Thoughts On Switching Your Path.

Job hunting is hard no matter what industry you are in. You can be educated and experienced and still not be right for the positions or companies that you think you are. So many don't offer benefits or even pay that you can live on. As a performer, it is hard to explain that the only reason you have jumped from job to job is due to the fact that each contract must be auditioned for and has an expiration date. There are few consistent positions in this industry. It almost feels as if we are punished for having followed our dreams while we could. The hard thing about applying for jobs is that everything is online now. This makes it easy for employers to reject an application before even giving you the opportunity to sell yourself and explain your previous career path. Lucky for us though, performers are extremely resilient and used to rejection. 

When transitioning to another career path, I believe that getting in the door is difficult since all they see on your resume is a plethora of jobs all over the place. You look like a risk. Having pursued my dream for so long has been a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I have seen parts of the world I never dreamt I would. I was paid to perform in beautiful venues with like minded artists for packed audiences. On the other hand, it isn't easy to explain to someone you are ready for stability and how your performance skills relate to a job in another industry. I studied communications and have held jobs related to my degree, but I truly believe that my most invaluable skills were learned in studying and performing as a dancer. 

As performers, we are required to have excellent time management and attention to detail. We have the ability to be flexible and adapt to new situations. We have social media and marketing experience as we must promote our personal brand. We work so hard in the pursuit of perfection even though it is impossible to achieve. We are smart and go with the flow when we have to try new ways of doing things or change choreography on the spot. We don't give up until we reach our goals and still keep practicing long after. Performers are resilient and hopeful and fun to work with. My hope is that more potential non-entertainment employers can take this into consideration. I have been fortunate this month to have been given the privilege of a couple interviews. Stay tuned.