I had a really good first year as an actor. Not only did I book quite a bit of work, I got a decent resume and reel put together. I also did my first SAG role for the movie Trouble Man!, which comes out 3rd quarter this year. And I secured representation in two cities along with a manager.
This year, I made the decision to focus more on mainstream projects in film and TV, which means I will book less. And now that I have a full time bartending job, I have to be more selective on roles I take as they have to cover whatever money I miss out on when I miss work. Needless to say, this year has started out slow. I’m still getting auditions regularly, getting callbacks, and booking, but things keep getting pushed. It’s frustrating, but I know it’s part of the business.
Do I Question My Decision to Become An Actor: The Long Answer
I am 53 years old. Left a 6 figure a year job and now working as a bartender. I’m at the age where I should be thinking about retirement, not starting over. Things are happening, but they are happening slowly. So yes, I question my decision daily.
What Keeps Me Going
I have a really good support system here. I have a lot of friends in this business who really believe that I can make it. But the thing that really sealed my thinking I’m doing the right thing is my representation. I have agents and a manager that believe I can make them money. Yes, things are happening slow, but that’s usually how this industry works. I watch interviews from big actors and they all say the same thing, it took 10-20 years of booking nothing or small roles before they “made it”.
I’ll continue to question my decision, but I also feel like I am doing the right thing. I’ve been happier this last 15 months pursuing a dream, then I ever was the last 20 years. I just have to keep reminding myself of that…and to be patient.
Simon Shih 