7 Jobs To Pay The Bills While Waiting For Your Big Break

The TV upfronts are over and the fall schedules are set for the major television networks. The shows won't start filming until July or August and that is when episodic season starts for actors. Until then, bills need to be paid so many actors have part time jobs that allow them the flexibility to still attend auditions while earning a living. While there are many ways to make money, here are seven of the most popular occupations for actors looking to make it in Hollywood:

1. Waiter or Bartender - There is a reason this is the first job almost everyone thinks of when it comes to struggling actors. The hours are somewhat flexible when it comes to scheduling shifts. Plus, you can always trade shifts with someone if you have an audition so you can still make money while trying to book a job.
2. Temp Work - There is a large demand for temp workers in Los Angeles. Many companies find it easier to pay temporary workers an hourly wage with no benefits so they are always looking for workers to fill positions that open up after people find better paying jobs. While you might not get rich working a temp job, the income helps to finance acting classes and headshots.
3. Telemarketing - A job that is definitely not for everyone. A quick look at Craigslist reveals a large list of companies looking for telemarketers to work 4 or 5 hour shifts. The hours are not long but it's definitely not a job for someone who can't handle rejection or angry people on the other end of the phone. You might consider testing your acting skills by playing a character while calling prospects on the phone.
4. Provide A Service That Others Need - From babysitting to dog walking to personal stylist, there are a variety of services that others need on a regular basis. You can often set your own hours in order to leave yourself plenty of time for auditions. Marketing yourself as a professional is a big key to your success. Approach potential clients as a business person and not as an actor looking to make extra cash. 
5. Personal Trainer - Physically fit actors can make extra money as a personal trainer. You don't need to have your own studio since you can conduct the lessons at the homes of your clients. The hours are very flexible and it's up to you to decide how many clients you want each month.
6. Promo Work - Think of the people you see handing out flyers at events or in Costco demonstrating how to use a new kitchen utensil. These gigs are easy to find on Craigslist. They often happen at night after normal audition times or during the weekend so you can make the hours work with your acting schedule.
7. Graphic Design - Are you handy with Photoshop and other graphics programs? There are always companies looking for people skilled with graphic design programs as they update their websites and try to create online content that grabs the attention of consumers. The best part about this job is that you often get paid by the project (instead of by the hour) and you can work from home as well as on-set or in a coffee shop.

Episodic season will be here before you know it. Until the casting calls start coming in, make some extra money so you can have the perfect headshots ready to go when you enter the audition room. The money you make today is an investment in your acting career as well as a big help when it comes to paying the bills.

This actor has done a variety of gigs to make spending money between acting jobs.