Well, today was the day.
My stint with my company…23 years…ends today, April 10th, 2023. I was given 60 days notice, back on February 9th, and my company did give me all the space I needed to make sure I handled my transition. I appreciated that. I know many don’t get that benefit. Their notice may be short, if any. They don’t get a severance package (which I did), and so, even in light of these events, I know I have so much to be thankful for.
So, what’s next? Well, recovery is first. I had my surgery 3/31, and it will be at least about 8 weeks for me in this sling. It really takes the wind out of my sails when it comes to being as productive as I want/need to be right now…but I need to be patient and not rush the healing process. The rotator cuff repair went well, and I just need to follow doctors orders, physical therapy, etc., and make sure I do what I need to do to get rolling!
But back to the point of the post…so again, what do I have planned for the future? Well, here it is:
I’m made my decision to pursue both VO and Acting FULL-TIME!
That’s it. No submitting applications and resumes to jump back into the corporate world as before. Time for me to explore this creative side, and really just GO FOR IT! Weighing all the factors, sure, it’s a very intimidating thing. Leaving behind the security of that paycheck, and everything that came with it, is enough to send a shockwave through me right now, especially knowing what and WHO I’m responsible for. What I also, know, however, is that sometimes even the most devastating events end up being a blessing in disguise. I choose to move forward with gratitude in my heart for the time I had with my previous company, and for all they have given me. With this serverance, they have also given me one last gift…the ability to really take at shot at starting my VO career, knowing that “golden parachute” is there to help me (hopefully) have a nice soft landing after the layoff.
At this point, it’s time to take things VERY seriously. This business is how I’ll feed my family going forward, so that means no shortcuts. It means kicking things up a notch in ALL ASPECTS of running my business. My studio and gear is already top-notch. Thank goodness I handled that stuff when the checks were still coming in. Now, it’s time to invest elsewhere, no shortcuts! More coaching/training with the best in the business. Time to get that PRO DEMO, and I’m thrilled to say that I’ll be working on that with the one and only CHUCK DURAN. He’s regarded by many to be the absolute BEST in the business, and I’m thrilled that he has decided to take me on for my first pro demo. The DIY demo did fine for a time, but if I’m going to go head-to-head with the best in the industry (and I’ve been getting some RAVE reviews across all platforms), DIY demos won’t cut it anymore. Again, no shortcuts. Of course, it’s a spend…but that is an investment in ME and MY BUSINESS, on which I will definitely expect returns!
Beyond the VO work, I also have more time now to dedicate to taking on more acting roles, which was previously an issue when I had the day job. There is a lot of work out here in the Greater Atlanta area, so when things are slow with VO, I’ll need to make sure I keep some revenue coming in, and these acting gigs, even if just short one or two day background stints, will help us get by.
So there you have it. No more “working for the man”. He paid well, but I think I have what it takes to do better on my own…so that’s the plan! This is the beginning of a new era for me. It’s tough to leave the past behind me, but it’s what I must do now. It’s a bit scary looking to the future with all this uncertainty, but if your not uncomfortable, you’re not growing. This is my time to grow into what I always knew I could be. TIME TO GO GET IT!!!
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