Life Decisions...

J

Jalyssa M

New member
As some of you may know (or may not), I am currently in "The Beauty and the Beast" at my local theater.

At yesterday's dress rehearsal as everything neared perfection, it dawned on me how much I miss singing and theater. I haven't done anything like this since I was still in high school, and I can't help but think of the possibilities of my life if I did try to pursue a line of work in theater.

My life currently consists of working at Radioshack, which is a pretty well-paying job. I also have a job offer within the next year that will produce a pretty paycheck if I take it. Money is tempting and all, but if I do take this other job, I will be stuck here for the rest of my life. Yes, I'll be able to provide for myself, as well as a family, but the big question I ask myself is: "will I be completely and totally happy?"

My dreams and ambitions in high school were to start out my music career by going to a junior college and taking classes there, then getting transferred to Julliard, one of my higher ambitons in life. Then, I wanted to make a try for the Metropolitan Opera or take my chances to see if I could land a spot in a Broadway show. Even if I just made it at a larger theater somewhere else, that would work too.

It's a little confusing at the moment, and I have mixed feelings about the whole subject. Stay and provide, or uproot myself, and try to reach my dreams... that's the decision that I have to make now.
 
Is this job the type of career you've always wanted to have? Or is this something you'd just do for the money?

If it's the first one, then by all means dive in. But, if it's the second one, avoid it at all costs like that avian bird flu. Even if you took this position just for the money there's also the fact of the "90 day period" to consider. You know what I'm talking about, where you're basically considered as being on a trial run for the first 3 months. So there is the chance that you would run the possibility of not being kept on after that. If it's the career you want though, in the dreaded 90 day period even if you're not top notch in your position, they'll more than likely see your determination in making it so they'd probably keep you on just by proxy.

In essence, don't leave a job that you already have that's secure for more money in something that may not work out for you.
 
i know how you feel. i myself am coming up on the end of my contract with the army, and i am not sure what i want to do. i mean, 8yrs in the army means i only have 12 more to go before retirement or do i get out and start a carrer in the civilian work force, which could pay a lot more than what i make now.. decisions, decisions.
 
Well, my job at Radioshack is secure, and the other job offer would be secure too.

However, my dreams consist of theater and singing... And that's what I'm worried about. If I don't go about trying out my dreams, will I regret it later, even if this other job will give me a great life?
 
Is there a way of doing both? It's not easy to uproot yourself when you need the money. Is there a way to do botha dn not jump imediately into the theater biz? Just do more small theater workshops and or work to get yourself through school that you can do the theater and singing in and see where you go from there.

I think it's important to be happy. It's something you will regret if you don't at least do somethign involving your hopes and dreams. You'll feel trapped and wonder if you've waited too long, etc... The point is you need to find some sort of medium ground. If you do not have any ties with family at this point, it might be a great opportunity to at least try theater and singing. But if you do have a family to support, then you'll have to consider taking that large leap in incriments.

You can always get another job. Opportunities often don't knock more than once. Taking the new job sounds like you are not sure it's where you belong. That's why you need to consider your options as to what you NEED RIGHT NOW.
 
Research the hell out of theater and arts, see whats in demand currently in the big cities, find out how much work it takes to reach that, see if you are willing to do that much work, and then make the decision.

Confidence in yourself and careful planning is what you need to succeed if you want to do theater and singing. Hell, I even say try out for american idol with your voice :p but that is just my opinion. I am sure you are overly-qualified for anything that can get thrown at you. Put your mind to it and I hope you make the choice that will make you happy. Cause that is all that I wish for you, is for you to be happy.
 
I've been doing theater workshops, and I've been balancing that with work. Schoolwise, I have changed my major to Computer Science, but I'm actually thinking of changing it back to Music.



I don't have a family to support, but I do have a family that supports me. I could easily get transferred within my own job (Radioshack) to a bigger city, still make the same amount of money (or more; we're commission based), and pursue my dreams.



Too many contracts are dealt in American Idol. I'm not looking for a contract, just something I love to do. And I'm doing my research. I don't plan to jump on the theater bandwagon any time soon, I'm just figuring out what I want for myself and my life.

And I know you want me to be happy. :D
 
DanniC, you are young. You don't need to get the secure job and give up on your dreams so soon. Chase your dreams for a few years and see if it works out. If not, Radio Shack will still be there, or something even better.

Remember us, here at WTF, when you are famous!
 
Most definitely, Vezza!

I'm really wanting to... I just have to figure out the timeframe and such. I've already started researching apartments.

:)
 
If you're truly serious about the theater, go for it now, while you have the time and willingness to devote all of your energy and focus.

A little background - feel free to ignore or skip this part. I was in theater arts in high school and college, then moved on to musical theater in local productions. After a few years, I moved to Los Angeles and spent most of my days and nights learning the craft and auditioning for every play that had even a remote possibility for a part. Lessons in singing, dancing, acting, professional photos for my resume - all of it costs, but I was working a semi-regular job also, so could afford the additional expense. Lived in a house with 10 other actor wannabes sharing the rent.

One of the hardest parts about acting as a profession is the initial rejection. Every single audition had 50 other folks who were prettier, had more experience, and oftimes knew the folks casting the roles. It's not easy to be told, "Sorry, you're not what we're looking for" when you know you could ace that part better than anyone else. I finally got a few parts, bit characters, or the comedic friend of the lead. Not quite my dream of thanking my parents while winning a Tony award, but I was doing what I loved.

I don't regret a single minute of the experience. I would, however, have many regrets if I hadn't at least tried to follow that dream.

So, once again, think seriously about what you want from life, now, and in the future, and pursue it with everything you have.
 
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