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Employment / Re: Prospects of working toward equity at age 23
« on: Feb 28, 2018, 03:53 am »
Honestly, when to get your Equity card is a difficult question to answer. There are so many different factors involved that it really comes down to each person and their situation. We also live in a day and age where people make frequent career changes. So it will never be "too late" to work towards your card or even to join Equity. Stage Managers come from all walks of life and it is your skill set that people will be looking at, not your age. Without knowing you personally, your skill level, and your career goals it is difficult to give specific advice. Probably not quite the definitive answer you are looking for.
However, I will say that your second sentence says a lot to me. You say that "the pay isn't great and the work isn't terribly challenging." So I ask you this question: What are the reasons for taking that job? I don't necessarily need an answer, but you should certainly have one for yourself. Here are a few more questions to ask yourself: What are your career goals, short term and long term? Does taking this position help in any way (contacts, experience, etc.)? Are there Equity theatres in your area that may be hiring now or in the near future? If not, are you prepared/willing to move to a different area or travel to an internship that may be far from home? There are some areas where Equity positions are few and far between, so is there need for another Equity Stage Manager where you are or are there more positions available for non-Equity? Do you need a steady income? Which career path do you think would be more likely to provide the income that you need, now and later? Frankly, I could go on and on. The best thing to do is to sit down and be very honest with yourself about what you want and then weigh the pros and cons of each path. Do what is best for you. The only deadline is the one you set for yourself.
However, I will say that your second sentence says a lot to me. You say that "the pay isn't great and the work isn't terribly challenging." So I ask you this question: What are the reasons for taking that job? I don't necessarily need an answer, but you should certainly have one for yourself. Here are a few more questions to ask yourself: What are your career goals, short term and long term? Does taking this position help in any way (contacts, experience, etc.)? Are there Equity theatres in your area that may be hiring now or in the near future? If not, are you prepared/willing to move to a different area or travel to an internship that may be far from home? There are some areas where Equity positions are few and far between, so is there need for another Equity Stage Manager where you are or are there more positions available for non-Equity? Do you need a steady income? Which career path do you think would be more likely to provide the income that you need, now and later? Frankly, I could go on and on. The best thing to do is to sit down and be very honest with yourself about what you want and then weigh the pros and cons of each path. Do what is best for you. The only deadline is the one you set for yourself.