Why Your Day Job Isn't Shameful (And What The Rest of Us Do To Make Money)

Why Your Day Job Isn't Shameful (And What The Rest of Us Do To Make Money)

Why Your Day Job Isn't Shameful (And What The Rest of Us Do To Make Money)

Okay, by now most of us have heard about the pictures of actor Geoffrey Owens working at Trader Joe's that went viral. Many people attempted to shame Owens, completely misunderstanding that an actors life isn't just "one level" or one status, nor is the job a money-making-machine.

There are many levels of acting (and writing and filmmaking), some of which require the creative to work other jobs outside of what viewers see on TV.

Yet the general public doesn't understand that.

Why Your Day Job isnt Shameful And What The Rest of Us Are Doing To Make MoneyYour side job or day job doesn't define you. Your passion does.

Take a look at this blog post to see what some actors were doing to support themselves when we weren't looking.

Owen's story hit home for me in a lot of ways. Not just as an actor and writer, but as a former reporter and anchor. See, as I work my way toward that place where I can fully sustain myself as an actor and screenwriter, I still have work other jobs. Stage 32 is one of them. Ghostwriting and ghostblogging for filmmakers and entrepreneurs is another.

And there's one more.

I actually work part-time in a bookstore. And while I've been away from local news in Syracuse for 8 years now, I'll be damned if people still don't recognize me. Sometimes I wonder what they say to their spouse when they see me shelving books. "She was on TV, remember? She was an investigative reporter. The poor thing must have given up. Pity."

Me (from the biography section): "I HAVEN'T GIVEN UP! I'M JUST GETTING STARTED, YOU BLEEPIN' )*&*&^!"

But they don't hear me because I'm not yelling. I can't. I can't care like that. They don't know what a day is like for me. They don't know I spend hours writing, rewriting, auditioning, driving to gigs, spending time at film and television festivals, and writing some more. They don't know what a pitch is and how to prepare it or that when a producer likes my work I have to wait and wait and wait while it's being shopped or optioned.

They don't know anything.

Why Your Day Job isnt Shameful And What The Rest of Us Are Doing To Make MoneyI work 10-20 hours a week at a nearby Barnes & Noble. What's your side gig?

The images of Owens at Trader Joe's brought to light the notion that working a job - of any kind - shouldn't be shameful. We're so quick to judge someone based on their day job. We decide, almost instantaneously, that someone has given up or that misfortune has befallen them, because he or she is waiting tables, stacking books, or ringing organic tomatoes over a scanner.

But don't get me started in Internet trolls.

Instead, let's start a thread where we share our side gigs.
Let's hold them up to the light without shame.
Let's remind one another that this is a journey where other means of income are allowed.

So...what's your side gig?
What else are you doing to make money?

Like this blog post? Please share it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email etc) by using social media buttons at the top of the blog. Or post to your personal blog and anywhere else you feel appropriate. Thank you.

As always, we welcome thoughts and remarks on ANY of the content above in the Comments section below...

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About the Author

Joleene DesRosiers

Joleene DesRosiers

Screenwriter, Actor, Producer

Joleene DesRosiers is a former television reporter and anchor turned indie screenwriter and director/producer at a PBS affiliate television station in Northern New York/Canada.This role allows her to write, produce, and direct regional and national documentaries, docs-series, and other series produc...

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29 Comments on Joleene's Article

Vasco Phillip de Sousa
Stunt Performer, Author, Art Director, Screenwriter, Actor, Playwright
I wish I had a side gig.   It's stupid to look down on people with side gigs.  But, as a professional, especially in a leadership position, you really need commitment.  Teachers, doctors, lawyers don't tend to hold down other jobs.  Some jobs are just full time. I worked on the phones for a while, and was too tired to make films.  Tried to make a short while holding down a full time job, worst film I ever made.  So, I focused on the full time job, until they closed us down.   (Then again, I was able to write while doing factory work.  I suppose one used my brain, the other was more physical.) If you're an actor, an extra, or even some crew, it makes sense to have some "stop gaps" for the downtime, but when I direct, I need to put in 100 percent.  Too tired to do anything else really.  And it's easier to write for 6 hours a day than for 1.
7 years ago
Izzibella Beau
Author, Casting Director, Publisher, Screenwriter
Wonderful job writing, Jolene. It's good to see that everyone fills other shoes outside of filming, etc...everyone that works in this business has to find alternative means of survival when the work isn't there. NO ONE should ever be shamed in what they do.
7 years ago
Vikki Flawith
Music Composer
Great post Joleene. It seems like people just want to put you in a box. A very limited one based on age or current ability (or lack of) or whatever else is convenient. When I read your post and the replies of others here, I see the creative spirit at work. We do multiple things, some pay up front (like 'real jobs') and others may or may not pay off financially but are part of our growth and experience and outreach and collaborative efforts. I've worked as a chambermaid, waitress, short order cook, data entry clerk, dental claims processor, booking rep for a facility, freelance writer, the list goes on lol. I teach voice to the tone deaf and terrified (and love it) while working on my writing and composing career, but it took some years to get to the place where that was secure enough to let the part time 'day job' go. Cheers!
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Thanks, Vikki! The response in this thread just goes to show that we do, indeed, do multiple things to get where we need to go. Thanks for sharing your list of jobs!
7 years ago
Michael Owen
Cinematographer, Editor
A truly insightful article Joleene. I worked in sales in NYC from 200 to 2002. I had an appointment the morning of 9/11/2001 next to the North Tower. My client was never heard from again and I was caught in the long day that was 9/11/2001.I served in the Army Reserves (1 year/1 month/ and 23 days) to earn additional income. I was injured in a combat assessment and was discharged. I have worked for UPS loading packages from 3:45 AM to 8:45 AM for a year, served as a Federal officer with 2 D.O.D. (Department of Defense) Police Units,Ad Sales for Clear Channel Radio, worked in the Liquor industry for 3 years, ran a SAG-AFTRA Franchised agency for 5 years in Pennsylvania, and finally after a hiatus of working in film production in Los Angeles (1996-1999) I was able to return in October 2015 to produce, film, and provide casting for "Getting Grace" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5711672/I film corporate clients to pay the bills and have filmed many hours (straight through) of medical initiatives for hospital networks to Legal briefs regarding treaty investor visas
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Michael Owen Wow. What a resume. And every single thing has shaped you and prepared you for the next step! I really appreciate your response. Thank you for your service and getting me my packages on time. (wink!) Henry Wolfe III a chauffeur! That's wild! I love it. :)
7 years ago
Henry Wolfe III
Actor, Art Director, Casting Director, Cinematographer, Director, Editor, Musician, Producer, Storyboard Artist
I drive contractually as a chauffeur between gigs and it's a part of my production business. Absolutely zero shame in my game. I love helping people...
7 years ago
Tom Wadlow
Director
I totally agree, I've done all manner of factory work, long hour over weekend, New Years, all sort because when bills need to be paid and money isn't freely rolling it its a necessary part of life. Quite a few of my actor friends work as taxi drivers because they then get to pick the hours they work and it can be something they pick up as and when. I think its always easier to knock people down who've tried or had some success and look like they've fallen a bit, maybe because they've never tried, that might be a bit of a generalisation, but its easier to stay safe rather put yourself out there and try for something difficult.
7 years ago
Tom Wadlow
Director
Yeah it seems a perfect job for a lot of my friends, pretty hand as well, lots of networking opportunities 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
We have a lot of Uber drivers in my neck of the woods. Actors as Uber drivers, that is. Thanks for joining the party, Tom Wadlow !
7 years ago
Krista Crawford
Screenwriter
I am the Sales and Marketing Manager at a hotel in a Midwest resort town. I've seen a lot of things that definitely make for interesting stories! Peak season is Memorial Day to Labor Day so it's insane during that time but in the off season, I can get quite a bit of writing done! 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Krista Crawford I love that! I used to write at my desk in the newsroom while I was waiting for call backs. Whatever works!
7 years ago
Kristine Bendul
Actor, Choreographer, Dancer, Author, Illustrator
Thank you for this article. I’ve not only done the waiting tables, working retail, catering... but my current and most financially successful survival job has been driving for Uber/Lyft/Juno. I liken it to my “Clark Kent” alter ego because little do the passengers know that I have been In 7 Broadway shows, numerous tv, film, commercial, music video projects and am about  to go be an adjunct professor of dance at the University of Lichagan for 5 weeks. This job does not define my art.
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Kristine Bendul , this is awesome. SEVEN broadway shows!! I love this. I love your willingness to share your alter-ego story, too. Thank you. :)
7 years ago
Christine Jackson
Makeup Artist
Well put. I’m a makeup artist and Esthician and I work at a spa part time until I get the opportunity to work in a television studio.... We all have to live in the here and now as we sharpen our skills and creativity to get us to the next level in our career paths. Plus working a job outside of the film Industry keeps me grounded. 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
I hear that. There's something about that little bookstore that makes me happy, too. :)
7 years ago
Remo Pini
Director, Line Producer, Producer
I like to think that I got three jobs, one for the body, one for the soul and a strategic one. One takes care of the bills (and creates enough buffer). This allows me to do eat and live. One is in the industry, but more administrative, this helps me network and learn. But at some point I will hopefully be able to sustain myself fully just directing (which is currently a money sink). 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
I'm with ya, Remo Pini ! I resisted the bookstore job for a long time. Working from home was perfect because it gave me freedom and flexibility. The Stage 32 job keeps me grounded in the biz. The ghostwriting keeps my writing skills sharp. The acting/production jobs also keep me grounded in the biz. But the bookstore keeps me sane. I didn't realize how much I needed to be around other people! Working from home can be lonely. Thanks for offering your feedback to us! Best to you on your journey.
7 years ago
I do volunteer work for the National Trust (2 sites) and an Adult Migrant language program as a home tutor. I'm also looking for part-time work. Best income source is an mlm that I have and love.
7 years ago
Thanks Joleene, appreciate that
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Ron Arthurs High five to you. MLM is difficult for some! Nothing wrong with putting one more resource on your income list!
7 years ago
Elaine J Jackson
Author, Producer
Great blog, Joleene!  By day I'm a Purchase Ledger Clerk for a local retailer (not books, sadly!). I think it's the same in all areas of the creative industry - many best-selling authors spent years with a day job (and I'm sure many still do) before being able to write full-time. I'm certainly in that category (having a day job, not being a best-seller - yet). I think the general public don't know what it's like for the majority of us because maybe they don't  know someone in that profession. I think it has an upside in that it connects us to life and what it is like for the vast majority - I think creatives (be they in front of the camera or behind it) need that connection to stay 'real' .... well, that's my take on it., but I'm sure it's not the only one.  ;-)  
7 years ago
Elaine J Jackson
Author, Producer
Bless you, Joleene - me, too!  :- D 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Elaine J Jackson , thanks! I'm an author, too! The store I work in is where I had my first book signing 6 years ago. Weird, huh? And yes, I need that connection...the "people" connection. I appreciate your feedback...and can't wait to hold your best-seller in my hand! :)
7 years ago
Camille James Harman
Actor, Producer
Yes, here's to multi-tasking. My husband Jeff Harman is a professional astrologer, and I'm his office manager and media liaison. I handle clients from all over the world, including celebs in all professions. It has given me experience I use in marketing myself as an actor and many other transferable entrepreneurial skills. It's totally flexible for auditions and work. My husband and I also own a production company, so he is  working two careers as well. I have an MFA, and through the years before we had our son, I managed flexible jobs as a zoo-keeper, art saleswoman, legal assistant, acting teacher, college instructor, architect's receptionist, faux finisher, substitute teacher, caterer, and waitress.
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Camille James Harman , what a resume. ZOO KEEPER! That sounds like a lot of fun. And I love all of the variety. It's needed for creatives, don't you think? I never could sit still for very long. I bet your days are interesting, as are Jeff's. I dig astrology. Fascinated by it. Thanks for adding to our list. :)
7 years ago
Shanika Freeman
Music Composer, Playwright, Screenwriter
Wonderful post, Joleene!   No one should be shamed for working hard. Right now, I work full time as a line cook. My hours are typical, but I make time to compose and write. We shouldn't feel ashamed or worthless because we have to work a day job to provide for our family. It is hard sometimes and feels like the walls are all coming down at once, but push through. I wish everyday people would support and encourage us more. We all are just trying to live the best life we can.
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Shanika Freeman , you are SO right. No one should feel ashamed. We, as creatives, take risks everyday by choosing work that is uncertain until it is. As long as we trust the Universe and work toward our goals, we're gonna be alright... Thanks for sharing your day gig with us!
7 years ago
Bill Brock
Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Actor
High School English teacher, part-time professional actor with representation, and aspiring screenwriter of 5 screenplay features and 2 shorts (continue to build a nice writer’s resume due to national contest recognition). Member of professional writers group- Virginia Screenwriters Forum. Best of both worlds: As a teacher, Summer Vacation affords me the opportunity to write and act. Plus lots of additional days off throughout the year. I’m retiring from the classroom in 2 years, so a new, exciting chapter is right around the corner!
7 years ago
Bill Brock
Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Actor
Thank you, Joleene. I’m pitching it to 3 producers next week via Skype, plus another will read the script for 8 minutes (Let’s hope he keeps turning pages!)The script is “My Favorite Year” meets “Misery” and I like using the lower-case “d” in dream, signifying that “This little dream is about to become one GIANT nightmare!”Attached is an earlier concept I had for the poster.
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
DAMN. This sounds amazing. Really great premise! Best to you with it.
7 years ago
Jeff Cross
Author, Screenwriter
Oh, the number of things I did while stuck in the gig economy, including nearly 6 years in an outbound call center trying to pry subcontractor information out of construction companies in order to sell material to them.  I had the same conversation several hundred times a week in every US state and Canadian province, which can be viewed as practice for the eventual book tour and/or movie press junket.
7 years ago
Jeff Cross
Author, Screenwriter
At least you got paid for writing something.
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Jeff Cross AY-MEN. I wrote articles for $20 each once. BLAH. But I did it until I found something better. 
7 years ago
Jeff Guenther
Screenwriter, Playwright, Script Consultant
Anyone with half a brain knows that artists of all sorts must cover the gap between what their art brings in and what they need to live. For many, the former is zero a lot of the time, and the latter is rising all the time. My day job was in another field, but writing and editing were a large part of the work.
7 years ago
Steve Hamm
Actor, Voice Actor
Great article, Jolene. You are absolutely right in the fact that the average person has no idea what artists have to do behind the scenes to make ends meet. My day job is a helicopter Lifeflight pilot. We work a week on/week off type of schedule so I have flexibility for auditions amd working on set. Kudos to everyone who does what they have to in order to keep their dream alive 
7 years ago
Steve Hamm
Actor, Voice Actor
Your welcome. Appreciate the kind words. The fascinating aspect about this business is that there isn’t just one path to reach the destination. Best wishes for your continued succsss 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Steve Hamm  I love, love, love, LOVE this. I think this is AMAZING. Thank you for posting this, and for your kick-ass-ness. 
7 years ago
Holly Lancaster
Screenwriter
Love this, Joleene! I write and edit for various businesses. I call it being my own patron of the arts. Balance is the key with side gigs--they should support your dream--not usurp it. 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Hello, fellow biz writer. :)
7 years ago
Tabatha Visutskie
Actor, Assistant Director, Producer, Production Coordinator, Production Manager, Screenwriter, Set Decorator, Set Designer, Stage Director, Stage Manager, Theatre Director, Theatrical Producer, Unit Publicist, Voice Artist, Marketing/PR, Author, Filmmaker
Thank you for sharing Joleene. Truly inspiring and love what you wrote, I HAVEN'T GIVEN UP! I'M JUST GETTING STARTED, YOU BLEEPIN' )*&*&^!" So true. The artist never stops.
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Glad it resonated with you, Tabatha Visutskie . I appreciate you giving it a read! (PS - Were JUST GETTING STARTED!)
7 years ago
Linda Perkins
Screenwriter
Regardless of profession, Joleene, your blog is so on point. 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Thanks, Linda. I've felt this way for a long time...but when the Owens story broke (and is still going), I thought, "Why does it matter what people think? It shouldn't. EVER."  And you're right...doesn't matter what the profession is. We do what we need to do to get where we want to go.
7 years ago
Rache Walker
Music Composer, Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Voice Artist
Hi Joleene!I think you are hardworking and brave and that creative means just that! Tapping into other avenues of talent, living above your senitive creative spirit to produce something that really makes this life experience a better one for all of us! Way to go Joleene!Have a great Saturday!Rachel
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Thanks, Rachel! YOU TOO!
7 years ago
Yvonne Andersen
Actor, Sales Agent
Thank you for bringing this up. Sometimes I feel that I live two lives. One as an internal sales supporter, wife and mother. And the other as a loner that strives to make an acting career. I'm not ashamed of any of the two lives, but my god it is two very different worlds. But I also think that they both together balances my life very well. Like Yin and Yang. The security by having a steady income, safe and nice with good colleagues and on the other hand a wild, dary, exciting, playfull and meaningful contact to a lot of new people where you never know what the next thing is that you are going to try out and create with wonderful people. The only thing I miss is more than 24 hours a day :-) 
7 years ago
Yvonne Andersen
Actor, Sales Agent
Joleen thanks, I will keep that in mind. Best to you too :-) 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Yvonne Andersen I used to feel that way...two lives...but somehow they're merging. In the end, we're all doing what we need to. Best to you!
7 years ago
Trevor Rose
Actor, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
I’m stunned anyone thinks that anyone else’s job shames them — except if they’re corrupt, or in the business of abuse, war-crimes etc. — but I’ve done over 100 jobs in my life, so I just ignore those idiots, as they rarely have a clue about anything, even their own professional specialisations ( at which I’ll bet they’re mediocre at best )
7 years ago
Elaine J Jackson
Author, Producer
That must have felt sooooo good! It all comes down to 'treat others as you would wish them to treat you', doesn't it - each chapter of our lives has value, even if we don't always see it at the time, but (to use yet another quote) 'to thine own self be true' and hopefully all will be well. 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Mary Ellen Gavin I'm in Syracuse and there's lots of talent here. This is SUCH a great point. True story....I was getting my oil changed, and the guy doing it started chatting me up. I was on my way to NYC for a table read. He grinned and said, "You're an actor?" I said, "You must be, too." He was the epitome of a character I needed for a proof-of-concept I was shooting a few weeks down the road. I encouraged him to audition. HE DID. What's more??? WE CAST HIM. #truestory. (He's the guy in orange!)
7 years ago
Cali Gilbert
Photographer (Still), Author, Director, Screenwriter
I would LOVE to have a side gig, but my problem is having the label of being "over-qualified" since I hold multiple degrees and have vast experience. I actually had someone say recently, "We can't afford you!" Yet I'm just trying to pay the rent. Any suggestions for those of us who WANT TO WORK and just hoping for an opportunity?
7 years ago
Cali Gilbert
Photographer (Still), Author, Director, Screenwriter
Thanks so much Joleene Moody Applied for a position with my dream company here in LA yesterday, so fingers crossed. Will keep you posted. :)
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
It's a pity, really. We are allowed to "switch gears" or change what fills us. I'll be honest, when they rang to tell me I was hired, I was floored. I kept saying, "I can't believe they hired me." Shook my head for the first few weeks. But they did. And between you, me, and everyone here...of all of my jobs, it's the LEAST amount of money I've made in a few decades. But it's helpful and enough and I LOVE it. It gets me out of the house (I'm a writer working from home most days) and talking to people. Plus I'm among other aspiring writers in the store. It. Just. Works. Keep on keepin' on, Cali. We're all here for you. xoxo
7 years ago
Ian Davies
Screenwriter
My dad job is as a field archaeologist, which in itself is part time. This is okay for me as it gives me time to write.  Sadly, from my experience both as a writer and an archaeologist, many people's negative reactions come not necessarily from ignorance, but from jealousy. 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Elaine J Jackson YES. I was in my early 40's when I took the FULL leap to making my life about screenwriting and filmmaking. A lot has been sacrificed, but I don't regret it for a second.
7 years ago
Elaine J Jackson
Author, Producer
I think many people are afraid to follow their dreams, or easily discouraged through lack of confidence. It took me most of my life and losing my mother to realise that hey, I only get one go on the merry-go-round and if I don't do it now, I never will!  Perhaps people can be negative because they realise they could have done it too, if only.... 
7 years ago
Callum McKay
Screenwriter, Advisor, Director
I'm in the first stages of trying to start a career as a screenwriter, so naturally at the moment I'm earning nothing from it. I just knuckle down and work on my scripts to get them ready for when the time is right to try and put them out into the world. In the meantime I work as a Film/TV extra, and it's brilliant. Not only do I get to see the industry and what goes into making a great movie or tv show, but I'm meeting fantastic people on every job I do, whether they're actors looking for their own start in the industry, or ADs or whoever they may be. It's a way to earn, network and learn all at the same time, and that suits me just fine
7 years ago
Jeff Cross
Author, Screenwriter
I've done that, too, mostly to make myself more interesting to agents.  Don't forget to enter contests as well.
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
I LOVE it! Whatever works to get you there!
7 years ago
My day job is in the cafeteria of a local university. Most of my co-workers are also friends who support and encourage my filmmaking. So, I consider myself lucky to be able to say that. I dream of a life that doesn't require a day job, but I realize that things could be worse for me.   
7 years ago
Yvonne Andersen  Thanks for the encouragement!  Joleene Moody  I'm working on it. Thanks for the encouragement! :) 
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Jacob Buterbaugh That's great. Support is SO crucial, this we know. Soon you'll be writing about that cafeteria instead of working in it. :)
7 years ago
PJ Edwards
Actor, Screenwriter, Voice Actor
Well said! My side gig took me away from most of my creative activities(at least until November) but something always brings me back!
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
I hear that. When I started my business as a ghostwriter, I sometimes found myself neglecting my work as an actor and screenwriter. Now I make THOSE my focus. I still get work as an actor, crew member, ghostwriter, etc...but I remember every day what it is I REALLY want....
7 years ago
Excellent blog!
7 years ago
Joleene Moody
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Rosemary Thomas  I have a big 'ol house. Seriously considering this...
7 years ago
Rosemary ThomAs
Actor, Playwright, Voice Actor, Production Assistant
thanks very uplifting info... I do AirBnB.
7 years ago
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