It might be hard for some of the veterans to remember what it was like when they started out. The eager. The desperation. The need to be available and not miss a thing – or as they word it now F.O.M.O – Fear of missing out! I know I remember what it was like to never go anywhere without access to a studio, whether it is my portable studio, or renting or borrowing someone else’s. Back then, there wasn’t as many home talent out there as there is now, so you can pretty much find a studio set up near you – just about anywhere. However sometimes that’s not convenient, so you are left with these decisions about how to fit travel into your schedule.
As you grow more in your craft and create a steady income/career, you don’t feel as dependent on auditions and jobs, and so it makes it easier to leave work behind. What is most interesting about our industry is that there we are not just the company, we are the product, so if we’re not available, they may just find someone else, so we work hard to protect our product and keep our clients.
There is nothing wrong with bringing a portable studio with you when you travel of course. I told my family that if I voice for just 2 hours in the morning (while they are eating breakfast – something I don’t really partake in anyway) I can usually help pay for our holiday and not have to suffer with no holiday pay.
Not only is it difficult to NOT work on a holiday or even have to work on a holiday, but we as voice actors don’t receive holiday pay. So, when you do take a long deserved holiday, there is no pay, so having a professional portable studio setup is a great way to keep paying the bills, and again if it’s just an hour or two a day, well that’s a small price to pay to keep your business afloat.
There is something very important to consider. If you can afford it, everyone should try and take some time off each year just to rejuvenate your soul. Taking a home studio is a fantastic option….however….there is also something things to consider. Unless you have a work permit to work in the country you are travelling to, you are not usually legally allowed to work – even on your own projects you would have done from home either way.
For many years we have gotten away with working globally from home. This is still legal, but they are trying to find ways to crack down on this unclaimed money. Every country wants their share of taxes. So things are changing and countries rules are changing and some are worse than others. If you bring your equipment with you when you travel, YOU MUST RESIDE TO THE FACT THAT THEY MAY CONFISCATE IT!
I will save it for another article, but trust me, I’ve learned the hard way here about working in other countries. Sometimes it just isn’t worth it. If that’s the case, and you can’t bring your
equipment, then just enjoy some time off. Be okay to join the rest of society who expect us to take some time out to rejuvenate, relax and reboot.
Plan ahead. Know the rules and follow them, or they could catch up to you. Let your clients know when you are going on holidays at least 1 month prior, then again another reminder 1 week and even the day before. This gives them lots of time to gather scripts and then PILE THEM ALL ON YOU THE DAY BEFORE YOU ARE LEAVING. It never fails, you need work, book a holiday
Fight the F.O.M.O. Yes, you might miss out on something, but the beauty about this industry is #1. Many clients are loyal and will wait for you. #2. There is always another job/audition around the corner.
I’ve missed some pretty significant opportunities while traveling, but there are also some I’ve made happen either via portable studio and clever acoustic set up (or portable booth) or in a studio near by. Sometimes its worth it. Other times, it’s okay to take time for you.
I’m about to embark on a 4 week holiday. First time in my entire career I’ve taken this much time off. Will I miss out on things – you bet I will, clients can only wait so long, but you only live once, so work, life balance is an important part of our mental well being
So enjoy time off – even if it’s just sitting at home…as long as it’s well earned, then you deserve it.
Until next time everyone All my hugs
VO Chef Deb Munro