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Even Dream Jobs Are Still Work
Drudgery with magical moments sprinkled in.
Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to be a comedian and now I am one. Not a super famous, rich one. But still! I make enough money doing comedy to consider it a part time job.
And I love it, but the more I do it the more I realize it really is a job. Getting onstage and making people laugh is a delightful rush, but that’s only a fraction of the work that goes into it. The tip of the iceberg.
Getting paid $30 and a free drink for 10 minutes of work sounds amazing, but it’s not just 10 minutes of work.
Before I get on I have to prepare what my act will be. That includes writing and testing out material at open mics, which I don’t get paid for.
I promote the shows I’m on.
I make sure I have childcare the night of the show.
To get on shows I send messages to bookers saying I’m interested. I’ve taught myself how to edit clips and videos so I can prove I know what I’m doing and find more fans on social media.
Which reminds me I run several social media pages so I stay “relevant.”
I also book and host my own show, which involves sending tons of messages to coordinate. I had to figure out how to advertise it. I have to…
