As performers, we pour our hearts, time, and energy into our craft. We train for years, refining our skills, chasing opportunities, and committing to a career that, for many of us, is more than just a job—it’s a calling. It’s a love, a passion, and sometimes, it feels like our entire world.
We’ve all heard the famous Confucius quote: “Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” While inspiring, it can also be misleading. Because when your career becomes your whole identity—when it consumes you entirely—you risk hitting a dangerous tipping point. The highs can feel euphoric, but the lows? They can feel like the world is crumbling beneath you.
Your Career Shouldn’t Be Your Whole Life
The performing arts industry is unpredictable. A dream role can slip through your fingers. A long-awaited contract might not be renewed. Trends change. Circumstances shift. If your career is the only thing giving your life meaning, what happens when it takes a hit?
Susan Jeffers, in Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, illustrates the importance of filling your life with multiple areas of significance. Imagine your life as a box. If it contains only one thing—your career—and that falls apart, the whole box feels empty. But if you fill it with other meaningful areas—relationships, hobbies, personal growth, well-being—you create a life that is rich and resilient. When one area takes a hit, the rest remains intact, helping you bounce back with greater ease.
Who Are You Beyond the Performer?
Many of us define ourselves solely by our careers. We are actors, singers, dancers, musicians. But who are we outside of our craft? What brings us joy beyond the stage? What values shape us? What moments in life—outside of performing—have made us feel alive?
Take a moment to reflect:
- What (or who) is most important to you beyond your career?
- When have you felt truly happy and fulfilled outside of performing?
- What are your natural gifts and strengths that exist beyond your craft?
- What are some personal milestones that have shaped who you are?
- What hobbies, interests, or passions do you have outside of work?
By answering these questions, you start to build a fuller, richer sense of identity—one that supports your career rather than being entirely defined by it.
Building a Career That Supports a Full Life
Success as a performer isn’t just about booking the next gig—it’s about creating a sustainable, fulfilling life. Here are some ways to do that:
- Diversify Your Passions – Engage in hobbies that bring you joy. Whether it’s writing, fitness, photography, cooking, or volunteering, these passions add depth to your life.
- Prioritise Relationships – Make time for family and friends. Connection outside of the industry grounds you and provides support during challenging times.
- Invest in Personal Growth – Read, learn, explore new skills. Your career will benefit from a broader perspective and continuous self-improvement.
- Take Breaks Without Guilt – Time off doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Rest fuels creativity and resilience.
- Redefine Success on Your Terms – Your career does not define your worth. Success isn’t just about credits on a CV—it’s about fulfilment, growth, and happiness.
Your Action Step for This Week
Take a moment to journal your responses to the reflection questions above. Identify areas of your life that you want to nurture alongside your career. Set one small, actionable goal to bring more balance into your week—whether it’s calling a loved one, exploring a new hobby, or simply giving yourself permission to rest.
Your career is a vital part of your life, but it’s not the entirety of who you are. By broadening your sense of self, you create a foundation that not only supports your artistry but also strengthens your resilience in an ever-changing industry.
