Artists: Find the right day job

Caitlin Boho

For many aspiring artists, the dream is to follow their passion – and make a decent living by doing it. Until then, bills have to be paid somehow.

The typical artist's day job often falls into two categories: retail or food service. Early in her career, Jennifer Hudson belted out tunes while manning the drive thru of her local Burger King. Hudson told Howard Stern in an interview, "There was a mic, honey. That was my stage." But many artists desire autonomy and flexibility in their day job so they can focus on their passion. Comedic actor Nick Offerman worked as master carpenter for Steppenwolf Theatre Company as a young upstart in Chicago, finding a day job adjacent to his passion, while Kurt Vonnegut managed a Saab dealership on Cape Cod after he'd published his first novel Player Piano. Even for established artists, the saying "don't quit your day job" should be translated into "find the right day job until your passion is your day job."

Here are some good options for artists looking to have a fulfilling career – while they hone their artistic skills.

Personal trainer

Personal training is high up on this list because of its autonomy. As a trainer, even if you are partnering with a gym, you get to create your own schedule and manage your clients. For aspiring actors who may be auditioning at all times during the day and also have a passion for fitness, it's a match made in day-job heaven. Plus, you get to work out for free!

Nanny

If you are Mary Poppins incarnate you can put your childlike creativity to good use being a nanny (or man-ny). As a nanny, it's easy to build your schedule if you pick families that are right for you. You can also build a contract that may include benefits if you are working exclusively with one family. Websites such as sittercity.com can connect you with clients and perform detailed background checks. CPR/First Aid trainings are usually a prerequisite, so look for classes in your area to get started.

Freelance photographer

It's easier than ever to market yourself for freelance work as a photographer. Utilize free website builder options such as wix.com as well as Instagram to showcase your work to a broad audience. Also, your "starving artist" friends may be looking for affordable options for headshots, or to document their shows or events. Offer to work friend's events/parties for free at first to build your portfolio and attract more profitable clients. Friends from the event will share the photos on their social media platforms – free publicity. Just make sure they credit you in the description of the photo with a link to your website so your work is recognized. Use your network to get connected to profitable new clients and make a freelance gig work with your schedule.

Research assistant

A research assistant is someone who is employed, usually on a temporary contract, by a university or a research institute, to assist in conducting academic research. If you're naturally curious, want to choose your hours, or if you're in school pursuing a degree in the arts, the pay can help you cover your living expenses while hopefully saving some extra bucks too.

Administrative assistant

Administrative work is perfect for actors or artists who enjoy variety in their day and have a flair for customer service. Unlike freelance work, benefits and a consistent pay schedule are usually perks for full-time employees. Tasks may include simple data entry, Web research, proofreading or editing, updating websites with new content, event planning, scheduling appointments/meetings and processing expenses. You can expand your work experience while still having time to focus on your passion projects.

Passion-adjacent jobs

Want to kill two birds with one stone? Nick Offerman had the right idea when he pursued building sets for theatres around Chicago and was able to connect with other theatre artists in the process. It's not an accident that he used his day job for the betterment of his desired passion. If you want to someday sell your own artwork in a gallery, find a day job that is closely related to that goal. You can make valuable connections in your desired passion as a gallery assistant or receptionist. If you want to work in film, start your way up from the bottom and work as a production assistant or an apprentice at a casting agency. If you're close to where the action is happening you're more likely to make valuable connections along the way – and turn your passion into a reality.