Elliot
What careers make the most money and what is a day in the life of a film actor?
I am unsure which career I want in my future, but I do know that money is a big deal for me. I was told that a lot of jobs include science and math and I am not very strong in those subjects. What kinds of careers pay well but do not require science and math?
Also, I probably will not get a definite answer on this but, I am very into acting and go to a performing arts school where I study acting. I definitely want to be a film actor in the future and wonder what a day in the life of a film actor is? If anybody here is a film actor?
#money #notsure #filmactor
2 answers
Jennifer Haden
Jennifer’s Answer
In the US, there is a resource called the Occupational Outlook Handbook that gives the information related to your questions regarding careers, salaries, prospects, education, a day in the life of a ___, etc. You can find it here: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/occupational-information-included-in-the-ooh.htm. In addition to a specific search on acting, you can search the top careers in earning potential as well as trends on an upward trajectory.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes272011.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/highest-paying.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm
I would recommend starting there. Ask your high school counselor or librarian about the British equivalent of the US Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.
You didn't mention it, but I would also recommend that you do some self-assessments that I think would help you with your considerations. There are many available online for free. I would encourage you to take a personality test, learning style test, and multiple intelligences test. Together, you can consider your strengths, weaknesses, how you like to learn, and to what you're naturally drawn. I think that would help with the larger questions with which you're grappling.
Good luck!
acting occupational-outlook-handbook
Jamie Soltis
Jamie’s Answer
This answer is coming from someone who does have film and tv credits, but spends most days at my non-acting job.
Don’t get into acting if your top priority is money (which, if it is, is totally cool). While it’s true that many actors eventually make a good living, the majority do have to hold other jobs for years in order to survive, and finances can be a challenge.
Think about ways you can start your own business using the skills you have. Maybe you can make videos about science, or write your own web series, and learn how to monetize them on YouTube. Maybe learn how to edit reels or take wicked headshots. If you can make your own schedule, you can make money and still pursue acting. And study voiceover- those gigs pay well.
A life in the day is never the same. Days on set or in the theatre are long and amazing. And you get fed. Other days are spent balancing your other job, auditions, finding auditions, and going to class. The nice thing about this life is that it’s never boring!