Being a stand up comedian is very difficult, and most performers don't make money until four or five years in. Even then, you'll probably only make beer and lunch money on the shows you do until you are able to draw your own audience.
While the days of waiting tables in Hollywood until you get get your big break might be lore of the past, most modern comics have office or service industry jobs that pay well enough for them to balance two careers.
I know I did and I can tell you the ironic thing is when I was busy with my job is when I actually did much better at comedy.
I didn't have time to engage in gossip or bad behavior and just did my mics, networked, booked better shows and carried on. The rest of the jobless bunch hung there all night spending money didn't have on drinks they didn't need.
In this post I'll explain how to be a stand up comic with a full time job and also why it's better for you to do it that way in the long run anyways.
How To Be a Stand Up Comedian With a Job
1. Embrace the Structure
Having a full-time job means your schedule is pretty much set, which, believe it or not, can work to your advantage. Knowing you have limited free time forces you to allocate specific slots for joke writing and rehearsal. It also prevents you from lingering at mics too long getting caught up in gossip and banter.
I had a day job (around 9-6PM) for my first give years of stand up comedy, and the irony is I wrote way more jokes than I did once I quit my job.
2. The Productivity Paradox
Here's a little secret: many comedians with day jobs often outshine their full-time counterparts in productivity.
Why?
Well, the abundance of free time can sometimes lead to procrastination, with endless hours lost scrolling through social media or waiting for inspiration to strike.
On the flip side, knowing you have just an hour to pen down your thoughts can turn up the efficiency dial, making every joke count. You're also awake a lot earlier to get to work, so you will:
Listen to podcasts on the way to/from work
Have plenty of experiences in a cubicle your future audiences can relate to
Be more inclined to stop by that evening mic since you'll already be out for the way and can just eat dinner near the mic
Reinforce your habits as your colleagues notice your improved presentation skills
3. Empty Conference Rooms: A Comedian's Unexpected Playground
Believe it or not, your office cubicle could be a goldmine for comedy.
Those seemingly mundane moments can transform into comedic gold with the right perspective.
And here's a pro tip: use the downtime to your advantage. Sneak into a conference room, and voila, you have your private rehearsal space.
I used to book a conference room when I had nothing to do at work, close the shades, and then write my setlist on the whiteboard as seven bullet points. Then I'd turn around, practice, and when I forgot my next joke I'd start over.
4. Presentation Skills: Your Secret Weapon
Dreaded work presentations? Flip the script and view them as practice sessions for your comedy gigs. Each PowerPoint slide is an opportunity to fine-tune your timing, work on your delivery, and ease those stage jitters. By the time you hit the actual stage, you'll be a pro at engaging your audience, thanks to those quarterly report presentations.
5. Work Travel: The Road Less Traveled
Traveling for work isn't just about clinching deals or attending conferences. It's your ticket to explore the comedy scenes in new cities. Every town has its unique flavor, and what better way to test your material than in front of fresh eyes?
You might find that jokes falling flat at home are hits on the road. This isn't just about diverse audiences but the magic of first impressions—new crowds don't know your routine, making every punchline a surprise.
6. Life as Material
Lastly, never underestimate the power of your daily experiences as material. From the quirky coworker to the absurdities of corporate jargon, your day job is a treasure trove of comedic inspiration.
Remember, your audience has jobs and will laugh at things they can relate to. Comics who just wake up and light one up really have nothing to say or inspiration to draw from.
Embrace the duality of your life, and you'll find that the line between work and comedy blurs, each feeding into and enriching the other.
7. Leveraging Social Media Wisely
Instead of aimlessly scrolling through feeds, use social media strategically to follow comedy clubs, fellow comedians, and comedy news.
Platforms like Twitter can also be a low-stakes way to test out jokes and gauge audience reaction.
Comics who have full time jobs and coworkers who also want to get up in their business will avoid non required political or raunchy humor and instead think long and hard about what material they want to say. This great filter will ensure they have interesting things to say and put quality over quantity.
8. Mindfulness and Comedy
Balancing a full-time job with comedy can be stressful, but mindfulness techniques can help. Taking a few minutes for meditation or a short walk before writing or performing can clear your head and improve focus.
Many jobs as of 2024 are prioritizing wellness walks and focus rooms and you can easily use these benefits to go walk around the office and do some old fashioned joke writing.
Conclusion
Balancing a full-time job with stand-up comedy is not just possible; it's a pathway tread by many successful comedians.
It teaches discipline, time management, and provides a wealth of material that only a life lived outside the comedy club can offer.
Remember, there is nothing funny about the funny business. It's hard work.
So, take these tips, hit the stage, and remember, every office anecdote could be the next big joke that has the audience roaring with laughter.
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