Hi Guys I’ve been feeling a little stressed at this past month so thought I would blog about it as I feel my worries and anxietys are issue that many of you will be able to relate to in some way...
I have recently finished a long acting contract so I was in the transitional period of changing jobs/getting work. As normal, as my contract neared an end I tried to secure as much part-time work as possible for once my Job contract had ended..However I was unsuccessful in securing anything. Since then I have been working a few odd promotional jobs and a few commercials, tv extra work and commercial dance jobs but as we all know we don’t receive payment for such jobs for up to 3 months+ after the job!! I can honestly say these last couple of months have been the hardest months I have had to experience since devoting my life to my profession. Lack of funds has affected me in so many ways –professionally – not having the money to travel to performance Jobs I was offered, not being able to do dance class or acting or singing lessons to perfect my craft, socially- not being able to engage in social activities like dinner, drinks with friends..:( All of these issues combined put a great strain on me mentally wish eventually affected me physically as well
I am a very pro active individual, always busy and focused. During my time of struggle I have been unable to focus on important things in my life as much as I should e.g this course..contacting agents..building my profile as a performer. I have been feeling very low and I’ve found this affected my motivation in ways that I could never have imagined. After great resistance concluded my only option was to go on the doll (receiving job seekers allowance) I never thought I would be in such a position, but I figured the government have created the scheme for people like me so as a tax payer I am entitled to seek help in times of need. I then learned that I would have been in a much greater position had I applied for this assistance much earlier. I also applied for support from my local council to pay my rent as I was payments behind with no income. They were very supportive
I had my first appointment two weeks ago and received a payment of which was very minimal but helped all the same. I explained to my tutor how I have been looking for work relentlessly and have been unsuccessful and this is of course an extremely common issue in these times of our countrys financial predicament. Luckily last week I attended an interview at Virgin Active gym and was successful in securing the job (finally!!)I was extremely happy as this means regular income allowing me to clear accumulated debts, pay rent and also I get free gym membership (major bonus for me) :D
The main thing I have gained from this experience is the importance of budgeting and being way ahead of the game. I assumed that with all my qualifications and experience getting a part time job would be so easy but I was so wrong. In our profession in particular we have to be extremely organised as the inconsistency of work can lead to big problems if we do not prepare efficiently. I just wanted to make sure people were aware of the services the government can aid us with if you are ever in financial trouble. As an actress dancer, I did not know I was entitled to this if I had known I would have applied as soon as I began looking for work and saved myself so much stress! I have now removed myself from the benefits scheme but it is important for people to know what is accessible to them in desperate times, I was so unaware so I hope this helps some of you!
I am very happy in my new job and can now focus on my course and my career. I look forward to securing my next acting/dance contract in the near future and insuring I never get into such a position again !!
