this job can also double as a time to study scripts or rehearse lines while the kids nap or are at school.
Get Active with Fitness Training
If you’re physically fit, consider becoming a certified personal trainer. It’s a role that keeps you active and fits perfectly around an unpredictable audition schedule. Gyms often provide flexible hours for personal trainers, or you can choose to work independently, tailoring your client sessions around other commitments.
Capitalize on Your Performance Skills
Roles like a party character or tour guide allow you to use your acting skills directly. Companies are always on the lookout for charismatic individuals to lead tours or entertain at events. This not only earns you money but keeps your performance skills sharp.
Temp jobs don’t have to be a distraction from your acting career. With the right approach, they can offer the flexibility needed to attend auditions while providing financial stability. Remember, many successful actors have walked this path and used these experiences to craft a resilient and adaptable professional persona. Embrace the journey with enthusiasm and creativity, and let these survival jobs propel you towards your acting goals.
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