TAKING A VACATION FROM AN UNSTEADY JOB?

First of all let me get things straight: auditioning and managing your career IS a job. You have many responsibilities both on a daily level as a longer-term level, so if you don’t feel like you are working hard even without having a steady role, then you are doing something very wrong.

Calling your agent (or finding one if you don’t already have it), same with your manager or publicist, going on auditions, interviews, memorizing sides, studying in class and on your own, reading up on your career, updating your resume, going to callbacks, working out….are all some of the things you have to do EVERY DAY in this business, just to stay afloat! Not to mention the long hours on set if you do manage to get paid!

All that can be just (or even more) tiring that a 9 to 5 job sitting at a desk. So when you decide to take a break amidst all this and people give you the wary eye about being lazy or “what are you taking a break from?” just give them the shoulder. Breaking with your daily routine has not only psychological benefits but it has been proven to be good for you physically too. When we go on vacation whether it be a weekend away or an entire week, you feel relaxed and refreshed and get more benefits from sleep and rest, so you can come back to work with an extra boost.

If you are planning on taking a break let me just give you some VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF ADVICE:

1. Don’t get a sunburn! Remember you have to go to auditions when you come back or resume shooting.
2. Always make your trip “alterable” or keep an emergency fund to buy an earlier return ticket if they call you for a job. You’d be surprised at how all it takes sometimes for people to want you is for you to leave. Murphy!