Here is another statement that drama majors don’t like to hear:
“I wanted to do drama, but I chose a more stable major instead, you know, something that would actually make me money.”
Yeah, I highly doubt you really considered drama in that case. I imagine you thinking, “Acting is fun,” but then shrugging because you don’t want to live off ramen in a tiny apartment with dingy lighting, the picture that everyone imagines is the life of all starting actors. Don’t be fooled by the tired eyes, messy clothes and coffee cup in our hands. We are hard-working and resourceful. Not many actors who aren’t hard-working and resourceful last very long in the business.
I know what it’s like to be very financially aware. I have 11 siblings, for crying out loud. I grew up with a penny-pincher mother whose favorite books were authored by Dave Ramsey or had titles with the keywords “money” and “save.” So, I’m not just dismissing money as unimportant. I know the value of being able to take care of yourself and have a stable income. And it takes a leap of faith to be an actor. There's no promise that you'll always have a stable job because there's not always a part for you and even if there is, it's not always the right fit. So I understand the pressure. I get it.
An actual conversation I had with someone who had changed their major:
“Why did you change if you liked your other major so much?” I obviously couldn’t fathom it since I have always gone for my passion since it’s the only thing that makes me happy. His response on one word: Money. Two little syllables that have taken power over our society. Money.
I came to college to learn how to fix the world, not how to be controlled by it. As I said earlier, I like money. You can get many pretty things with money. But I also believe there’s a balance to everything, especially money. And I don’t want to be one of those business people whose lives revolve around paperwork just so they can rely on the weekly paycheck. Like Jim in "The Office," I want to take a risk and go for the things I’m scared to want.
So, what I’m trying to say in this edition of “an actor's thoughts” is to go for what you want. As I was talking to my housemate tonight, I realized that there are basic needs that everyone has, wherever you are. Once you become independent, you need a decent place to live and food on a basic level. Consequently, sufficient funds are in order. If you get lucky enough, this source of provision happens to be in the area in which you desired to work in the first place. Mostly, however, you will start out small: as a grocery bagger or a waitress in order to afford the necessities. However, if this source of provision becomes more than the function it meant to serve, that’s when I would suggest that maybe you care more for the enjoyment of money than the enjoyment of life. So, give yourself the time to do what you love to do, whether you start out by volunteering or interning. No matter how small it is, I promise you, if you pursue your true passions, you will be much happier than you ever would have been pursuing money.
Please watch this video. These man's words are what I believe everyone should live by:
