One of my jobs working front of house at a small theatre can be unglamorous, people can sometimes be rude, I have to do manual labor from time to time. But, I get to support artists in the lead up to a performance & identify what support I need, I get to watch new work all the time, I am learning about promoting & ticketing, & tech, I practice hosting people skills, and I get to serve and support a venue that has championed & supported me in my early career, I love my colleagues, and when I leave I have space to focus on my passions. I look forward to every shift.

Do you have a job that exists to support you pursuing a passion? Are you feeling uninspired by that job?

Artists all over often refer to their paid work as their “day job” or their “survival job” or their “muggle job” to refer to the main job people work to pay their bills while pursuing the thing that they love but don’t make enough money doing.

In an interview, actor Matthew McConaughey, described work as a waiter early in his career as one of the most valuable parts of his training to becoming a professional actor. Because when he finally found himself on set, if he was confronted with a disgruntled producer or an unpleasant director or fellow actor, he was able to draw upon his experiences as a waiter, he was able to smile, nod, not take it personally, and deliver his services as an actor.

When we are feeling burnt out by our paid work, I think it is useful to remember that we can gain something from everything we do. We just have to look for it.