Are you a voice over artist? So let me ask you: Do you feel guilty when you plan a vacation?
Do you consider this saying to be true: “Every time you plan a vacation, gigs just fly your way”?
If you say yes, so this idea might have hit your orbitofrontal cortex (the part that overthinks in your brain). Thus, it triggers the complex emotion of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), as you leave your vocal booth for a vacation.
And unfortunately, it does not come alone..but with acquaintances: guilt, undeserving, fear of judgment. You felt all of them? You’re not alone.
I too have always thought sub-consciously that vacations trigger undone jobs to be done. That once I touch grounds of my destination I will check my email and will find an urgent recording request. That the client will no be convinced by a makeshift booth, although the opposite always happened.
What changed my mind? Experience and further understanding of the industry.
Being ready to serve your clients is an asset and distinguishes you from others. However, recharging of your soul will always pay off and help you be ready, if done wisely.
Work-Life Balance
Many of us are in for work-life balance, enjoying other aspects of life as well as doing the work we love. But have you ever thought deeply about how to achieve that “Work-Life Balance.”
It is argued that an actual balance might not be achievable. It’s even said that in order to enjoy something profoundly, it might eat up off the shares of other things. Work-life balance term even makes “work” sound as the negative part of the equation compared to life.
I kind of agree with that. So I started considering the use of the word “allocation.” So I allocate time for specific things that I want or need, while I keep doing the other things that I love, and not beat myself for not being perfect in everything I do. Because that’s for sure (Perfection) is not an achievable thing.
Gear or No Gear?
So you decided you need a vacation and recharging of your soul. And you started packing your stuff. Then what?
Yes.. the next question will be: a vacation with or without a recording kit?
Well, the answer to this question depends on the length of the vacation. Also whether it will be easy to reach out to a studio in your vacation’s place.
For me, every time I travel to my sister in sunny California, I grab the whole travel kit. It includes: (Scarlette Focusrite mic, solo focusrite audio interface, headphone, a tripod) given the long stay planned.
I install everything in her wide closet, which becomes my makeshift booth. It is padded with large pillows and some clothes for soundproofing, and I am just ready to roar.
In case of short vacations, I usually take my rode video mini mic for auditions.
I also inform my frequent clients that I’ll be out for specific period of time. I reach out via email or whatsapp, and give them options on urgent projects that might come up.
Also for those of you who are members of online casting websites, you can edit your vacation setting times.
If you are a working voice actor, tell me about your way to manage your vacations. I would also like to hear about your travel kit.
Love to hear from you. Stay safe!
And if you are interested to working together, reach out to me!
