Side/Temp Jobs

Acting is a fickle business. No matter how talented, trained, attractive or well-connected you are, the industry doesn't always respond with work. You need to survive between acting gigs. But most full-time jobs conflict with an actor's unpredictable schedule: a 9-to-5 job will rarely give you time off to purse your art. You need to be available for auditions, classes, and rehearsals.

Most actors (and directors, writers, and crew members) rely on temp work and side jobs to stay afloat. Even famous actors worked temp and side jobs to get by: Johnny Depp sold ball-point pens; Kate Winslet made sandwiches in a deli; and Brad Pitt once donned a giant chicken suit to promote El Pollo Loco.

Temp jobs typically consist of office work (answering phone, filing, Xeroxing, etc.), but you might find yourself doing just about anything. Actors who have worked temp jobs advise signing up with a reputable temp agency in your city (Apple One and Kelly Services are two national chains), then building a good relationship with them by being dependable and loyal. Some agencies offer training that can advance your skills and give you access to higher paying jobs. Many also offer services such as a job database, direct deposit, health insurance and even paid vacations.

As a bonus, temp work gives you the opportunity to meet a variety of people in different situations. Observing people's daily lives can help create real and relatable characters. Some temp agents even prefer to hire actors, because they're used to a fluctuating routine and can adapt to any situation.

A side job can bring more stability — and better pay — while still allowing flexibility. It's no wonder that so many actors work as food servers. Restaurants and catering companies offer long-term employment with flexible shifts. Actors also find a lot of opportunities as child-care workers or substitute teachers. Acting unions (SAG, AFTRA, and Actors' Equity) can also help their members find employers who understand an actor's schedule.

You don't need a $20 million paycheck to keep your bills paid and refrigerator full. Take a look at what temp work and side jobs can offer.

LINKS

Paying Your Bills While Building Your Career
12 actors give tips on working day jobs while pursuing acting

Work Today, Work Tomorrow?
Advice from actors on how to get the most out of temp jobs.

Actors on a Budget - Working Temp
A how-to on temping for others or building your own flexible business.

Working Nine to Five
Words of wisdom and war stories about actors and their day jobs.

Balancing Act
Jackie asks four actors how they balance acting and outside careers.