logologo
jmichael@jmcvoiceover.com 202-738-1151
  • Home
  • My Demos
    • Commercial
    • Crisis Commercials
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
    • Demo Production
    • Demo Production Guide
    • Commercial
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Coaching
    • Coaching
    • Voiceover Coaching Guide
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Euro Vo Retreat
  • Public Speaker Training
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Home
  • My Demos
    • Commercial
    • Crisis Commercials
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
    • Demo Production
    • Demo Production Guide
    • Commercial
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Coaching
    • Coaching
    • Voiceover Coaching Guide
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Euro Vo Retreat
  • Public Speaker Training
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact

We read a lot about, “How to make it in VO,” consuming content voraciously in an effort to get a foothold in the business. Eventually, however, many voice actors will put the pieces together and develop a thriving business.

 

Unfortunately, sometimes being the dog that caught the car comes with challenges of its own. Once VO talent experience some steady success, it can be a struggle to look at the studio as anything other than a little ATM machine, and time away from it as lost opportunity.

 

Look, being an entrepreneur is no cake walk. And being an entrepreneur in an industry that is always changing and highly subjective is even tougher. Wearing every hat from talent to marketing to bookkeeping to HR can take up a lot of time, money, and mental space. Success rarely comes without a good amount of sacrifice.

 

But if you haven’t seen the sun in weeks, and weekends are something you vaguely remember having once, but aren’t sure, OR you start every conversation with “I was just narrating a piece about…” OR your kids are starting to fear that “hunched over troll that used to be mom” who lives in the small room in the basement… you may need to take a break, because burnout is real.

 

We’ve heard a lot of messages in this past year about taking time for self-care, paying attention to your mental health, and slowing down to focus on what’s important. I would add, find something else to be interested in that has nothing to do with voice over (and bonus points if that something is FUN.)

This career is a long game, full of rejection, trial and error, and jagged roads to success. Your primary workload involves putting yourself out there, handling no’s and coming back for more. You don’t do yourself (or the quality of your work) any favors if you don’t allow yourself some distractions and give your brain some time away from constantly obsessing over your next audition.

 

No one will be surprised that my own outside interests include finding incredible dining experiences and travel, (when the world is normal.) But what some of you may not know is that I’m a trained political scientist and a devoted student of history (World War II era especially.) Those interests led me to read every New York Times newspaper cover to cover starting from January 1, 1930. I’ve read every one through December 15th, 1934 so far and I have plans to read at least a decade more. Not only am I completely fascinated by what I’m reading, but it gives me a mental break from voice over work. It gives my brain something new to focus on and enjoy.

 

Planning blocks of time into your schedule for marketing, auditioning, and recording are all very important to maximize the efficiency of your work-time management. But don’t forget to schedule-in periods of time to step away and recharge. Pursue something other than voice over. Allow yourself to have fun.

 

Be interested in more than one thing. Your sanity will thank you.

Trackback URL: https://www.jmcvoiceover.com/2021/02/09/the-importance-of-having-outside-interests/trackback/

J. Michael Collins
Previous PostVideo Game Trailers Are The New Movie Trailer...
Next PostHow to Beat Imposter Syndrome
5 Comments
  • Joshua Alexander February 09, 2021 Reply

    Quick quiz! What happened on March 16th, 1932? That’s right, JMC! Ronnie Walter Cunningham, Col USMC/astronaut (Apollo 7), WAS born in Creston, Iowa!!! You amaze me. 🙂 But seriously, that is such an important component of entrepreneurship, and I don’t find it a coincidence that you’re now the third blog I’ve read about this topic lately. I recently wrote one, Billie Jo Konze wrote one, Craig Williams, and now you. I take the message loud and clear because I AM a workaholic. Thanks for the important reminder!

  • Jon Gardner February 09, 2021 Reply

    You taught me that if my read sounds stale, to do a wild version in a OTT accent or delivery, then go back and do it normally. The next take is inevitably better, with a fresher perspective. The same thing is true in all things. Not only does taking a break from voice-over refresh you mentally, it also refreshes the voice-over work that comes after. A win-win! Thanks for this reminder.

  • Craig Williams February 09, 2021 Reply

    This is so true JMC. Like Josh mentioned, I posted something similar this week. How can we bring our life experiences to our reads if we don’t make life experiences? Most choose freelancing as a way to escape the hustle of the 8-5 and commute. They then spend 12-14 hours on their business (sometimes 7 days a week) and forget what they really made the jump for. Time to have a great life! And eat some lobster – obviously!

  • Sumara Meers February 10, 2021 Reply

    I would just like to say that I have never eaten lobster, and every time I see you online I think about that.

    However, I do have a lot of fun on weekends doing things that aren’t voiceover. So I guess I’ll be okay.

  • Venus Gentile February 17, 2021 Reply

    Great reminder to take a kit-kat break (or lobster break.) Setting healthy boundaries for yourself is key to living a healthy balance of life and work. We spend so much time isolated in our dark booths, so taking extra vitamin D is essential for our health. Coming from a European background, I have no issue taking a mid-afternoon siesta every now and then.

Leave a comment

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Archives
Subscribe
  • Receive News & Updates
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
RECENT TWEETS

@jmcvoiceover

March 3rd 2021 11:03:12

https://t.co/ZD5fsCJJZ5

The end is near. For some.
#vo #voiceover #voiceovers #ai #artificialintelligence https://t.co/ZiRAvQHPtQ

@jmcvoiceover

March 2nd 2021 12:03:31

This April, the Unicorn Award will finally change hands again after a year off due to the pandemic. Three talent wi… https://t.co/rwbI2wlW6a

@jmcvoiceover

March 1st 2021 09:03:05

https://t.co/3Gi5So033z

Episode 2 of This Week in Voiceover is up!

Armin Hierstetter joins with his usual subtle… https://t.co/dRkBJURB2W

@jmcvoiceover

February 25th 2021 09:02:14

Group coaching the impressive talent from Impressive Talent never gets old! Congrats to this fantastic lineup on a… https://t.co/t20cd9dVwJ

@jmcvoiceover

February 24th 2021 02:02:17

https://t.co/MNhFF82TIE

@jmcvoiceover

February 23rd 2021 12:02:59

https://t.co/TsWRTGPECx

I'm proud to premiere my new weekly podcast!

Check out Episode 1, featuring the hilarious… https://t.co/6vIV13Povi

@jmcvoiceover

February 22nd 2021 01:02:52

https://t.co/KGOBME8qLb

Check out my upcoming VO Xtra webinar featuring the legend himself, Dave Fennoy. Get the l… https://t.co/uJQFXKCilX

@jmcvoiceover

February 22nd 2021 12:02:54

https://t.co/G9xs7Dvb9P

Everybody was Facebook Fight-ing......... #vo #voiceover #voiceovers https://t.co/0t3SLUQumk

@jmcvoiceover

February 2nd 2021 04:02:01

RT @UKVoiceTalent: My new #commercialdemo. Courtesy of @jmcvoiceover and his incredible team. Having the demo created was one of my prizes…

@jmcvoiceover

February 2nd 2021 04:02:56

@UKVoiceTalent @DebMunroVO @Elley_Ray #rockstar

@jmcvoiceover

January 28th 2021 08:01:45

RT @jasonkappus: #HeyVAs: ALWAYS. BE. LEARNING. Coaching/listening/studying/conversing. Engage with the community, hit those free webinars.…

@jmcvoiceover

January 28th 2021 08:01:37

@jasonkappus I'll send you an invoice. :P

@jmcvoiceover

January 28th 2021 12:01:25

@CodyRockVO @plushiebunnies GREAT job!

@jmcvoiceover

January 25th 2021 11:01:23

This is what being a dad is all about. #goat @TomBrady is pure class. https://t.co/0u7leKhx7e

@jmcvoiceover

January 20th 2021 04:01:58

https://t.co/TAbOBrCwXH

@jmcvoiceover

January 19th 2021 04:01:59

@TheAlixMartin @GravyForBrain @JMCdemos You rocked it! Always a pleasure working with you. :)

@jmcvoiceover

January 18th 2021 05:01:45

https://t.co/FPkETFCxTZ

@jmcvoiceover

January 18th 2021 01:01:22

https://t.co/89rhMteg8P

Are you honoring your colleagues' kindness when they give you the gift of a recommendation… https://t.co/ewP1XnGptL

@jmcvoiceover

January 14th 2021 11:01:17

@jasonkappus LOL :)

@jmcvoiceover

January 14th 2021 11:01:13

Always a blast working with talent repped by Impressive Talent, and this group was legit impressive! #vo #voiceover https://t.co/lDCKvMQNRW

@jmcvoiceover

January 9th 2021 07:01:49

@aganguzza This x100

@jmcvoiceover

January 8th 2021 11:01:05

Devastated by the loss of @bradvenable May you rest in piece, my friend.

@jmcvoiceover

December 25th 2020 12:12:20

From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Wishing all safety, health, and prosperit… https://t.co/eUp74u7F1Y

@jmcvoiceover

December 22nd 2020 07:12:48

#vo #voiceover https://t.co/DOE7PurDKv

@jmcvoiceover

December 21st 2020 01:12:06

Congrats to JMC Demos clients Doug Turkel, Stacey Kimble, Gaynor Kelly, Jason Kappus, Jenn Henry, and Paul Cartwrig… https://t.co/rAPSAfM4lq

@jmcvoiceover

December 15th 2020 12:12:24

#vo #voiceover https://t.co/rZpdx4tHpn

@jmcvoiceover

December 12th 2020 03:12:27

#vo #voiceover #voiceovers https://t.co/yZQjxA7gC2

@jmcvoiceover

December 11th 2020 12:12:40

https://t.co/BBWJse3954

Check out part 2 of my blog on where the industry stands in the year of COVID, featuring t… https://t.co/TEOzp7WNqT

@jmcvoiceover

December 11th 2020 12:12:03

#vo #voiceover #voiceovers https://t.co/DvppE8uffb

@jmcvoiceover

December 10th 2020 04:12:28

https://t.co/Ow7dpfkQ7D

@jmcvoiceover

December 9th 2020 09:12:18

@jemrosenfeld @Joanthevoice @rgaskins1 @SovasVoice @ThatsVoiceover https://t.co/nEQ2uvdOLs

@jmcvoiceover

December 9th 2020 07:12:08

#vo #voiceover https://t.co/VWtvRtIInx

@jmcvoiceover

December 8th 2020 01:12:50

https://t.co/kjrMJggjFc

@jmcvoiceover

December 7th 2020 12:12:31

https://t.co/6isS4eNAd1

@jmcvoiceover

December 7th 2020 05:12:29

@UrbanLegendVO @jasonkappus That gives new meaning to food porn.

CONTACT
202-738-1151
jmichael@jmcvoiceover.com
  • Home
  • My Demos
    • Commercial
    • Crisis Commercials
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
    • Demo Production
    • Demo Production Guide
    • Commercial
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Coaching
    • Coaching
    • Voiceover Coaching Guide
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Euro Vo Retreat
  • Public Speaker Training
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact

Privacy Policy ©2021 J. Michael Collins // Voice Over Site by Voice Actor Websites