4 Things You Will Sacrifice as an Actor

And they say doctors are having it tough.

#1 Your appearance

Don’t get any ideas.

You need to maintain your type pretty much all year round, especially if you’re looking for new auditions. This includes your whole appearance.
Think twice before you try out a new hairstyle. Ask yourself if you really need a second piece of cake. And don’t you dare get an infinity sign tattooed on your wrist. It’s stupid and it cuts your chance of booking by approximately 300 per cent.

#2 Your spare time and personal life

I have that callback coming up...

Your best friend’s birthday? What’s that, you’re playing that night?
Recently booked a vacation and a hotel room for your anniversary? Guess what, even more recently you will also book 5 shooting days. Check with your hotel’s cancellation policies.
Your cat’s being put to sleep... Your agent calls you for an immediate audition.

Okay, okay, maybe that would never happen to you. Your friends want to hang out, but you have to rehearse for that big opening. Does that sound more like you? Okay, anyway, if you work hard and give your all you will find that there’s little to no spare time left.

#3 Your hard-earned money

I need all the premium accounts on all the casting platforms... or do I?

Memberships and affiliations add up. So do all those workshops you signed up for. If you want to keep growing you need to invest in yourself, but know where to draw the line.

#4 Your ego

This is just a graphic representation. Do not print your resume on yellow paper.

Are you a self-proclaimed Brad Pitt lookalike? Do you strongly believe you’re the next Lawrence Olivier? Reality check, you’ll still face a ton of rejection. You will tank auditions so hard you will begin to question your choices in life and consider taking up an accounting course. Suck it up, you’re in what’s more or less the most competitive profession.