By Nate Myers
The job market has shifted since the Great Resignation. I’ve seen post after post about how difficult it is to find new employment. We’re talking thousands of applications to net two phone calls and one interview. Despite that, remote work and job transparency help the desire for more flexibility to remain strong. This is where non-traditional careers like voice acting can offer a compelling alternative.
A voice coach at The Voice Shop in New York City reads scripts with voice-acting students.
Here’s how voice over can be a good fit in today’s work environment:
Location Independence: Gone are the days of mandatory commutes. Voice acting allows you to work from a home studio, eliminating location restrictions. This opens doors for those seeking a geographically independent career or those living in areas with limited job opportunities.
Flexible Schedule: Unlike traditional office jobs, voice over offers the freedom to structure your workday. You can record projects around your existing commitments, whether it’s childcare responsibilities, pursuing hobbies, or attending evening classes. This flexibility allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs.
Low Barrier to Entry: Compared to many professions, voice acting has a relatively low barrier to entry. Signing up for a training class like Fundamentals of Voice Over will give you a lay of the land and help you decide if VO will be a good path for you! You can start building your voice-over portfolio with a decent microphone, recording software, and a quiet space.
Scalable Income: Voice over income can vary greatly depending on experience, project type, and client base. However, the beauty lies in the scalability. As you build your reputation and client network, you can take on more projects and potentially increase your income.
Diverse Project Opportunities: The world of voice over offers a vast array of project types. From narrating audiobooks and eLearning modules to voicing commercials and video game characters, there’s something for every interest and vocal style. This variety keeps the work engaging and allows you to leverage your voice in unique ways.
Creative Outlet: Voice acting can be a fulfilling creative outlet. You can use your voice to bring characters, stories, and information to life. The ability to shape the emotional impact of a project through your narration can be incredibly rewarding.
Growth Potential: The voice acting industry is constantly evolving. New technologies like audiobooks and eLearning are creating a continuous demand for talented voice actors. You can build a sustainable and rewarding career with ongoing practice, honing your craft, and staying updated with industry trends.
Important Considerations:
While voice acting offers several advantages, it’s important to be realistic about the challenges involved. Building a successful voice-over career takes time. It just does. And like anything new in life, it requires dedication and consistent effort. Marketing yourself, networking with potential clients, and delivering high-quality work are crucial elements for success. Additionally, the income stream can be irregular initially, requiring financial planning and potentially a side hustle during the initial stages.
A voice-over career offers a unique blend of flexibility, creativity, and growth potential. In the post-Great Resignation landscape, where location independence, schedule control, and meaningful work are increasingly valued, voice acting can be a compelling career path for those with the right voice and the drive to succeed.
