Embracing The Side Hustle

In every job I've had, I've felt so inauthentic in a way. When I was doing unpaid internships, I had to keep applying to other jobs because I wasn't getting paid. When I was in retail, I was looking for another job because I hated retail. The other two jobs I've had were temporary which explains itself. This is the first time where I feel settled in a job without worrying about the next thing, if there even is one at all. Because I had months of unemployment, I applied to be a BroadwayWorld Contributing Editor without knowing when I would get an actual paying job. I figured if I had another job I hated that much, at least I would have BroadwayWorld. Little did I know it would become my "side hustle."

Let's face it, no one's job is great. At the end of the day, a job is a JOB. Some jobs can be fulfilling, but not everyone's job is life-changing and that's okay. My day job is sitting in a cubicle from 9-5 answering calls and emails and placing ads in a call center. I don't mind it. I mean, it can get a little boring but I've had much worse jobs. For the most part, I'm dealing with it. Being a journalist for theater on the side really helps because it is something I can look forward to and fortunately, I do work for a company where I can possibly do entertainment journalism for a living. At this point, whether it's for this company or another I feel like I can get to the place I want to be in my career.

I've only written three articles for BroadwayWorld so far, one interview and two reviews, (READ MY NEWEST ONE HERE) but both reviews I wrote have gotten unexpected, amazing responses so far. My review of Mamma Mia was in the "HOT STORIES" section of the website for a decent amount of time, and it has gotten a significant presence from cast members and their families on Facebook and Twitter. I even got a tweet telling me that my first review was great and to keep going (which I obviously have). One day, I randomly got an email from a woman from a non-profit organization asking me for a quote because her organization is partnering with the theatre to get more people to see shows there.

Last week, I saw a production of "The Wild Party" at a college nearby. I have wanted to see the show for YEARS, so I was excited to finally be seeing it. The theater was small, but the show was AMAZING. NEVER underestimate a college production. It did not disappoint. The Producer (who is the head of the Executive Board) introduced herself to me during intermission, which I thought was nice because we had been emailing back and forth and she set me up with the comp tickets. I emailed her after I saw the show thanking her for the tickets and to send her the review and this was her response:

I was also quoted and thanked on Instagram and Twitter:

Now, I'm not doing this to brag if that's what you think. The point I'm trying to make here is that sometimes your "day job" isn't fulfilling, sometimes it's something else that can make people thankful for the things you do, even if it's small. Even though I appreciate my day job, I love theater and I love writing about theater. It is something I am passionate about and I'm grateful that people can see that I am appreciative of what they do and can give them the credit they deserve. I don't get paid to do this. I do it out of the goodness of my own heart, even though I hope I can make it into a career someday. I hope one day I can create a nonprofit organization that brings attention to community and school theaters that helps raise money to make them even better.