Are there any dancer success stories?
I've been dancing about 8 years and it seems like every other year I have a melt down...which isn't that bad considering I work a 6-8 shift work week (some being doubles) on a regular basis. Now I've cut down to 4-5. But lately I started thinking it was time to make a change...to really live my life.
I've had friends say things lately that make me think. I'm sure they've always been insightful, perhaps I wasn't ready to hear them...a dancer friend who wants to quit (badly) asked me over breakfast if I'd ever heard any dancer success stories....
A dancer who quits, moves on and reaches a goal...some fulfillment. Not because she's forced to quit, fired, or any other reason. Her choice. She said enough, this business has afforded me a lifestyle, opportunity, and I'm going after it!
I didn't know of anyone. I've been posting here recently and it's a great community of dancers...is there a success story?
I asked another friend who has opened a small business (and closed it) because the money is better dancing. She made another good point..."we all have good ideas...and than we have to work a double."
Isn't that perfect? You may not be working a double...but you can understand the concept. It's like a beautiful day and you're inside in a dark cave doing the day shift. You really miss out...we miss out on a lot of things. For money.
I'm not bitter, I've been lucky, I'd never take back my years of dancing...good bad or indifferent...I just think it's my time. Does anyone else struggle with this? :banghead: :banghead:
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
My boyfriend knew a couple who danced, made their money, and got out of it to do other things. One has a paid for house and car and now sells real estate and the other is a chiropractor and moved to Canada if I'm not mistaken.
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Use your money to pay for college or start a company. That's a success story. "Using what you got to get what you want" like the movie says. Stripping can't be a career for most people. Age and gravity have their effects. But an education lasts forever...Sorry don't want to sound like an afterschool special, but it's true.
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
I know of plenty. Look around you. An education can bring a lot of sucess, a good idea even can bring your a wealth of happiness.
I have a friend who use to dance. She know franchises. dancing paid for her business degree and and money down on her dream.
It happens, you have to have your heart set on it.
But do understand that money isn't ALWAYS everything. I know dancers that have chrildren that wouldn't give them up for the world!
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
sorry...been dancing 10 years..not 8. :10: great LOL!
I just had an emotional day yesterday...it happens. I already have a house, a small business, and a great guy that just came back into my life.
It's just sooooo hard to leave this. And I can't do two things at once! I design clothes for the girls I work with and some other customers I had from referrals. I went to design school and have been designing for years...building my website now. I feel like I don't have the time to dedicate to designing because I need my energy for work.
I'm just more concerned with leaving and not going back...never go back...gotta move forward. My friends all tell me I'll be fine with selling club to club and my website...I'm just afraid. I have a mortgage...it's expensive in Boston! I'll keep you posted on my saga...
My quit time is soppose to be Sept. I don't know if I'll make it thru the summer...we'll see. :bomb:
Thanks for listening
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Two words: Business plan. What does it project for you in the first year ? Are you being conservative with your projections and have plans in place to cover you in your 'worst case scenerios' ? Is your small business just a casual and/or part time thing right now (I'm assuming because if it was a FT thing.. you wouldn't have time to dance)... ?
If you want to take you biz FT... BUSINESS PLAN. Make sure you are prepared for your first and subsequent years. That biz plan can help you focus and help you plan.
Do you see yourself more comfortable being a business owner or an investor or a bit of both ?? If you are comfortable with being a business owner, then pursue your business FT. If you feel comfortable being an investor, invest... real estate, stocks, etc.
Have you got a Financial Plan at the very least if not a biz plan for your business ???
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
I think if you are into club I ll suggest to buy in , to the club. Or other club that way you ll still get the money and not really leave.:)
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
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I've been posting here recently and it's a great community of dancers...is there a success story?
I know several personally. Most all the women I bounced with 9-10 years ago are no longer dancing, got their degrees, built up good nest eggs, transitioned into other things, some started their own businesses, many married, etc.etc.
The "meltdowns" you described aren't always a bad thing, and they are by no means limited just to dancers. People in the same career for extended periods are very likely to get caught up in day-to-day survival and life, then occasionally reflect back on how little real progress they have made in the long run.
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It's like a beautiful day and you're inside in a dark cave doing the day shift. You really miss out...we miss out on a lot of things. For money.
That's what vacations are for! Seriously, you'll go whacky and totally feel like the world is passing you by if you spend all your days working and surviving. Spend 2 weeks on the beach, or exploring foreign lands per year and it helps tremendously.
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Yes a vacation!!! :beat: I need one of those! LOL.
I have many things to do before I can take one though. Sometime I enjoy my meltdowns...I can reflect. Today I just feel silly. It's harder to take your own advice! Thank you Polecat!!!
Also...GoldCoastGirl....I have a rough business plan that I will finalize...I do have money saved...I already have investments...house, land, retirement fund, but I don't want to touch any of that!!!
I always forget how lucky we are...a normal business owner doesn't always have these luxuries!
Right now I'm trying to use these next couple of months to consolidate and what I'm trying to do is extremely expensive...plus my expenses are close to 4000 a month. That's 2 mortgages, monthly bills...not to mention regular expenses and the money I need to start my business!
I better get back to work and shake my ass! LOL
Thanks, this support does make me feel better! As soon as I reach some sort of success I'll share it with you.
I'm going to see my hunny tonight...after sex I'm sure I'll feel at ease. :biggrin:
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Does being semi-retired before age 40 count as a success story ?
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
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Originally Posted by Melonie link=board=1;threadid=7111;start=msg80941#msg80941 date=1078447266
Does being semi-retired before age 40 count as a success story ?
From a guy who's gonna be paying loans until he is 67... I'd say so.
One other thing that you are missing is the incredible job flexibility you have. Polecat said go take 2 weeks off and see something. YOu don't have to, you can go to a lace, work just about anywehere athere, and then move on. Making enough in a weekend to spend for the week.
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Hi, I understand exactly what you are going thru, I helped many dancers do the transition. I am a financial advisor and specialize working with dancers and entertainers, there are ways to do it so your spendable income is protected from unwanted taxation and to prepare yourself financially. I would gladly show you how I have helped my clients. Call me at 603 943 0508 Carlos
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Carlos... you might like to offer some advice, tips and just plain information in the Dollar Den folder.
Someone like yourself will be very welcome there.
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
I am a male dancer, but I think my story applies here.
I am in my thirties, and didn't start seriously dancing until the last few years. I had always worked really hard in my regular jobs, was a model citizen - did everything the right way, even if it meant a loss personally. Playing by the rules, and playing fairly, were my credo.
Unfortunately, my main career was in the fitness industry. I laugh when I read the posts about some of the horrible operators in the strip industry the girls write on here about - I think fitness industry operators are just as bad. I got ripped off and shut out big time - despite having a high profile in my field - and basically was forced to leave my country to continue to work in my chosen career.
I had always had a little bit of party stripping and stage work happening at various times, so I put it in full gear when I moved o/s, and it has REALLY paid off. And I love doing it too! Hope this is kinda inspirational . . .
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Well I decided...May 1st is my last day. I already have a schedule until then so I'll just let it run out. I went to my hunny's house lastnight cuz I felt good about my decision...I told him over the phone while I was at work and he was happy!
I made great money, I was in such a great mood....
So I get to his house and I guess I wanted to talk about it, this is a big step for me. I know I have his support 110% but we didn't discuss it. I can honestly say I'm a little disappointed...I've never said I was going to quit before, just that I wanted to. I know I shouldn't be upset...just feeling very sensitive. A lot of change going on right now...a little stressed.
But I'm going to shake my ass for the next 2 months and focus on my future. I think I'm going to be overly sensitive during this time so I'll try to not let anything bother me!
:dance:
Wish me luck...thanks for all the support!
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
A dancer who quits, moves on and reaches a goal...some fulfillment.
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Not because she's forced to quit, fired, or any other reason. Her choice.
This is what you said, and now this is what you're doing. You sound like a success story to me 4foot. Good luck!!
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Well...I quit. Two weeks ago, I couldn't wait anymore! I feel like I was putting my life on hold...
My website will be up in about 2 months I'll let you all know then!!!!
Wish me luck! :great:
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
I consider myself a dancer sucess story. I danced for a little over 7 years and saved and invested my earnings and I am now fully retired and just had my first child. I own my home free and clear and have a nice little nest egg in the bank. :)
I set out to own a nice, paid for home before the age of 30 - that was my goal when I started dancing. I acomplished that goal in 5 years then stayed another 2 or so years to strengthen my other investments.
My advice for new dancers is to set a longterm goal and go for it ! :boobies:
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
l hit the 250,000$ mark a few weeks ago! it took me a few years but l did it,how's that for inspiration
Re:Are there any dancer success stories?
Makes me wish I was still dancing...now I'm depressed.
Kidding....
Congrads! Laugh all the way to the bank........Hopefully I'll soon be my own success story...been working hard on my website, that's why no posts in awhile.
But.....soon I'll send a link and post some pics, etc...
You can see what I've been up to! :biggrin: