It's that awkward point in my career.
I've been working as a Stage Manager for a little while, having done a few months of corporate work and working for a Light Opera Company.
At risk of this whole post sounding narcissistic, I've worked as a SM on some decent quality productions.
Now I've been offered a nice Stage Management job in Chicago. It's an original work at a storefront theatre.
I think I'm ready (career-wise and financially) to make the move to the city. The gig doesn't pay incredibly well, so I'd pick up a part time job too.
The other offer I've been made is as a Stage Management apprentice at a small theatre on the other side of the country. It pays very little monthly, so I'd have to pick up a part time job as well. The only plus side is that it includes a few months of housing.
My problem is this; am I too far along to take an apprenticeship since I've been working professionally for a while?
The jobs are slightly different, and neither is enough to pay my student loan payment, so I'd pick up a day job.
Option 1)
Get an apartment in Chicago and work a day job.
Stage Manage Original work for 3 months for $450.
Option 2)
Drive/Fly Across the country and live in supplied housing.
Work a day job.
Apprentice a Stage Manager for a year and make $150 a month.
I'm not sure which to take, and where to go from here. Though I suppose it's a good thing to have two offers, I'm not sure which offer to take.
Thoughts?