When Is It Time To Quit A Day Job To Be An Artist? - Rhomeyn Johnson 

This is so true. I still work a 9 to 5 and write on the side until I can write full time. It's good to know I'm not alone.

I could not have become a professional artist without the incredible flexibility of small-business, late-shift janitor jobs. You keep things clean, then no one bugs you AT ALL.

How could you not like this guy? He’s helping people get out of LA

this guy dropping wisdom and truth. You got folks making people feel bad because they have a 9 to 5. If you can't sustain yourself doing your art get that job.

I saved up a years worth of income and recently went part time at my job to focus on my art...with parttime money i can use that for spending but i have alot saved incase of emergency...gotta be prepared if your gonna take that leap

He is one seriously likable dude. I absolutely agree with him about taking care of your family, but he takes if further by helping his friends go home.

Too real! Props to this guy for helping people get home. I tell my actor buddies all the time that if they ever walk away from the business, I will never judge them. This shit is hard!

I have never heard of this guy, but hes a quality human being. The game needs more decent people like him. I come from the music world and not acting but this guy makes a lot of sense.

This brotha kept it all the way real!!

Personally i think the best job for an artist is an occupation that doesnt require the artist to have to use all its mental energy. Such jobs that come to my mimd are the ones mention or hi end retail security.

Church!! I work full time in IT at a school. Just so happens my department also runs a film program at our so I’m able to fuse the two. I’m straight with everyone about my goals. This is a brand new job and I told myself that I’m not hiding anything! You never know you’re around. Don’t miss a blessing!

The plantation owner is worried that you will flee so the master has you sign paper work to make it harder for you.

I love this guy. He's the exact person you need as a friend and collaborator.

Love his real talk about life... I agree at this day and age and you want to be an "artist" you've gotta have on the other side to sustain the realness of living the rent, the cost of food, healthcare and bills. And then find time to hustle the artist life without it like he said its struggling to live first...

He’s not lying. I’m not leaving my office and dental insurance until it’s time lol. Better to be prepared.

need more guys like you who help friends get to where they need to be.

I got this video in my recommendations and wow what a video. I smiled throughout the entire interview. What a down to earth, honest and heartwarming person Rhomeyn is.

I'm still asking myself this every day. I also don't tell my coworkers about my videos.

Wow really spoke to me. I am in the corporate world, making 40k but its draining and becoming hard to do my art on the side. But at the same time I dont want to downgrade to less pay lol. Decisions...

What a beautiful human! He’s just fabulous

Wow, what she discussed in the beginning happened to me a few times. I was treated differently and met with aggression from co-workers and pushed out.

I agree this is very true I quit my job and realized that I really needed the money to pursue my goals. But I don’t regret it because I’m turning 18 in September so I can get a much better job. My video is about on this topic I would really like it if you guys could watch and leave me any feedback or tell me about your experience. 💯

Love this guy! Great vid' and thanks to Rhomeyn Johnson for sharing!!! AND the best job for an aspiring artist??? There probably isn't a specific single job... There are certain jobs and positions an artist should probably take or go after for the experiences. There are jobs and places one should work, because of certain parameters and perks for finding your way into your career of choice... AND there are certain stepping-stone positions that are there, basically understood, as a means of getting your sh*t together and moving on when you're ready. Among parameters that are best to look for in a job, for an artist, however, are Flexible Hours, and/or Flexible Days. These jobs aren't exactly common, BUT they ARE out there. They're also not necessarily right where you'd figure they should be, so keep looking and checking around under every figurative rock and tree-stump. For instance, I had a job with a tree-trimming and felling service. I DID NOT HAVE TO SHOW UP... There was enough work and people around the place, that I didn't have to do anything but call in, and that was that. It was simple... As advanced as possible, I was supposed to give notice for days off, but it was never a matter of "show up or get fired". THAT was a great job for an aspiring anyone/anything else. Another great choice was mechanic... BUT it comes with a few caveats. You have to find the right place to work. It's about the business model, and you don't want to be at a dealership job! (not EVER) Here's the thing, a lot of pro-mechanics work in places where you're essentially "renting a bay" in the garage. SO you have to charge a "bay charge" (basically a 10% fee that goes directly to the garage)... It comes in a variety of flavors, but it's all basically a charge for working inside a bay out of the weather and with a professionally installed and rated hydraulic lift, or a properly built (safe) tech-pit. These kinds of jobs are great (IF you're actually a good mechanic) because you set your own schedules. As long as you can still show up and work regularly, the owners of such garages have very little invested in exactly when or who does that showing up stuff. They just can't be turning customers away and losing money over it... AND there are usually plenty of people around to do the work. That's also the slight deficit... If for whatever reason you're less than above average as a tech', there's plenty of people jockeying for a position to replace you. You CAN set your own schedule, but it IS still a schedule you set. Don't be too lazy or slack. Some certain seasonal jobs are good, because you can work that one season all HOT and HARD and HEAVY, but the rest of the year (provided you budget money well) you don't really have to work... OR if you pick up jobs, they can be gig's and part-time, still leaving you plenty of time to set and meet appointments with agents, producers, directors, or whoever else you need in order to pursue the passion. Theater is a good place to work for aspiring actors. It doesn't matter that it's quite niche. If there's a theater that's actually functioning, it's worth getting involved. You get some exposure TO the art, the craft, and the work for the production. If you manage to land a theatrical gig, you can also start refining those precious acting skills that will eventually land you parts in the acting world... things like memorizing scripts and getting into a directable character. Avoiding screw-ups because Theater is LIVE entertainment will further sharpen and hone your skill and talent... ...or you'll get disgusted with the whole idea and go home, deciding you're really not cut out for it. Obviously, arts and crafts are something to consider. There are gigs in the lines of arts and crafts, including TEACHING and SHARING those crafts. From time to time, I've noticed Micheal's listing gigs to teach art. It doesn't generally require a degree or a particular level of skill, just a functional knowledge of the subject matter, and they do interview (probably test where applicable and appropriate) for knowledge and performance... Being able to dive into any artistic or creative economical value and function STARTS with being able to "go public". Even a Painter has to sell his or her work in order to get money for those pesky habits like eating and sleeping... unless you like a rain-soaked cardboard box and a next door neighbor who smells like a dumpster. Teaching a craft builds those precious communication skills and sociability, things you're going to NEED to absolution when and if you manage to "get rich and famous". Just look around at the celebrities we have who make headlines. You can tell which are the ones who learned early on how to "deal" with people and who didn't... just count the really REALLY DUMB things they've done on the headlines. The bottom line is that you have to decide WHY you're picking a job, and I mean MORE than just to afford to eat food instead of garbage and sleep someplace other than a piss-soaked dumpster. Some jobs are going to build our required skillsets. We work them a while to get our sh*t together mentally and physically. Earn those muscle memories and strengthen the filters that keep you from saying stupid sh*t to the wrong people. Some jobs expose us to alternative settings for our career paths of choice, give us a chance at changing our minds about "the perfect career". AND some jobs allow us to live life without suffering heart seizures over the next rejection slip or notice of termination, because we can still afford rent while we go back out and find the next gig. ...AND for what it's worth, a "day job" that absolutely SUCKS HIND TIT, is also a very good motivation to put that fire under your ass and go out there LOOKING for that next big gig! You can thank the horrible B***h who makes your professional life miserable in the office for inspiring you to be a better actor SOONER rather than later. ;o)

this is a real solid straight talking interview I don't think there is a best day Job but flexibility is a must

I am pretty lucky. I am an actor and I also work with people with special needs. Whenever I get acting work focus on that and whenever I have quiet periods in acting I work my other job. Pretty nice balance.

Absolutely, a sustainable job and a clear mind. nothing more worse of a job stresses you out physically and emotionally.

My advice is quite as soon as you feel your passion rise, as soon as you are sure. Sometimes knowing having a parachute on your back is the last thing you need. So Jump... Take that risk, you don't need a chute if you are sure you can land on your mark. This is your time... in the words of the great philosopher Shia Le Boeuf... DO IT! 🏆

I feel this very much.. there’s something pulling you towards your dreams but you need to be cognizant of your responsibilities for yourself and others if you have dependents! There needs to be a balance.

I had bad situations that one would not expect, but am happy to have people to support my art without wanting anything in return as the result itself, and this helped me over time to make it valuable enough to sell. Some people understand that artworks are made for the whole mankind, is not a commodity of the artist. But look at what he said: are you sure you can handle it.... THe ups and downs can be to crazy for the common mind. Exaclty in the pandemic i got zero support, and lived from short savings

I really enjoy this channel because it's so raw, real, and relatable. Keep up the great work guys!

This dude is totally real. No spin or BS.

I cant tell you how many jobs I had to walk out on because of the lies told to get me to accept the position. The very last job I held i had to quit because I had an audition with Woody Allen. And I could not deal with shooting all night and going into work with no sleep. But it is still a journey and the actor still has to deal with multiple individuals saying yes 👍. And finding an bull dog agent who has that spit game and spirit to get you places is a challenge. And most time the agents get insulted when you are focused in what and where you want to go and not be submitted for general casting that they hope you get so they can start making money. The better agents are a challenge to find. The better agent seeks out specific roles that suit your essence and collapse time where you come across unique and perfect for that role and start booking.. And once you make it..its still a challenge to maintain that status and now you have to assemble the dream team that will carefully craft your career. Best of luck to all us emerging actors!!!!!

He's the uncle we all need.

I feel like I have a pretty good set up. I do door-to-door sales for AC maintenance/upgrades and before they hired me I told them my real passion is writing so I don't plan on doing this my whole life. They have guys who work there a few months out of the summer on and off to pay for school. You can make some decent money on any door-to-door sales if you're willing to get good at it and the better you get, the shorter it takes you every day to get the appointments you need so I have A LOT of free time

Lyft and Uber😂. The greatest occupation in the world for an Artist.

I lived off my ginger cat's earnings doing cat food commercials until I could find a wedge in myself.

Most important video for aspiring actors to see and take seriously. This is real.

I've been a full time pleine air painter for the past 10 years. My dad told me "you need a second job just to get some money in, flip burgers or wash dishes." I knew that if I had that I would not paint, because I would have the backup. I'm too lazy. Ended up not getting a job. If I need money, I go out to paint. That brings money. Now I realise painting is a bit different than writing. I have something at the end of the day that I can sell immediately. Some days I make 20 bucks. Or zero. Other days, I can make 1000. But I am totally in control of my finances, and I create my own job opportunities.

that was a pretty beautiful end to the video. Rhomeyn seems a good dude.

This is so insightful yet one of the most underrated videos on RU-vid.

Big UPS to the Artist working hard out there 💪

No joke, I almost got robbed at my job. I drove off as fast as I could. They shot at me while I was driving away, but missed my car

This is a wise advice I still have my 9 to 5 job but lookibng in the meantime by a job who could allow me to do my aristic work. This process go little by little from now I slightly begin to earn money from my craft but it is a long process and first you must believe in you and listen to yourself and certainly don´t pay attention to what you friends or colleague say because everything is in you and after all this is your life. Another wise advice begin in the place you are familiar with and where you have contacts and can really do it forn myself it is Madrid and London. .evrything will comne if you believe in you and work to reach your goal

A little hamlet in England. Has anyone seen Robin Hood anywhere ?

This was really good! Inspiring and encouraging: Real Talk...Thank you!

I’m an artist who recently figured out how to support myself financially. I’ll make my own content and one day head to California for good.

this is one of the realest videos ive seen fr fr

That point about not even being available before the rejection stage is so real.. 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ Creatives have big decisions to make.. 🚨 Also, that sending home thing near the end, I wanna be in the position to be able to do that too.. ✨🙏🏾✨ - @Acharich

This is amazing advice. Especially about rejection. I want to be a screenwriter so I know what to expect.

a video without a dislike, my life is complete

good commentary on any kind of art I think, not just the film industry

Love this! Just in time.

What a beautiful soul A true original artist by far

Very nice question @FilmCourage. I've just quit (last October) a PhD with scholarship and everything to focus only on my screenplays. From my experience I can tell that a PhD is a hell of a good job for an aspiring artist. It can be a bit messy in terms of mental focus, but you have a lot of time and flexibility to juggle both.

I'm a music producer/ artist and this is hard to do if you have a family I'm trying to let my job go to do this music and acting career.

2:07 Thank you!

How can you dislike this video? He’s speaking the truth

If you qualify, be a firefighter, there schedule works great for artist, actors, small business owners, etc., plus you can swap shifts and have more time off. Most firefighter schedules across the USA is one full 24hr shift on and 48 hrs off, so you basically work every third or 10/11 days a month. Some places you can work overtime and do 48 hours for more money, so you can buy your equipment, plane tickets, contracts to be written, practice, etc., and they have some of the best benefits in the country, it’s a good situation. If you’re scared to go into a fire don’t worry, 95% of your calls will be EMS calls, or you can be a firefighter at the airport where 99% of your calls will be EMS calls. Don’t give up, but I agree that your children come first, and they’ll be proud to say “my daddy or my mommy is a firefighter” and it’ll melt your heart, in case you never catch a break. Don’t starve yourself for any industry, because you’ll take on gigs you normally wouldn’t take, and you can end up stuck. Peace.

Very inspiring real talk. He tells you how it is.

Good man he has understanding

this is a very very good question, could do many videos further on this

#RealToReel indeed!

Best advice ever!

Never had a 9 to five. It sucks because health insurance is fucking expensive

Yes this brother speaks the truth!

Love this man!

1:25 the answer to this question. There's nothing more to add, basically.

Totally agree....😊

the second I have 100K in the bank and am getting plenty of interviews for upcoming work

Nice guy but Reminds me of my father where at the end the conversation about what he needs me to pick up at Walmart we are talking about a moon landing conspiracy 🤦🏾‍♂️

Nothing wrong with having a job until your art takes off

Girls- get you a manager that finds you attractive I had an old Italian man when I worked at an Italian pizza joint he never once stopped me from going to auditions or filming student shorts EVER! The best in between job I had! OR if you can work the night shift somewhere never let that 9-5 make you miss an audition FOH.

Nice guy helping people get home. Pay it forward.

Good points. I'm pretty confident I can make a living from writing. I know I got "it." It's just a matter of time. But the risk is also too big. Not to mention my entire family, literally my entire family, extended to grandparents, wants me to get a serious girlfriend and start a family and all that good stuff. And I just can't do that without a reputable day career. The one I picked I just hate. I mean, I cannot express how much I hated it once I figured out what it actually entails. So, it's back to school, which I also hate, but it's the lesser of two evils, and I'm actually interested in coding and whatnot. Oh yeah. I'm privileged in the sense that money isn't an issue, but when your whole family is filled with PhDs there are other pressures. There's always something.

Yea very true

At some point you'll have to choose. That's what separates real passionate actors from the fake.

Lyft, Uber, Central Casting=Sustainability and flexibility as an artist.

I've sold 7 screenplays and put out 3 books. I still have a day job. Blaming your job is just an excuse. Who says you have to quit.

Dope 💯🙏🏾

Thank you!

One of my fave episodes

That was awesome advise. Thank you

Preach this is real

I’m a full-time pilot ✈️ and it’s impossible to act consistently and reliably, or even to get cast in anything substantial, with my schedule. So it feels like I’m trapped because I would just need to quit altogether to be able to act. Any recommendations??

Ever heard of Lyft & Uber? That’s what I do. Free to go on auditions and complete jobs... I’m free to go wherever/whenever

Dude is straight up real.

Your such an awesome friend!

I been clicking my heals all my life.

The man speaks truth

good dude with wisdom👍

Doesn't it depend on what one does with one art? If i do it for fun, why quit anything? Of course, were I determined to be in the Museum of Modern Art or something, and I quit my day job, then what? How the hell does one get from point a to point b? Seems hopeless regardless, because how many other ppl are out there doing the same that u will be competing against? To some how even succeed in art in such a way one gets paid for it is so absurdly rare...

Truth

This is the lockness monster guy from south park

What do you think of ridesharing as a "day job" for an actor?

I have a family to feed and responsibly and have no time to bullshit. Downey California

Right now fam

Lol! Very good points

Now that I am in my thirties I can write a five page long script for film and television

I've seen this guy in a million different things yet I don't know his name

stay in Oklahoma...dont come to LA were over filled.