The Non-Linear Bank Account of a Stage Manager | brokeGIRLrich
Otherwise known as… the perils of variable income and how to come to terms with it.
I remember one of the toughest things to wrap my brain around as a college stage manager was a professor warning me about how non-linear a career in the arts can be.
While the majority of the world climb a ladder, starting at a small entry-level job and then increasing in responsibility and pay as they go, that’s not really the case for stage managers (granted, probably several other careers too).
As a stage manager, from the day I walked onto the stage as the stage manager and not the assistant, I was in charge of the production. Which in my case, has been the majority of my career.
My Bank Account All Summer
Also, the pay changes more with each gig than with time, although I did receive a few raises during the years with the cruise line. However, I went from really low paying job ($500/month) to adequate paying job that felt like riches ($2700/month) to similar paying job but with 80 gazillion more hours of work a week and no sense of purpose ($2800/month) to a well paying job I hated ($4000/month) to my current job that I enjoy but has far too much time off ($3600/month – all before taxes).
Over the years, I’ve adapted to the non-linear-ness of my career. When friends talk about raises, etc., I’ve accepted that not only does it not apply to me, but my next gig could be less than minimum wage – despite being pretty darn good at stage managing and having an increasingly impressive resume.
This year has been the first year I’ve really started to deal with the non-linear bank account though.
My Bank Account Last Week
The first few years of stage managing, I was young and dumb and not really paying attention to my finances. I was also working in situations where I didn’t need to be. I’d just funnel each paycheck toward whatever obligations I had – rent or debt – and spend the rest. Or let it sit in my bank account when I didn’t really know what to do with it.
Now that I’m older and trying to save up for goals like retirement, a home or a new car and still trying to find time and money to hang out with friends and have fun… I notice the crazy fluxes in my bank account more often.
My Bank Account Next Month?
It was especially noticeable to me this week when I wrote about how excited I was to actually have a little extra in there – and then kind of laughed when I finished the post because I have literally just spent all summer stressing about being able to pay my bills and make my savings goals. And then I realized that the week I wrote the post, I was barely making any money and rely on substitute teaching to fill that gap, and I only got half the days I was hoping to get – stupid, healthy teachers.
It’s funny looking back over old posts and I definitely realize there are seasons. The Frugal Season. The Debt Season. The Mastering Budgeting Season.
I’m pretty sure right now is the Roller Coaster Season. Brace yourselves for lots of posts about what that’s like ;o)
I hope your “Roller Coaster” Season doesn’t last long. I am in my Debt Season with it hopefully ending in January or February. I try to throw every extra penny I have at it. Once my debt is gone, I will focus on mastering my budget.
Sylvia @ Professional Girl on the Go recently posted…Professional Girl is going on Hiatus
The seasons of entertainment are crazy. As a stage hypnotist I work three months out of the year. With 9 months off I branched out and built new revenue sources. It is crazy transitioning from paying as you go to preparing for your future. Smart post!
Love this post! Any type of job with variable income can make it difficult to budget and plan until you get used to it. Even then the wild swings between months (or seasons) can be crazy. People who’ve never experienced a variable income do not understand this at all.
Cat@BudgetBlonde recently posted…10 Financial Questions to Ask Before Marriage
Hey I think I’m always in hustle season. LOL. Anyways having a decent paying job and a lot of time off, I don’t see that as a negative. (Unless I misunderstood you) You can work on your brand during the time off. I would suggest you set aside a slush fund to help you during the stressful times. Good luck and keep on writing.
EL @ Moneywatch101 recently posted…4 Main Obstacles to Creating Wealth
Thanks, EL. I do try to keep my emergency savings pretty high because of the odd nature of my work. And there are definitely worse things than my current job situation – especially with all my awesome pf knowledge to insure I plan ahead properly for the draughts.
I have to admit that a non-linear bank account would send me looking for other work.
RAnn recently posted…Financially Savvy Saturday–I’m Co-Hosting This Week!
I think that’s true for a lot of people.
I think I’m about to enter the roller coaster season. Just hope it doesn’t last too long.
Tre recently posted…Accounting Methods
I’m in frugal season as I’ve had a couple of large expenses lately and need to replenish the savings. I’ve never really had to deal with any significant variability in my income and I can only imagine how challenging that must be.
Gary @ Super Saving Tips recently posted…Get Ready for Healthcare Open Enrollment Crunch Time
Oh, man. My career is the same way. I went from steady job, to pseudo related lower paying job so my boss could hang onto me for those short gigs where he needed me in a higher capacity, to crap I’m in PA and need more certifications and schooling, to (well-paid) sub to full time to almost nothing. And everything after those certifications has been market-reliant; nothing I could do to improve it. Non linear has its ups and downs for sure. But at least we’re not in cubicles?
Femme Frugality recently posted…DIY Christmas Gifts FTW!
We’re definitely not in cubicles. I was talking with my roommate over dinner about our winter layoff plans (subbing for me and being a holiday decorating elf for her) and how excited both of us are to know what 3 out of 9 months of employment will be this year BUT we’re not in cubicles.
Having a non-stable income can be very challenging and makes budgeting even more difficult. Somehow, you have successfully bulldozed all these challenges and I am confident this ride will be your best, based on your past experiences.
Esther@Moneynuggets recently posted…Women and Pensions: What You Must Know
Thanks, Esther, we’ll see!
Your insights into the fluctuations of a stage manager’s income are relatable to anyone navigating variable earnings. Roller coaster seasons teach resilience. Keep documenting your journey; it’s insightful and encouraging.