What are Some Good Survival Jobs for Actors? | 10 Actors Share Their Survival Job Stories

Actors don't need to default to working in the service industry for their survival jobs. Here are 10 actors talking about their somewhat uncommon survival jobs and how they are making it work. They also share how you can get started doing these jobs if you wanted to.
In order of appearance:
Charis Sellick
@charissellick
Rocky Mohammed
@um.rocky
Kellen Boyle
@kellenboyle1
Hailey Swartwout
@haileyswartwout
Muretta Moss
@murettasellsatl
Omer Mughal
@iamomermughal
Erin Bradley Dangar
@thedangarzone
Mudra Sanghvi
@MudraSanghvi
Devney Nixon
@devnixon
Devin Broadbent
@devin.broadbent
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Video Sections:
0:00 Intro
2:18 How many hours do you work?
4:56 Is the job flexible?
10:47 Does this job benefit your acting career?
15:52 How would someone get started in this job?
22:22 Tell us how to find you on social media
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[@ActingCareerCenter]

What's your survival job or side hustle?

[@Fernrsanchez]

Social media management for local businesses!

[@ELeeb66866]

I’m a legal proofreader. I started doing it overnight so it wouldn’t interfere with my acting career. My current schedule is Saturday, Sunday and Monday overnight which allows me to audition without having to miss any work.

[@dAtVAkidd94]

Side hustle Tour host and Assistant Manager at a retail store.

[@robertrosh7068]

I want to do business development for my survival acting career

[@JugglerLou]

I’m a full time entertainer. Magic, Juggling, Stiltwalker, Casino Dealer. Most of my bookings are on the weekends which leaves my Monday through Friday available for Background Work and possible commercials. Plus my talents help me stand out from the crowd.

[@susanwillis8991]

I try to stay within the industry so I do casting as well as teach classes for newer actors learning to navigate the industry, especially parents of kid actors. Hubby and I do self tape/ coaching service, but with the pandemic we are starting to offer to edit self tape videos if an actor can go ahead and get it taped. We are seeing how frustrated folks get when it comes to editing and would just love to have someone do it for them.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

That's a great service to offer!

[@liquidbraino]

That's pretty cool. You're offering a very valuable service and it's amazing that we now live in an age where all of this can be done remotely. We COULD have been doing a lot more remote work before the Pandemic but the pandemic has forced us to embrace technology we could have and should have been using years ago. I guess out of everything negative comes something positive if you're just willing to see it.

[@Danigirlrocks101]

Rocky Mohammed is filming a tv show (according to her IMDB credits). Good for her! I want to see sis on the big screen! She seems absolutely lovely. Her and Hailey are my favorites for sure

[@juliamanis26]

This was so helpful!! I love the variety of survival jobs represented in this video. So many "actor survival job guides" only stick to the same 5 options -- which is usually only service jobs. This is incredibly comprehensive and gives excellent options to choose from. It's nice to see that side hustles can also add value to your life and career. Finally, I love that you included the "How Would Someone Get Started in this Job?" section. Very pragmatic and easy to follow. Every actor should watch this. Thank you again!! And thanks to these actors for sharing their experiences!

[@danielbadger2641]

I lost it when you put Omer’s info on his face 🤣

[@Danigirlrocks101]

Okay can I just say that Hailey Swartwout has such a bubbly personality! I can totally see her being incredibly successful in the acting industry! I can really see her playing the main lead in teen dramas- she has such a youthful personality.

[@theshauneshow]

Bro, such a helpful video. I was searching KZbin for a video that gave ideas of flexible jobs for actors and this was perfect. You actually went a step further and brought real actors to share what they do and how it helps them. I appreciate you taking the time to put this all together! Best of luck with everything and stay safe!

[@kristin8270]

I love this video! I’m getting into acting myself and my full time job is the U.S. Air Force. These interviews are really inspiring! 😊

[@azucenazhou]

Thanks Kurt!! I think it is important for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in acting to know that most of us have other sources of income and that they come in different forms, and that if they put in enough effort they won't starve. I am a software developer, full-time, and I will definitely look into Livit :)

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Yep, I want to be transparent about that so aspiring actors don't get the wrong impression about the career. I was a software developer for 9 years! Mostly databases (SQL Server) and ETL stuff :)

[@azucenazhou]

@@ActingCareerCenter 😮Wow, from IT to acting there aren't many transferable skills, it must have taken a lot of time and energy... Kudos to you!! My plan is to get good enough at coding so I can have more time to dedicate to acting, and hopefully someday make a total career transition 😄💪

[@gianfrancorebella2980]

@@azucenazhou how have you done the coding/acting process?

[@randallmcgrath9345]

Straight to the point, and a high density of info in a compact video. Gratitude.

[@Ronnieperez91]

Hey Kurt ! This was really good that you set this video up, personally it gives everyone a peace of mind about every individual having there own story other than acting. Thnx for this video

[@alexadilone22]

Loved this! I’m looking into working as a video editor and pursuing acting as well because I love them both! 💛

[@sevenaka7]

So helpful thank you Kurt! I needed this video.

[@aliceeleanormatthews3654]

This is so helpful, I feel really hopeful now! * internal dance * yay! Thank you so much Kurt :)

[@liamconley818]

This was a very helpful video thank you!

[@mor9820]

Thank you so much 🥺 this calms my soul, thank you

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I'm so glad!

[@shanbraz6011]

I love this so much! I used to feel like having a side hustle meant I’d have to do something I didn’t enjoy but working in corporate has shown me that I also find that interesting as well

[@rzbam98]

I am about to attend Lee Strasberg and your videos have been calming me down as they help me get more prepared. Thank you!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I hope you enjoy your classes at Lee Strasberg studio!

[@anniem4275]

Did you like it? I didn't particularly enjoy my classes with them

[@cadeaualicia4370]

Please do you have something where we can talk ? I wanted to ask you question about those classes please

[@Pumkyn]

This is the best video I have seen to do with this subject

[@bluewolvesstudios2822]

I'm a Voice Actor based in New Jersey and personally, I have two degrees (IT and Graphic Design) and not on my way for Masters in IT, but what I usually do is work of course during the day and once I get an audition, either doing the audition during my breaks or at home.

[@chayajohnson6951]

This video was so helpful to me, thank you so much!!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@diandrawright9357]

I’m a CNA and I work a PRN Schedule so I pretty much make my own schedule each week that way I’m very flexible for classes and auditions

[@ActingCareerCenter]

That's great!

[@sapphirw5231]

Are you a travel nurse? And Is a Travel nurse a good side job As an Actor

[@jonah8294]

This is very helpful thank you!!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimberlyanahi1854]

Such a helpful video! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@j.p.nicholas465]

Thank you for this video. At the moment I don’t have a side hustle because of what’s going on with all the layoffs due to this pandemic. This gave some ideas. I live in Hollywood so the entertainment industry here is slowly starting up.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

fingers crossed that the industry is back in full swing sooner rather than later!

[@thaliahoyos6773]

Omg! I just saw this video and I want to be a cycling instructor as well as a side hustle! Live your videos!

[@actresskimavery]

This is so encouraging.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I'm so glad you think so!

[@elijahbol201]

Am still on the go. By the way thanks for the videos I really enjoy them and share them with my friends

[@stevenfast5764]

I think flight attend is the best one because you get to travel and get paid for it, and a lot more

[@anamaria-db7pq]

yes and time flies by ...

[@johncrouch1868]

Know I know what to call My night watchman job. Awesome information thanks.

[@juliethasan6870]

Amazing thank you

[@amouzout]

This video was actually super helpful, gives me insight that I can totally do both for the time being! I wish I could have heard more in-depth from the Business Analyst as this is the field I'm currently in and have a lot of lingering questions! lol Do you know a way I could find any business analysts that are also actors that would be able to answer any questions I have?

[@finallyfree2BMe]

I really love being a Brand Ambassador and Promo Model because normally I work through an agency and only sign up for jobs that are 3 or 4 hours at a time but if I know I'm fully available I can schedule 8 hours. I can easily trade shifts or cancel or change my hours as an independent contractor. Also it keeps me in acting commercial mode because it's almost like I'm presenting a product for a commercial but its just live and in person with the general public. I can just not schedule anything at all if I happen to get a long term acting assignment and then jump right back in to it as if I was never gone

[@kealastarr9417]

Hey Shannon! Such good info!! I was wondering where you find promo jobs?

[@larissaamor]

Thank you so much, all your videos are impeccable.You’re the best!!Greetings from Brazil🇧🇷👋

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Thanks for watching!

[@liquidbraino]

My regular "J.O.B." is at a major movie studios (Universal). I fucking LOVE working at Universal because once a year I get to leave my regular job and perform as a scare actor during HHN and my "regular job" can't say shit about it because Universal will always take your side, IF you're an actor. I see Steven Spielberg about once or twice a month in my normal line of duty and find it hilarious that 99% of the tourists that are paying (and hoping) to see him - never even recognize him when he drives past them on James Steward drive before making a left into the Amblin complex. But he waves at me. I wave back then go back to work. Just another day at USH.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Small world! My brother used to work at Amblin. He left and is now acting full time.

[@sheilaa.6455]

I'm a Personal Trainer and Yoga Instructor STUDENT (yes, taking on ANOTHER thing lol), and a tour guide for a Haunted History site - my spooky first love! LOL!

[@Historyprops]

I am not an actor but sometimes work below the line. I have a trade, flipping antiques and vintage items. Extremely flexible

[@haleydumas]

Rocky- I am looking to become a flight attendant as well but I am worried about getting an audition on a long trip.. do you have any tips for filming while on the go?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Reply from Rocky: "Hey Haley! Congratulations on the decision to become a flight attendant, it’s an amazing and fun job! First off, I'd definitely recommend looking for an airline that doesn't have full-time reserve! That'll give you a bit more flexibility in your schedule and hopefully, the option to move trips around, if an audition does arise with a few days for you to make changes. In the event you’re already on a trip and need to film, id recommend always packing equipment for your longer trips. Amazon has some great options for travel sized filming equipment. I suggest using your iPhone, recruiting a fellow crew member to be your reader and using a travel light and iPhone stand! If you don't feel comfortable asking a crew member to be a reader, have someone else do it via zoom on your laptop. Most hotels have a plain wall you can film on, but if you notice you’re getting a lot of hotels with too much artwork, pack a grey sheet, a travel steamer(get those pesky wrinkles out), and hang the sheet in the bathroom over the shower curtain and try to film in there! Here are a few examples of some travel gear: www.amazon.com/dp/B088WJYQYR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PJSTBMRNY0JRP3PVK9YA www.amazon.com/dp/B07GDC39Y2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_W2YMYQ6T314GQTZWBW4W www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8FBZC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9TRM8PHEPW5S3SEAG77S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 www.amazon.com/dp/B08N5MD4R8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z9YZV8PAX206NHPB5E9G Good luck with everything!"

[@jeantuite-actress--imdb]

On/off over the last 20 years I've been involved in professional acting include: substitute school teacher, cashier, on/off insurance sales sometimes, pursuing bartending but can be competitive lol. I've been in Sag/Aftra about 10 years and have moved back and forth from TX/CA and back. I've started a you tube channel too and starting to put together some classes too. I might move back out to Los Angeles or attempt to travel more for acting when I can book something. Acting is so much all over the place. Over the last 20 years sometimes I've had some full time jobs on/off like call center, temping and when I first caught the acting bug in 2003 was a background actor or extra often full time until the runaway productions and writers strike in 2008. I've taken alot of classes so ran up some charge cards and am older now but am thinking of stepping up my game a bit. There's so much acting everywhere now and I do the self taping like we all do whenever I can. I'm looking into other jobs too like being a flight attendant, customer service rep, or back into office work instead or trying to sell insurance strictly commission.

[@jeantuite-actress--imdb]

I'm also working more on my you tube channel too when I can as I started it maybe 8 or more years ago but am working on getting more subscriber and doing more videos on that too. Some days I get tired and rest . lol

[@maryasamaan4599]

tysm now i want to become a flight attendant

[@akeemdavinci5608]

What jobs available now tho due to the pandemic in Atlanta?

[@ShadraqsVids16]

Kurt I'd like your opinion. I am about to start a nursing program. (Yes I know what they do and I enjoy the field) I figured their schedule with 3 days on and 4 days off would be great for pursuing other things and provide me with enough income to move to LA and afford acting classes. However, whats your ideas on putting most of your time and energy into acting if its really the #1 thing you're best at. It seems that most the people who are doing acting full time doubled down and lived on someones couch or in a car until they made it. It seems rare to find someone doing acting full time who before had a full time career. I'm 22 and by the time I can work as a nurse l'll be 24. I've only done some acting classes in the past. From someone who is much older and more experienced in life and in this business, what advice or perspective would you give? If you could go back to your younger days do you wish you would have doubled down more and sacrificed more?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I would recommend you do the nursing program. NO, most people are NOT seeping on couches or in their cars. The media glorifies those stories because they are more compelling but that is not how most actors are doing it. Most actors are doing it responsibly by having a second income to support their careers. I actually know multiple actors who are nurses and are able to use the flexiblity of the nursing job to their advantage for their acting careers. If I could go back in time, there's almost nothing I would change.

[@ShadraqsVids16]

@@ActingCareerCenter Thank you for your responsed and for the great content!

[@HannahTran1]

Wow did this comment just read my mind literally

[@gabrielscruggsjr9492]

Roleplayers for cops, secret service, medical students. They hire actors to participate in medical and law enforcement training scenarios. I'm an actor for tv and stage and that's my min side hussell. I also do brand ambassador work for fun events

[@CC-ed4ir]

I think an even more important question is what is your survival housing situation instead of just what is your survival job. Rent is very high especially in places like L.A and New York and even in Atlanta. I'm willing to bet a lot of these people have a spouse or family covering rent, mortgage, utilities or they inherited property. Or maybe they have 4 roommates and live in a one bedroom apt.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I know all of these people personally and all of them are paying their own rent or living with one roommate with their own separate bedrooms. It is not unrealistic to do this.

[@shikhatruth5204]

My survival jobs are Doordash, postmates, and grubhub but looking to find better survival jobs with the same flexibility without using my car

[@AussieGirl235]

Now’s not the time to get a job in the airlines. I just took a separation package from one of the biggest airlines in the US after being with them for 14 years because they’re downsizing.

[@sharonsquires3556]

Well Kellen Boyle, after 2020 you likely won't have to worry about not being there for the call back when you are traveling, as so many are asking for submissions from home even for the call back! Yea!!!

[@jeantuite-actress--imdb]

Thanks Kurt When I caught the acting bug in 2003 my biggest challenge was side hustle jobs as I just want to do acting all of the time but most of my acting projects at the beginning were low to no pay like student films and low budget indies but I enjoyed substitute teaching and extra work initially the first time I was in Los Angeles in 2003 but as my second post says I've gone into previous lines of work too on/off and have even considered trying to get back into the media too but it's just as competitive as acting. I could use my newspaper reporting and editing background to be a publicist for other actors, writers and directors and am my own and am trying to work on that too when/if I can. I am also learning how to be a script analyst, reader and script supervisor. I've trained and auditioned some for voiceover too as well as commercials, tv, film, and theater.

[@ghostraj6797]

Can i do vfx job with acting classes

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I don't see why not. I know someone who is a film editor as well as an actor.

[@_tashvi_]

does ethical hacking will benefit me in my acting career

[@anritaels]

Hello people of the internet ✨ I was just wondering if anyone might be able to help me. Is there perhaps like a link to the app that she uses to live stream on? 1:01 timestamp Thank you in advance. Have a good day kind stranger (even if you just happen to read the comment).😊

[@shyamparsadneupane6346]

sir , what if we get 2 roles at the same time .

[@ActingCareerCenter]

congrats on booking two projects! I agree this is a tough situation to be in. My best advice is to be honest with both productions and see if anything can be worked out. I have faced this type of situation before and ultimately had to turn down one of the jobs. If they can't change the dates on either production, you may have to pick one and decline the other.

[@shyamparsadneupane6346]

thank you sir . but I didn't have booked 2 shows . I was just asking what to do if I get into such situation . but thanks for your reply by the way .

[@chrisknight4263]

What about podcasts or mechanics

[@watchingyoutube6880]

you make becomming an actor easir

[@hpac9051]

Does liVit still exist?

[@m.hoeller04]

Jesus can return right now! He loves you so much that He even died on the cross for you and you sins. Get into the word of God by reading in the Bible. Turn to Jesus before it‘s too late. He‘s gonna return soon and there are gonna be no excuses on judgement day! Spread the word of God! Thank you, God bless you!

[@BradyMartinOfficial]

I’m a carpet cleaner

[@thedoneeye]

I have *ONE* question for you... Has Omer ever forgiven you for where you placed his info? 😉 Also, one of my side hustles is as a convention staffer. There have been a couple times where I've been recognized by exhibitors and attendees because an industrial I've done has been shown at a convention I was working!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Now that I think about it, Omer has not spoken to me since. Working conventions is another good side hustle!

[@corm1000]

As a substitute teacher myself, I completely agree with what Devney said. You go onto aseop/frontline and sign up for a position for the day. The amount of flexibility you have is huge, it has to be one of the best jobs an actor can have. I am a huge film buff so I would like to start looking into some acting classes in Chicago.

[@iginlacow]

i have to say, that all these people are crazy lmao.................... where are the "real people" that need agents???????????????

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Why are we crazy?

[@TatianaBalashova]

thank you for the video! enjoyed watching it, indeed so many options here. I found it fascinating that the guys manage to combine acting with those types of jobs. would be interested to learn more about what Charis mentioned, was it live it / liveit app?

[@tinademetriou8431]

So when does your side hustle be come your real JOB?