So You’re Thinking of Quitting Performing

Mar 2

If you've been in this industry for a few years, chances are you've been feeling the weight of the constant cycle of auditioning, rehearsing, and performing–and it's starting to get a little too heavy. You're overwhelmed, burnt out, and stuck in the daily grind that every performer is all too familiar with. It's okay – we've all been there. The good news is, you're not alone, and there are options to explore before you make any life-changing decisions.

Assess Your Current State

Take a moment to reflect on your current situation. Get out a pen and paper and describe exactly what you are experiencing right now. Are you feeling physically and mentally depleted? Is the joy you once found in performing slowly fading away? Have your priorities changed? Facing these feelings and thoughts head-on is the first step towards understanding your need for change.

Consider the Why

Ask yourself why you got into performing in the first place. What initially fuelled your passion? Understanding your motivations can help you determine if your current struggles are temporary obstacles or signs of a more significant issue. Sometimes our needs, values, and priorities evolve, and that is okay. Getting clear on what was important to you then, versus what's important to you now, can give you clarity on whether the time has come for a change.

Evaluate Your Work-Life Balance

Performers often find it challenging to balance their personal and professional lives. Doing eight shows a week can become all-consuming. Even though you got into this career because you loved it, at the end of the day, it is a job–a job you need to balance around everything else that is meaningful to you.

Are you giving yourself enough time for self-care, rest, and pursuing other interests? It might be time to reassess your priorities and make room for a more well-rounded lifestyle.

Explore Different Avenues Within Performing Arts

If the idea of quitting feels daunting, consider exploring new avenues and skills within the performing arts. Try something you haven't tried before–whether it's directing, choreography, or teaching, delving into something new may inspire you again, or show you a career path within the industry you never thought of pursuing. Diversifying your skills can breathe new life into your career.

Seek Professional Guidance

Feeling stuck? Don't hesitate to seek guidance from a mentor or coach who specialises in the performing arts. Talking to someone who understands the unique challenges of this industry can provide valuable insights, give you clarity, and help you navigate your options with confidence.

Take a Break

Stepping away from your current situation can give you much needed perspective. I understand this isn't always possible, depending on your personal circumstances. Maybe you're in the middle of a contract, or you have a family and a mortgage to pay. If this is the case, even booking a holiday can help you to recharge and gain perspective.

Explore Alternative Careers

If the thought of remaining in this industry feels overwhelming, it might be worth exploring alternative careers that align with your skills and interests. If this is you right now, try making a list of all your strengths. What are the things that people have always told you you're good at? The things that come natural to you?

Next, make a list of all your interests. Is there any intersection between the things you are good at and the things that are interesting to you? What is one small action you can take to start exploring some of these interests?

Embrace Change

Change can be scary, but it can also be exciting. If, after careful consideration, you realise that quitting is the best option, embrace it with an open heart. The uncertainty of leaving a career you were once passionate about can be scary, but remember that on the other side of uncertainty is possibility, and closing one chapter can lead to the opening of another, equally exciting one.

Conclusion

Remember, it's okay to feel lost, and it's okay to seek a change. It is important to allow your career to evolve as your priorities, interests, and values do. Take the time to explore your options, talk to others who have faced similar challenges, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Whether you decide to stay in this industry or pursue a different path, the important thing is to make a choice that aligns with your values and brings you fulfilment. Your journey as a performer is uniquely yours, and there's a world of possibilities waiting for you to explore.