Recently, I have been reflecting on how Voiceover as a side hustle became my full-time business.
The journey from side hustle to front hustle was not a path I expected to take, mainly because it felt like a crazy pursuit.
It’s easy to convince yourself to stay at a job you’re starting to hate.
I know this from experience. Many of us do. How?
(aka The Broke excuse)
With the guilt born from so many expectations, that come with taking on job responsibilities that no one else wants any part of.
(aka The “But, they need me” excuse)
The camaraderie between you and those in the trenches with you, cracking jokes and keeping each other from going postal. Your work husband/wife/bff…
(aka The water cooler social network excuse)
I knew what my dream job was, but I just couldn’t justify leaving what was slowly becoming the job from hell. I knew dream or not I still needed to make money.
My compromise? “Just do what you love on the side”.
And that is how my voice-over side hustle was born.
Early every morning, before “work” work, I would send out auditions. When I did book a job (after doing a happy dance) I would have to figure out when, and how, to record after a stressful long day. Needing to record during the work day meant “doctor appointments”, or taking an extended lunch break (Thank goodness for my quick commute). Voiceover as a side hustle was becoming harder to manage.
Doing this side hustle, that I loved, was starting to feel like I was doing something bad, or at least my actions made it feel that way. I was treating my dream job like an illicit affair during an unhappy marriage. Still, my enthusiasm kept me motivated, while friends and coworkers cheered me on, and had my back.
I stayed hopeful. I mean, where there’s a will there’s a way, right?
Then one day, I received the greatest mixed blessing ever.
I was “liberated” from my job…
As traumatizing as an abrupt change like being “let go” can be, there is also a sense of freedom that I felt instantly. That was the moment I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to turn my side hustle into my full-time front hustle. I decided to skip finding a “real” job and become a voice actor full-time.
I should also mention that I booked a voice-over job that same day, from a past audition, which I took as a good luck omen. Operation Front Hustle: “Become a voice actor” was a go!
Did I know how? Not exactly. I did have the motivation to learn, a supportive group of artist friends keeping me inspired, some rainy day savings, and the internet. The more I worked toward this supposedly elusive dream job, the more I realized it was actually becoming my reality. It’s amazing how everything seemed to support my new career once I truly and seriously started supporting my new career myself.
It’s been an awesome journey so far, with zero regrets.
Today, it feels really good to know that…
I am a Professional Female Voice Actor and I love my job!
Whenever I mention what I do for a living, there’s always someone who admits that voiceover is their dream job too, and I resist the urge to perform this speech in its entirety… *cues up Shia*
Many voice actors have a second job, and I am impressed by those who can balance multiple careers. With all the focus and work they put into their voiceover business I would say they consider it more than a side hustle too. We all have different journeys, so maybe your “side hustle to front hustle” is not a side hustle to a full-time job but more about the work you put into building a successful VO business. I say put in that work and be open to how your voiceover business may grow. Elevating a side gig into a lucrative career is very possible but not one-size-fits-all. I just hope my experience can be inspiring!
Cenophia is a unique, relatable, and versatile American Voice Over Artist with 10+ years of experience in a wide range of genres in the Voiceover Industry. She is based in New York City and is passionate about being an active part of the diverse global voiceover community.
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