Nothing Wrong With Working A Regular Job ...

Geoffrey Owens is an actor best known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show. Recently he was seen bagging groceries and working the cash register at Trader Joes. A customer took pictures and sent them to some media outlets. For some reason, he's been portrayed by some as less than for working a regular job outside the entertainment industry.

Not Unusual ...

It's not uncommon for actors, TV personalities, and radio talent to take regular jobs while waiting on their next opportunity. It's hard to understand why anyone would job shame or look down at someone for working any job. Overwhelmingly, actors and people from all walks of life have come to the defense of the actor. In fact, Owens has said, "No one should feel sorry for me. Every job is worthwhile and valuable."

My Jobs Between Radio ...

I speak from experience when it comes to working gigs outside of radio. The three non-radio jobs I remember the most: car sales, selling newspaper advertising, and going business to business selling vibrating massage pillows. All three taught me something. I learned how to negotiate and read people from selling cars. Ad sales gave me insight as to how hard it is to convince someone that spending money could potentially make them money. Peddling massage pillows was a cash-in-hand business that taught me people will take time to listen to anything if you can pique their interest. All three of those non-radio gigs gave me insight about listeners.

Nothing To Be Ahamed Of ...

Whether you are between jobs or working an extra job, it does not devalue the work you are doing in radio. I used to admire an afternoon air talent who took a job during the holidays at the Mall. She told me, "I can't rely on getting paid remotes for all my holiday gift buying and upcoming vacation." She went on to say "Yeah, it surprises some listeners who recognize me, but most are cool with it and become even bigger fans."

Side Occupations Personalities Have Taken Full or Part-Time:

• Car Sales
• IT Technician
• Cab Driver
• Voicetracking
• Uber Driver
• Golf Instructor
• Mortician
• Public Relations
• Web Hosting
• Web Designer
• Fireman
• Selling Real Estate
• Census Taker
• IRS Agent
• Wedding Planner
• Musician
• Mechanic
• College professor
• Commercial Voiceover
• Mobile DJ
• Online Retailer
• Apartment Manager
• House Sitter
• Freelance Writer

You Have A Leg Up ...

Radio personalities can be like snake charmers. There is something magical about radio that makes the regular world treat an air personality like a relative worthy of nepotism. You know your circumstances and should never feel as though you have to live up to anyone's expectations other than your own.