So, what’s your real job?

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I hate that question.
Most of the time I lie.

I don’t tell them I’m an actor.

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I’m an astronaut.

I work in a cardboard factory.

I pimp parakeets.

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It’s not because I’m not proud of what I do. . I say anything to keep from feeling the need to justify my career to someone who doesn’t really care and has most likely already forgotten my name. If it’s somebody I know or an acquaintance of the family I still glaze over it. Not many people understand what it really takes to survive in a business that isn’t defined by a steady paycheck, a degree, or some sort of false seniority.

Ever get tired of feeling like you need to tell people that you have a ‘plan b’ so you appear more ‘mature’?

I’ve often wondered why the same attitude isn’t directed towards people who play the lottery. Think about it. Millions of dollars are spent on lottery tickets every year. People hoping to ‘hit it big’ because their numbers match. They gamble with their money, we gamble with our talent. So what?  According to recent studies I have a better chance of winning three Oscars
than you have of winning the lottery.

Maybe having a ‘real’ job is the problem, not the solution. I know some honest and
hardworking people with real jobs – I used to be one of them - believe me, they’re not for everybody.

Three things to remember:

-You can’t hide from what you’re meant to be. Ignore it or embrace it, but do it with heart.

-If you didn’t have to work for it, it won’t last.

-Don’t share your dreams with people who can’t make them a reality. I’ve learned that even
with a successful show that continues to sell tickets all over the globe a lot of people are coming to see how good I’m not. Doesn’t bother me- my dreams are locked away.

Stick to your guns and follow your dreams. The next time somebody asks what your ‘real’ job is, tell them let’s race-you buy lottery tickets and I’ll see you at the
Oscars.

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Kahlil (at) gigsmacked (dot) com