and on that note... is a resident gig of this type worth it, or is better to stay uncommitted and go where the best offer/show is? is resident SM a big resume builder?
There is no 'better' or 'best', but rather what is good for you personally and how the position would best help you towards future goals.
I just became a resident SM and I can already tell a few differences from freelancing:
1. You're much more aware of the politics within the company. You're also much more aware of continuous issues behind the scenes.
2. There's more meetings. More than I'm used to.
3. The calendar is set very early on, which still makes you available to freelance, albeit on shorter gigs. With the DNC coming to Charlotte next year, I've already put my name in with a few event planners/companies.
4. Vacation days - after looking at the calendar I'm not sure when I can use them, but it's good to know they're there.
5. Sick days. It's nice to have the option.
6. Health/Dental insurance, retirement plan, etc. This is big for me, since the last time I had any type of insurance was 2006 (and I have a 3 year old...not good) and I can truly begin planning for my retirement.
7. There's adjustments to get used to. Personally I have to get used to having an on-site workspace. Most times after a rehearsal I'd go straight home and do my work from there. After several years of that, I had to remind myself that I needed to work at my desk.
8. Certain things are no longer my responsibility financially. For example, there's no need to carry a kit anymore since there are office supplies and spike tape on-site. I don't have to go to Kinko's to make copies or keep my own FedEx account.
9. I have a voice in my organization. Before if I felt something was done that I didn't agree with - a procedure, for instance - I went about my business and worked around it. Now if I feel something could be done better or more efficiently - especially if it relates directly to my department - I speak up.
10. Job security. Though nowadays the word is quickly becoming an oxymoron, I'm not constantly looking for 'the next gig.' I can relax a little.
This is just what I've noticed right away. Knowing how I operate, I know I'm going to have to take a few side gigs for extra money (trying to fix up my house) and to keep myself from getting too much into a routine.