Mastering the Art of Juggling Two Careers:  What’s Your Availability?

The alarm clock went off at 5:30 am but I was already awake.  I had already finished my workout or at least I broke a sweat and was sitting at my desk sending emails for my first career.  I wanted to catch up on some reports and review a few of the analytics to support a proposal before my day got busy.   The alarm was to let me know that it was time to make the kids breakfast and lunches for the day.

Once I finished, I took a shower and went back to bed for 30 glorious minutes.  I love some power naps.  In today’s world, the digital ecosystem makes it possible to do more in a day than anyone ever thought possible.  The pervasive attitude of society today suggests that you can achieve your dreams.  I agree. You can IF you are willing to put in the work and when I say work you may need to become a master juggler if you really want to succeed.

Hi, my name is Yolanda Spearman, I am the Director of Sales for the eastern half of the United States at Harley-Davidson Financial Services and I am also a very successful voiceover talent.

The fulfillment I receive from both inspires me to do more and I am not alone.  There are many people who lead lives like this, and we share a few common attributes.

What about you?  If you are a budding entrepreneur and you juggle multiple plates balancing two or more careers. Here are a few tips that may help succeed.

1. Set clear about your goals. Understand what you want and WHY. WRITE IT DOWN. Why do you need two careers?  I feel comfortable in Corporate America, and I feel like I have a few more things to do before I am ready to make a change.  Voiceover gives me the creative liberty I need to do my Corporate America job joyfully.
2. Become a master at Time Management and Prioritization (or hire someone who is)– I could say this a thousand times. But HOW to do it, is the big question.  I use my calendar for everything.  I block off time to chaperone at my children’s school.  I block time to speak to my team.  Time to do reports.  Time to do auditions – by the way – I audition early in the morning and late in the evening and I have a daily goal of only 6.  It’s small and attainable.  I only audition for jobs that I really want.  I am very thoughtful when it comes to auditioning.  Could I book more? Yes. Does it fit my availability?….. That’s the big question.
3. Know your limits: Set boundaries – I start my days early because I want to finish them early enough to have family time. There are some things I don’t do.  I don’t do late evening Corporate meetings because I usually do my voiceovers during those hours.  I don’t work weekends.
4. Be flexible – I work after the kids go to bed on many evenings. I have fallen asleep in my studio. I have gotten up before the sun to warm up my voice so that I have time to do an early session because I have a busy Corporate day.    I don’t work weekends BUT if a client wants a longer session and they are willing to do it on a Saturday, I will be flexible.  It boils down to you and how much you are willing to do to make this work.
5. Build a support network. Celia Siegel Management is my voiceover team. They keep me afloat.  I pay a fee, but it is worth every nickel.  They are master jugglers, and they juggle with me wherever I go in the United States.  This is the one piece of advice that I really want you to digest.  I could not be as successful as I am without a team to help me.
6. Embrace the power of delegation and outsourcing – I rarely edit a big project. I almost always send it out to be edited. If I can delegate a task, I do.

Managing two careers requires careful planning, dedication, and a proactive mindset.  By defining your goals, effectively managing your time, building a support network, and prioritizing self-care, you can successfully navigate the challenges and reap the rewards of pursuing dual careers. Remember, it is essential to find joy and fulfillment in both pursuits to ensure a well-rounded and rewarding professional life.  In the world of VO, it usually boils down to one question.  What’s your availability?

Want to learn the industry fast and get connected quickly?  Go to a conference.

I have cultivated and maintained a fulfilling voiceover career for myself, but it wasn’t always like this. Everyone starts somewhere, and initially, doing voiceovers was just a hobby. When I decided to get serious and turn my hobby into my second career, I found conferences to attend, which changed the trajectory of my career.  Seriously, it made that big of a difference.  I attended 3 different conferences, each providing a one-of-a-kind learning experience. My big three are, VOAtlanta, MAVO, and That’s Voiceover!, Among the speakers were industry experts, vetted agents, and coaches, who provided game-changing insights that have taken my career to new heights! You can say it’s like a one-stop shop for anyone wanting to start doing voiceovers or take their career or hobby to the next level.

VOAtlanta

Now, a closer look at each conference, and what makes them sooo worth it, starting with VOAtlanta. The VOAtlanta team has been changing lives since 2013. This conference is known as the “Largest VO conference”. This conference covers just about every niche such as animation, audiobooks, commercials, eLearning and narration, gaming, and more.  You won’t be disappointed at this conference.  Be ready to network. You missed the one for this year, but they will be back with a fantastic lineup next year. https://www.voatlanta.me/

Mid-Atlantic Voiceover (MAVO)

If the idea of hundreds or thousands of people is overwhelming to you, then you should probably consider attending MAVO. Dedicated to hosting a more intimate event, MAVO’s capacity is set at 120. The founder, Val Kelly, speaks often about keeping the conference small on purpose. That way, people can have more quality time with each speaker and really soak up the insights they have to offer. However, don’t get it twisted! Small does not mean sacrifice. The impact of the learning experience has never suffered, and it never will. With a line-up of some of the industry’s most respected speakers, you can rest assured that you will leave inspired and prepared for the next steps. Did I mention that I’m one of the keynote speakers this year? Tickets can be purchased here.

That’s Voiceover!

This one better serves people ready to get this show on the road! Their main focus is connecting buyers and producers with eager talents. In addition to the extensive knowledge shared, there were live performances, contests, giveaways, and on-the-spot auditions. They even offer segments in Spanish. Among the prizes were a mobile studio and scholarships to the Stellar Adler School of Acting. The auditions were for Pandora, CBS, and more, along with an opportunity for the talents to “speed date” with their demo reel, presenting it to agents and directors. How cool is that?! For more info visit the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVA), website for updates.

Here are a couple of other conferences that you can take a look at too.  I highly recommend you attend at least one in your career.

• https://www.onevoiceconference.com/
• https://www.world-voices.org

What’s in it for you! 

Quite a bit is on the line when you attend one of these events.  You will be vetted.  You will find opportunities.  You will be in a place that can change the trajectory of your career.  I think you should go to one.

For the most success…

NETWORK! Get connections, phone numbers, emails and follow-up!

When you find your purpose, you can do so much more than you ever dreamed.

During a recent family movie night, my son who is 9 voted to watch the movie ‘Here Comes The Boom’.  It’s about a washed-up biology teacher who looks to become a successful mixed martial arts fighter to raise money to prevent the music program from being cut at his school.  His best friend happens to be the music teacher and the friend is totally engaged and passionate about music so much so that the students love his class.

As the movie progresses you see that the main character starts out as a mediocre teacher with lackluster passion and ambition.  By the end of the movie, his mission to save the school music program transforms him into a person with a purpose.   The transformation is complete when he steps into the ring with only 1 goal to win this money to save his friend’s job.

When you find your purpose, you can do so much more than you ever dreamed.  I am sure there have been times in your life when you have felt so single-minded that you made the impossible happen.  Think back to a moment in time when you felt this type of resolve.   Remember how you worked.  Think about how it made you feel.

Now, look at your life today.  What drives you?  If you don’t feel inspired every day, look deeper.  The goal isn’t always obvious.  You may work to provide the best life for your family but really your goal may be to have a fabulous vacation every year.  Dig deep.  Figure out what inspires you to move forward with resolve and then GO for it!

When you find your “Why” you will find your wings!

I am an avid dreamer.  If you are like me, you understand that we feel like we can do anything we put our minds to, and actually, I think you are correct.  The fact of the matter is that although we can do anything we probably shouldn’t. Have you ever applied for a job and you knew it was a stretch but you did it anyway?  I did that and I got the interview.  I hopped on a plane when my daughter was just 2 years old.  I was a bit older so I think I felt like this job interview was an opportunity to prove myself.  I was eager to show off my ability to be a super boss and show the world what they had been missing.   Dolled up in my now 2 sizes larger Tahari pinstriped suit, Ferragamo gray heels and a coach tote, I waltzed into the office of this unsuspecting company ready to take on the world.  I prepared for that interview. I knew every answer, every statistic, every response like I was taking the GMAT test to get into Grad School.  I even did a presentation and I had great engagement.   The final part of the interview was a meeting with the hiring manager to discuss how the job worked logistically.  I went into the office and gazed at the 2 screens on the manager’s desk.  The manager rattled on about the process of scheduling each international trainer and the opportunities to move up across the organization but all I saw was myself with a fancy packed bag traveling all over the world.    I pictured my beautiful baby girl’s face in my mind sitting at home and then I looked back at those 2 screens.  Did I choose the baby or the boss?  I walked out of the room lighter than I had been in a long time because I was clear.  I understood what I wanted and why I wanted it.  I said NO to this opportunity.   “No” was the word I needed to hear from myself.

1. Sometimes you must sit with yourself and understand the true reasons you want to do a thing.
2. No is a complete sentence, and it does not mean forever it can be a “no” for now.
3. Understand why you do the things you do.
4. Know when to say “no” and it can be the most freeing word on your joy journey