I spent the afternoon recently with an actor acquaintance. The summer previously, he had done a very nice job at a very prestigious outdoor summer theatre. On paper, it seemed like a dream job: great show, great cast, good director, nice venue.
I was jealous.
So imagine my surprise to find out he really didn’t enjoy it. The money was terrible, director was bitchy, cast was cliquey.
He was glad when the summer was over and not at all surprised he wasn’t invited back.
“all that glisters is not gold” is true in most things including many creative jobs. Many of my starriest jobs have been least enjoyed while some of the spit and sawdust jobs have been the best.
In fact, I’d go a step further and say most of my happiest performing experiences were ones I put together myself: choosing colleagues and material that excited me. There’s definitely something to be said about being in the driver’s seat.
It’s easy for all of us to fall prey to envy of other’s jobs but remember that there is a very special recipe for great jobs and they can be few and far between.
Maybe it’s time to play chef and assemble your own meal?
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