If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that no job is stable, and having another source of income is always a good idea. These survival job ideas for performers could change your life (it happened to me!)
This is something actors and performers have been having to navigate for years. Earning money while working flexible hours is absolutely necessary when you’re trying to break into the entertainment industry.
There is a common misconception that you have to be a “starving artist” to be a real artist. As noble as this sounds, being a broke artist is completely optional in the age of the internet. More and more artists are finding creative ways to make money instead of crossing their fingers for their big break.
If you’re lacking confidence in your business skills, check out this post here on just how great creatives can be! Whether you’re an employee or entrepreneur, I believe you absolutely have what it takes to excel. The world needs creatives in the business world.
If you’re still looking for a side hustle or survival job while you pursue your artistic passions, I gotchu!
Don’t forget to sign up for my FREE WORKBOOK to help you brainstorm your own side hustle idea!!!
(By the way, I didn’t bother mentioning jobs like waiting tables or being a barista, because you probably already knew about them. I think it’s worth mentioning that, as a trained artist, you are worth way more than a minimum wage job.)
Plus, having a side job can be fun! Our brains love to work towards a goal, just like our bills like to get paid. 😀
1. Teaching classes
There are so many kinds of classes you could teach that offer flexible scheduling. You could be a substitute teacher and pick up shifts whenever it fits your schedule. Many actors teach fitness classes or acting classes to kids. Look at your community ed brochures for some ideas. If you don’t see one in your zone of genius, pitch it to them.
You can make money teaching classes about your profession to fund your profession.
Another option is teaching classes online. You could host your own webinar or use a website like Teachable or Skillshare to host your own courses. Check them out to get some ideas on things you could teach.
2. Selling Products or Art
This should be a no brainer, but if you have a graphic design experience or art work you enjoy creating, sell copies online. Websites like BigCartel can be a platform for selling art, and Redbubble can print your art on various products.
One fun hack is to set up a print-on-demand shop on Etsy. By creating print-on-demand offers, you’ll never have to worry about shipping products out or keeping an inventory on hand.
3. Freelance Writing
I have to brag on freelance writing because this is my full time job. In my opinion, freelance writers are the backbone of most content created on the internet.
Many writers get their start by using websites like Upwork or Fiverr as platforms to find clients. Some (like myself) just reach out to companies they are interested in working with via email. Some niches of writing that are in high demand these days are technology, real estate, or personal finance. However, you can find writing gigs in nearly any industry if you learn how to look for them.
If you have a knack for writing (or you would like to learn) freelance writing can be a lucrative job that allows you to be your own boss. It’s certainly afforded me the opportunity to leave my day job and pursue my acting career more freely!
BTW, you can check out more of my freelance writing portfolio here.
4. Social Media Management
Social media is a huge driver of online business success these days, but it also requires a lot of work to manage. For this reason, many companies are outsourcing the management of their social media accounts to specialized social media managers.
In a way, social media management is like other freelance services, but you’ll hopefully be working with your clients a bit more long term. Many of the social media platforms that need constant management are Instagram, Tiktok, or Pinterest. Specializing in just one of these platforms and then handling the accounts for 3-5 companies could easily earn you a full time income.
If you’re interested in staying up to date with the current algorithms, can stay organized and meet deadlines, then social media management could be the perfect survival job for you.
By the way, be sure to read this post here:
The Best Job Hunting Resources You SHOULD Be Using
5. Personal Trainer
It’s pretty common for performers to also be into fitness, so why not take it to the next level and become a personal trainer?
Certification can be done online, and will take several weeks or a couple months, but then you’ll be good to go. Many gyms like to have in-house trainers they like to keep on staff, but if you want to branch out as a freelance trainer, all the better.
Thanks to the growing demand for in-home fitness resources, many personal trainers can get virtual jobs and reach clients all over the world. As a trainer, you could even create and sell your own workout plans for a more passive income approach.
6. Coaching
These days you can find a coach for pretty much anything. Chances are you could build your own business coaching others on a skill or subject you are passionate about.
Nutrition coaches, business coaches, vocal coaches, and life coaches are all in demand. Getting a coaching certificate in something you love may take a few weeks or months, but then you will have a skill that allows you to help others and support yourself along the way.
7. Virtual Assistant
If you are organized, responsible, and have a basic understanding of technology, you could be someone’s virtual assistant.
The position responsibilities could vary widely depending on your employer, but virtual assistants usually help out with basic administrative or supportive work. You can find listings for this on any sort of hiring or freelancing website. You can even try reaching out within your network to see if there’s someone who needs a virtual assistant.
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8. Website Builder
Have a knack for technology? You could build websites for people. If you have some skill at coding, you could be a developer (very complicated, but very cool). This is a person who actually builds a website and makes it function a certain way.
A website designer uses existing functions to make a website look nice and creates a cohesive look. Depending on your skills, either of these options could be a good side job, especially if you are looking to work remotely.
9. Temp Work
One classic survival job for many performers is temp work. It’s nice because you don’t have to do any of the leg work to find clients, you get a decent pay, and you don’t have to be committed to a certain job.
You are kept to doing relatively simple tasks while you’re on the job. If you’re looking to do temp work, look for a temp agency or staffing company in your area.
The nice thing about temp work is that sometimes employers look for permanent hires from people who have temped for them. If you decide to stay longer in a job, you could easily have that option. Otherwise, you would just be building your business skills along the way with each new temp position.
10. Modeling
This is a great option for performers since it can add to your portfolio! Modeling is a kind of performing in itself, and often times a little acting or performance experience will only enhance your modeling prospects.
If you’re looking to get into modeling, try applying for an agency in your area. Going through an agency will add an added layer of protection when you’re working (i.e. don’t answer any “model wanted” ads on Craigslist please.)
11. Realtor
Now this survival job skill might take a little longer to develop, but the payoff could be well worth it. It involves taking a course (which may take several months) and an exam to get your license.
You will also have to find a real estate firm to work under, but beyond that, real estate can be an incredibly flexible job. If you love houses, helping clients, and have a nice home base (like you’re not a traveling performer) then being a realtor could be an excellent job for you that will always be relevant.
12. Network Marketing (MLMs)
As controversial as they can be, there is a reason that MLMs are still around. If you only look at them as a pyramid scheme, you may be missing out on opportunities you would be well suited for.
I am not personally part of an MLM nor do I have plans to be (I’m definitely too independent for that!) but I really believe that some people can earn a good chunk of change from them. Albeit, there are good and bad ways to sell MLM products, but if you consider yourself a good salesman and really believe in the products, go for it!
13. Ebook Sales
I am 99% sure you know enough about a topic to write 30 inviting pages on it. If that’s the case, you have what it takes to write an ebook.
It can be as simple as creating a pdf on Canva, a sales page, and then telling everyone about the product you just created. If you write something that would be valuable to the people in your own circle of friends, you could make a profit that way.
I created my first ebook last year, check it out here for some inspiration.
14. Voice Acting
If you’re an actor looking to expand your resume, why not make voice acting your side job? Voice acting can be done from your own home and you can choose how much you work. Voice acting can be used for podcasts, audiobooks, film, cartoons, webseries, or language translations.
It can also be a fun way for a working actor to keep their skills sharp in between live performances.
15. Affiliate Marketing
Ever wonder how bloggers, influencers, or Youtubers make their money? Often times it is largely due to affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is simply providing a link to a product and receiving a commission if someone makes a sale from your link.
If you have a platform or are trying to build one, affiliate marketing is a no-brainer. Especially if you are going to already be talking about products or services you love, why not make some commission from it?
But how do you actually become successful at these survival jobs?
Listen, I can probably guess that you’ve looked at quite a few lists for survival jobs you can use to make extra cash fast. However, the best survival jobs will be the ones you commit to making yourself an expert in.
Setting a goal to make more money is one thing, but actually doing it is another. I know this, I spent years taking zero action towards my goals.
*My challenge to you: commit to learning something for 1-2 months right now.
The first 1-2 months will always be the hardest, but after that, you will no longer be a newby. Things get a little bit easier after you’ve set up your portfolio, taken that class, set up your online shop, or reached out to new clients.
So commit to taking 1 action, and go all-in for the next 1-2 months. You’ve got this!
If you’re still not sure what survival job is right for you, let me help. I’ve put together a FREE guide that will not only help you brainstorm a side hustle, but create an action plan for bringing it to life as well. I’d love to help you brainstorm some ideas. Grab the FREE guide here:
