Thank you. I lost my job at the beginning of the pandemic, wrote a book and narrated it myself, it was a very steep learning curve 🥺. So then I started to audition for ACX, after about 14 demos, I got nothing, then 2 offers came in back to back, I put myself under a lot of pressure to get those done. Editing until 2 in the morning etc. I lost a gig recently because I already had two books in production and told the author that it would be about 3 weeks before I could start. After losing the job I was kicking myself, but I know if I had taken it I would be stressed beyond belief 😰. So I appreciate your advice, thanks 😊
Sorry that happened to you and glad that things are picking up a bit for you as well. Yeah never take on too much. Two audiobooks at once is a little hardcore
Cheers to you, brother. It's important to intentionally step away from the hustle and *breathe.* Hustle IS important, but it doesn't replace living. If you're not actually living, no amount of "work" will fix the FOMO when it comes to your own sanity and LIFE.
Well said. I spent 30 years as a professional stage, TV, film and VO actor. Long late hours, lots of travel. The day came that I became a single parent and needed to go into the corporate 9-5 for 25 years. Still long hours and up early but my son was priority. When he flew the nest and I retired I returned to VO. After 4 years learning the new way, with help from you, I still find my head stuck in FOMO from corporate and stage actor days. I learned to give myself breaks and outings. We each have to recognize and nurture those priorities whether it's a partner, a child or our own sanity. Better acting needs an outside perspective.
Appreciate the apology. I side-eyed that video where you talk about being on call because like you, I worked in marketing and know - know for absolute fact - nothing is an emergency. Unless they need my voice to tell people to evacuate or seek shelter, it's not an actual emergency. It's just marketing people trying push their anxieties onto other people. When I worked with contractors, I tried my best not to put it on them and instead managed my managers and executives...and guess what??? They didn't actually need it right then and there. If I hemmed and hawed about this and that needing more time and tech issues and yada yada, they'd get pissed but eventually it'd blow over and the contractor could finish the work in a reasonable amount of time. Also: vacation notices folks! Tell clients you're out! Any client who doesn't respect that can shove it!
Took me a long time in corporate to have that approach. I know all the tricks and that why I tell the people who have worked for me to fall for it but for me. The damn indoctrination was effective
DISCORD YES!!! Love it, can't wait to join! Thanks for being candid on this topic. I left the cooperate "drop everything in your personal life because this is an emergency" world to go into voice over so I could control my life better and it is DEFINITELY hard not to slip back into this mindset. That being said, if someone presents a need for a "rush emergency" job and I decide to put my personal life on hold to accommodate, then I charge accordingly, just as customers in my previous position in corporate sales did. It's all a delicate thing to balance and learn!
I’m so happy that I’ve stumbled upon your channel. You’ve been so genuine and I very much appreciate your style. I’ve learned more in the past week about VO and finally getting started, then from others. Thank you
Thanks for sharing your wisdom. As entrepreneurs we understand the importance of working hard, but sometimes we forget the equal importance of playing hard. Again, thanks for sharing!
Ayy! Discord is coming! Can't wait! Good video. There has been a lot of discussion about toxic, crunch culture in the world of video games for the past few years and this rings true in VO. I have found that starting out, yes, I had to put in a lot of extended hours to get off the ground. But it was with the goal of being able to do voice work full time so that I can spend MORE time with my wife and kids. Making that sacrifice early has set me up early in my career as a moderate success and gives me the freedom to have a better home life. Yes, I am checking my voices profile constantly to see if I got x or y job, but if I take work, it is on my terms.
I understand 100% because I have worked myself to the brink of death (exaggerating a little) at times in my life, and it wasn't worth it. I personally CAN NOT do it anymore. Physically and mentally it is not an option for me. But, I'm not chasing after a 6 figure income either. I can work about 4-5 hours a day, and would be perfectly happy to earn $35,000 a year. So, I take in information and advice from you and other successful VOs and mold it to work for me. So, I think I'll make this work for me, and really don't care if other people want to work themselves to death chasing after a giant pile of money. When I hear people talking about 12-16 hour days, I roll my eyes and think "have fun with that". I'm far more interested in freedom than money. I don't need much money to be happy. I'don't have kids. I'm not married. So, I'm not trapped into that whole crazy lifestyle (thank god). lol. I appreciate your videos, sir.
I think it's like fishing, obviously I want to catch a few but I also want to enjoy the experience. I went fishing with a family friend recently, he got so intense and aggressive about catching as many fish as possible that it ruined a nice day on the water. The whole time I thought this should fun but it so stressful for no reason.
@@CrownStagVoiceover Whippersnapper. But seriously, I'll be waiting for the channel. I have enjoyed finding your advice so far, and have many things on pause while i wait for the funds to take some of it. (This is better than it sounds.)
@@GhostFox. I can't imagine why any company whatsoever would call itself 'Discord'. What's next? 'Brick Through Your Window'? 'Rioting In the Streets'?
![ILLSLICK - THE KING'S LANDING [Freestyle]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/feIJJnNkTfk/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you. I lost my job at the beginning of the pandemic, wrote a book and narrated it myself, it was a very steep learning curve 🥺. So then I started to audition for ACX, after about 14 demos, I got nothing, then 2 offers came in back to back, I put myself under a lot of pressure to get those done. Editing until 2 in the morning etc. I lost a gig recently because I already had two books in production and told the author that it would be about 3 weeks before I could start. After losing the job I was kicking myself, but I know if I had taken it I would be stressed beyond belief 😰. So I appreciate your advice, thanks 😊
Sorry that happened to you and glad that things are picking up a bit for you as well. Yeah never take on too much. Two audiobooks at once is a little hardcore
Cheers to you, brother. It's important to intentionally step away from the hustle and *breathe.* Hustle IS important, but it doesn't replace living. If you're not actually living, no amount of "work" will fix the FOMO when it comes to your own sanity and LIFE.
Well said. I spent 30 years as a professional stage, TV, film and VO actor. Long late hours, lots of travel. The day came that I became a single parent and needed to go into the corporate 9-5 for 25 years. Still long hours and up early but my son was priority. When he flew the nest and I retired I returned to VO. After 4 years learning the new way, with help from you, I still find my head stuck in FOMO from corporate and stage actor days. I learned to give myself breaks and outings. We each have to recognize and nurture those priorities whether it's a partner, a child or our own sanity. Better acting needs an outside perspective.
Appreciate the apology. I side-eyed that video where you talk about being on call because like you, I worked in marketing and know - know for absolute fact - nothing is an emergency. Unless they need my voice to tell people to evacuate or seek shelter, it's not an actual emergency. It's just marketing people trying push their anxieties onto other people. When I worked with contractors, I tried my best not to put it on them and instead managed my managers and executives...and guess what??? They didn't actually need it right then and there. If I hemmed and hawed about this and that needing more time and tech issues and yada yada, they'd get pissed but eventually it'd blow over and the contractor could finish the work in a reasonable amount of time. Also: vacation notices folks! Tell clients you're out! Any client who doesn't respect that can shove it!
Took me a long time in corporate to have that approach. I know all the tricks and that why I tell the people who have worked for me to fall for it but for me. The damn indoctrination was effective
DISCORD YES!!! Love it, can't wait to join! Thanks for being candid on this topic. I left the cooperate "drop everything in your personal life because this is an emergency" world to go into voice over so I could control my life better and it is DEFINITELY hard not to slip back into this mindset. That being said, if someone presents a need for a "rush emergency" job and I decide to put my personal life on hold to accommodate, then I charge accordingly, just as customers in my previous position in corporate sales did. It's all a delicate thing to balance and learn!
That’s a good approach
Great job on the views. Take a moment to celebrate as soon as you can. Don’t take life for granted. Another great video.
Thank you.
I’m so happy that I’ve stumbled upon your channel. You’ve been so genuine and I very much appreciate your style. I’ve learned more in the past week about VO and finally getting started, then from others. Thank you
Thank you james, I appreciate that. I’m glad I can support anyone to get started on the VO career game.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom. As entrepreneurs we understand the importance of working hard, but sometimes we forget the equal importance of playing hard. Again, thanks for sharing!
My pleasure. I so often give people a reality check that I need to remember to give myself one every so often
Ayy! Discord is coming! Can't wait! Good video. There has been a lot of discussion about toxic, crunch culture in the world of video games for the past few years and this rings true in VO. I have found that starting out, yes, I had to put in a lot of extended hours to get off the ground. But it was with the goal of being able to do voice work full time so that I can spend MORE time with my wife and kids. Making that sacrifice early has set me up early in my career as a moderate success and gives me the freedom to have a better home life. Yes, I am checking my voices profile constantly to see if I got x or y job, but if I take work, it is on my terms.
Similar to me. I have to remind myself sometimes that “you did it”
I understand 100% because I have worked myself to the brink of death (exaggerating a little) at times in my life, and it wasn't worth it. I personally CAN NOT do it anymore. Physically and mentally it is not an option for me. But, I'm not chasing after a 6 figure income either. I can work about 4-5 hours a day, and would be perfectly happy to earn $35,000 a year. So, I take in information and advice from you and other successful VOs and mold it to work for me. So, I think I'll make this work for me, and really don't care if other people want to work themselves to death chasing after a giant pile of money. When I hear people talking about 12-16 hour days, I roll my eyes and think "have fun with that". I'm far more interested in freedom than money. I don't need much money to be happy. I'don't have kids. I'm not married. So, I'm not trapped into that whole crazy lifestyle (thank god). lol. I appreciate your videos, sir.
My pleasure
I think it's like fishing, obviously I want to catch a few but I also want to enjoy the experience. I went fishing with a family friend recently, he got so intense and aggressive about catching as many fish as possible that it ruined a nice day on the water. The whole time I thought this should fun but it so stressful for no reason.
Must have been hell on the fish, as well : (
That’s a good view point
I'm calling this video PROBLEMS I'D LIKE TO HAVE. (Cackle)
👀 erm…
Well said, when would you like to chat?
Sure, get in touch if you like
Happened to me more than I wanted it. I ended up taking them and putting my plans on hold once. Yeah, it wasn't worth it
It rarely is
I hate discord, but I'll join the channel for you.
Haha I’ll try to make it positive
@@CrownStagVoiceover There's no way you can make discord appealing for me. Gett'n mah lawn.
I’ll still try
@@CrownStagVoiceover Whippersnapper. But seriously, I'll be waiting for the channel. I have enjoyed finding your advice so far, and have many things on pause while i wait for the funds to take some of it. (This is better than it sounds.)
@@GhostFox. I can't imagine why any company whatsoever would call itself 'Discord'. What's next? 'Brick Through Your Window'? 'Rioting In the Streets'?
Well, that’s a nice problem to have, if you can afford it.