How to Make the Switch to Working at Home in Arts and Entertainment
I’m excited to offer these words of wisdom for those of us at home (most of us), those now unemployed and those seeking perhaps some ideas on what you can do now to pivot into new opportunities. Many of these ideas are easy to implement and great for the ADHD brain. Although this is specific to the Entertainment Industry, many of these ideas crossover to many fields. Staying safe.
While working in the entertainment industry typically involves plenty of collaboration, COVID-19 has changed things. Not only are you now flying solo, but you might be struggling to adjust to working remotely, too. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to ease the transition and ensure that more work keeps coming your way.
Take Steps to Feel Connected
Feeling isolated is a common side effect of working remotely. Especially in times of crisis, it can be tough to focus on work and maintain connections with others. Experts recommend taking breaks to socialize, even if it happens remotely. Connecting with coworkers can also be a great way to de-stress and reconnect to the world around you.
Practicing self-care is another way to get reenergized before it’s time to sit down at your desk. Strategies such as disconnecting from social media more often and ensuring you get enough sleep are essential self-care steps, notes Forbes.
Joining an online group with other professionals in your industry can also be beneficial. Not only can you engage in socialization with peers, but you can also network and possibly find new job opportunities, too.
Source Freelance Opportunities
If your regular work has dried up, now is the time to look for freelance opportunities. Even if it’s working to fill in gaps between bigger projects or assignments, freelance work can give a significant boost to your bottom line. It can also boost your career prospects, especially if freelance gigs fill in gaps in your resume.
Freelancing gives you the flexibility to pursue multiple income streams (and passions). It also increases your networking potential. And no matter what industry or niche you’re in, freelancing can be a steady source of income despite COVID-19 disruptions.
Not convinced? Here are the opportunities entertainment professionals can find while working from home during the pandemic, whether freelance or full-time.
Dive into Fashion Design
Since fashion designers can work from anywhere (with the right tools), launching some new designs might be the ideal project to fill your schedule. Some of the best fashion designers work freelance—remotely or otherwise—as their regular career.
From drafting concepts for clients to creating a line of clothing to sell online, there are endless options for anyone with an eye for fashion. You will need software to start designing remotely—plus materials if you plan to make samples—but it’s all doable from home.
Embrace All Types of Writing
Whether you have experience writing scripts or editing novels, writing may be right up your alley. There are tons of different writing jobs available, explains Writer’s Edit, from penning white papers to creating copy for websites to running blogs for small businesses.
What’s nice about writing as a side gig is that there are very few overhead costs involved. If you have a laptop and internet connection already, then you have everything necessary to start making an income from home. Of course, if you plan to freelance long term—or as your new career—you’ll have a few additional expenses to think about.
Focus on Personal Photography
If you have an eye for design, photography may be your next big break. It’s true that many small business photographers are losing clients during the coronavirus pandemic. But there are alternatives to in-person photo sessions for freelance photographers.
Selling your photos online, for example, is one way to earn an income without having to book clients. Plus, you may not need the latest equipment to capture flawless photos, either. Many smartphones take high-quality photos that can earn you a few dollars apiece in the digital marketplace.
Whether your newfound work-from-home opportunity is short-term or becomes your new career, telecommuting can be a challenge. Finding the right gig to pass the time—and add to your bank account—is only part of the equation. Staying motivated and caring for yourself are also essential parts of surviving and thriving as an entertainment professional during the coronavirus shutdown.
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