Art makes you do funny things

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 12:51am

Ok so I'm not one for Boo-hoo pity me threads. Let me start off by saying that. But something recently happened to me that I feel faces all Artists, who are artists first and employees at their given "job" second. Said job provides paychecks and not much more, while the arts fuels their soul and is their chosen Carererr(sp sorry its been a long day)

Ok so here is my story. I have basically been forced to quit my job because they refuse to be flexible with my performance schedule of the latest show I'm in. It sucks because the job, while it sucks, pays quite well and has benefits. However when I'm passed over for time off and the people on staff who Bowl or play softball are granted the schedules they need, that sends me one message. The arts aren't as important as sports (or other activites) which unfortunetly is a common sentiment in this world. My other major problem is the fact that I am in the process of saving to go to grad school and I know this move will hinder that. All of this so I can get permission to perform in a play that will only end up paying me for what I would make in a week for my job. But how can they expect me at work to even remotly care about my job anymore when they are forcing me to give up the one thing that makes me wake up in the morning.

SO ok long story, thanks for listening, short. Who else out their has had a similar experiance? Who else has quit a job for something that isn't ever a sure thing? Use this thread to vent. Mostly I just needed to get this off my chest, thank you for affording me that.

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 2:26am

I had to drop two classes this semester in order to have time to act in two plays, and start preparing to be a dramaturge, stage manager, and director of three plays simultaneously next semester. Not quite the same thing, I know. But I feel you.

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 10:46am

I can relate to that. There was a class my senior year of college that I needed to graduate, but almost failed. Problem was I kept having to skip it for rehearsal. But I didn't even think twice. So I definitly understand.

[lildogs]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 10:50am

Do you live in NYC? Cause there are plenty of other places to work that will allow you the flex time you need.

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 10:54am

Unfortunetly I don't live in NYC, I live upstate. No, there are plenty of other jobs with flex scheduling, I'm just starting to explore my options, I'd like to try top avoid a period of unemployment. Since I posted a few opertunities have presented themselves that I need to explore this weekend.

On a positive note however, not one single person (except for my friends at work) don't think I'm being unreasonable at all. And they all support my reasons for walking.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 12:17pm

When I was performing regularly, I usually worked in box office or arts administration for the major non-profit companies. It wasn't the greatest pay all the time, but it wasn't minimum wage, either, and they were obviously supportive of those involved in performing arts.

Now that I'm in my 30s, I'm more concerned with financial stability and security. I may do some acting here or there, but I'm not making the sacrifices anymore for local theatre stuff. Should I get an offer for a major motion picture or television series (yeah, right), then I would pursue it, but I'd rather pay rent and eat and not stress about where the money will come from. I'm much happier and healthier.

[Mamamia Sammy2]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 12:18pm

and I'm sure you are better at your current job then you were at acting.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 2:11pm

How can you be so sure, be-otch? I have not done any porn, so I doubt you've seen me in anything.

Updated On: 10/12/05 at 02:11 PM

Posted: 10/12/05 at 2:25pm

I was working as a server at Chilis after high school, and my grandmothers' birthday was like two weeks away so I put a thing in the schedule request giving me sunday off.

So we get our new schedules and I'm working a double on Sunday. I talked to the manager and he said I'll have to get it switched. I tried. No one would switch with me... so I quit on the spot.

Not exactly the same thing, but work isn't a real priority, especially when one's grandmother is turning 90. I couldn't miss it.

[Mamamia Sammy2]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 2:55pm

Mister Matt, There is a certain video tape that has been circulating the boards of you and Jarico.

It's set to outsell the Paris Hilton videotape.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 3:10pm

That's not acting, honey.

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:06pm

Well on a positive note I have gotten a semi offer from LOWES, yay hardware.........oh well it's a paycheck that provides totally flexible scheduling.......now if I can just get past their pesky "test"

[harris007]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:17pm

go into porn, your hot enough, flexable hours , paychecks

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:18pm

Good point Harris, I mean I do like sex........only problem is, would that hurt my chances of breaking into the mainstream?

[harris007]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:21pm

PSFFFT


please mainstream, bah, you could be getting on with brad benton, or working for chi-chi larue



mainstream =P

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:24pm

Well honestly, if I'm gonna do Porn it better be with Jenna Jameson, Mary Carey or Tera Patrick.

[harris007]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:26pm

YOUR STR8?????????????????????


but but but



anyway then good luck, but if you go near jenna i'll sic my cows on you, jenna is mine =P

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:28pm

Yep I'm straight, sorry Harris. Besides if one were to look hard enough, I'm sure there is a video of me on the internet somewhere. Damn vindictive ex-girlfriends!

[harris007]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:31pm

WHERE WHERE??????????????????

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 5:32pm

google me big boy!


I honestly hope that tape was burned like I was promised it was.

[harris007]

Posted: 10/12/05 at 7:33pm

sigh

i did and nothing =(

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 10/24/05 at 11:52am

I'm bumping this topic with an update for anyone who wondered how this all turned out......anyone?.....anyone? Beuller?


Ok so I just got a call from my boss and thank god I am in decent standing around here. They granted me all the time off for my show and I'll be out by 5 everyday I work!!!!

Two small downsides I have been cut down about 9 hours a week (38 to 29/30ish) and the other downside isn't that much of a downside but now I am working 4 days a week instead of 6. So this will be a much needed rest from my current 6 days and 38-40 hours a week schedule. And no pesky "tests" at a new job. Guess I will put the job hunt off until after christmas so I can pull in a little extra cash before I leave for Grad school........anyone need a good house boy?

[harris007]

Posted: 10/24/05 at 12:24pm

i could use one but your st8 =(