I danced for 5 & 1/2 years. Towards the end I was burnt out, so two months ago I decided to "retire" and get a so-called real job. Now I'm beginning to remember why dancing was such a fabulous idea in the first place.
I can't tell you how shocked I was to learn that on average (working full time) I might be able to earn $1600/month. Granted, I don't graduate until next year so employers don't consider me "educated," but still, $1600/month?!? And from what I understand (from friends who don't dance,) that isn't so bad. The complete lack of real income shocks me- I had no idea how spoiled I was dancing. In my last year or so, I completely lost sight of the opportunity the job provided me. Instead, I bitched about perverted guys and having to get naked for strangers who didn't deserve to see my body. I complained about the smokey environment and the pimp-like management, and rarely focused on my job. When I did, it paid off (literally,) but for the most part I slacked throughout my last year.
My point is, don't be me!!! When I sit here trying to calculate all the hours I sat in the dressing room sulking, and all the times I rolled my eyes at customers and didn't work like I should have, a huge wave of regret washes over me. It almost pisses me off. Make the most of your time, consider it to be a job, play it like it's a game, and focus on your goals. I'm sure everyone already knows this, but I wish someone had pounded it into my head! I walked away with 3/4ths of my education, exotic vacations, fun experiences, etc, but I KNOW that if I had treated it like a regular job I would be halfway to a real retirement by now. Please learn from my mistake, because it sucks when you're sitting around later going "Damn, I wish I would have..."



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to save some cash and put off school for when you've reached the savings goal?
Don't forget real estate once you get good credit.


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