So - You're Between Gigs!

From Stage Lights to Desk Lamps: A Journey Through Uncertainty

For more than 25 years I’ve walked on and off the stage, trading applause for silence and back again. The life of a performer is rarely a straight line; it twists, turns, and sometimes stops in the middle of a song. When the curtain falls, I found myself on the opposite side of the spotlight, staring at an empty rehearsal room and wondering what the next gig would look like.

My experience with unemployment benefits began during a lull in my acting career, a period that many call the “rocking chair.” The term is often used jokingly, but it captured the reality of waiting for the next opportunity. Instead of feeling helpless, I treated that time as a chance to sharpen my skills. I signed up for acting workshops, wrote new material, and even taught a few local theater classes. Every afternoon I spent honing my craft, turning idle moments into productive practice.

Not everyone has the luxury of an audience. For those of us who have had to rely on unemployment compensation, the challenge is twofold: meet the requirements of the program and keep the creative spark alive. The rules differ by state, but most programs require regular job searches and proof of earnings. That can feel restrictive, but it also creates a structure that forces you to keep moving. I logged my job applications, set deadlines for auditions, and scheduled time for training. By breaking the search into small, manageable tasks, I avoided feeling overwhelmed and maintained momentum.

During the biggest gap in my career - when a major production company cut staff in 1994 - I was forced to rethink my identity beyond the stage. It was a turning point that revealed I could be more than a performer. I explored other passions that had been dormant, such as scuba diving, and found that they could become a source of fulfillment and income. That shift proved to be a turning point that led me to a more diversified portfolio of skills.

The lesson from those years between gigs is that downtime can be a fertile ground for growth. Whether you’re an actor, a freelancer, or a corporate worker, the idea remains the same: use the silence to sharpen tools, learn new skills, and plan your next move. Every hour you spend developing yourself is an investment that will pay off when the next opportunity arrives.

While I was working in the world of theatre, I also enjoyed the company of fellow artists, especially when we gathered in Spain with a group of British expats to rehearse a Gilbert & Sullivan show. The authenticity of their pronunciation - real, unmistakably British - reminded me that language and culture are powerful tools. When you learn to express yourself in a different voice, you expand your audience and open new doors.

In the same way, when you face periods of unemployment or underemployment, look for ways to bring authenticity into your pursuits. Whether that means developing a niche online presence, learning a trade, or teaching a skill you love, keep the authenticity alive. It’s that genuineness that will resonate with future clients, collaborators, and audiences.

In the world of performing arts, one of the greatest challenges is balancing the art with the practicalities of life. From paying rent to covering insurance, the practical side never disappears. But if you view each pause as an opportunity for improvement, those practical concerns become less daunting. And when you finally step back onto the stage - or launch your next venture - you’ll find you’re not just performing; you’re evolving.

Turning Gaps Into Growth: Skills, Certifications, and Creative Side Projects

When the curtain fell on my acting gigs, I didn’t shut the door entirely. I opened a different one - into the world of scuba diving. The sea has always fascinated me, and I decided that if I could turn a passion into a professional path, it might help bridge the gaps in my career.

My first step was to enroll in a basic Open Water course, which introduced me to the fundamentals of diving. It was a low‑stakes way to test the waters and see if I’d enjoy the profession enough to pursue further. The instructors were encouraging and the community welcoming. Within weeks, I felt more confident, and I set a new goal: to become a certified Rescue Diver.

The Rescue Diver certification is designed to teach you how to handle emergency situations underwater. It required additional training in first aid, emergency protocols, and rescue techniques. The curriculum was intense, but the hands‑on experience was invaluable. I learned to read the environment, anticipate risks, and act calmly under pressure. Those skills translated directly into any career that requires quick decision‑making and problem‑solving.

After completing the Rescue Diver course, I continued to advance toward a Dive Master level. This certification opened doors to supervising other divers and leading dive trips. It involved learning about dive planning, safety management, and customer service. In each module, I gained a deeper understanding of how to manage people, resources, and expectations - all skills that are transferrable to any leadership role.

The final step in my scuba journey was becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor. The instructor program demanded a deep mastery of diving theory, teaching techniques, and student assessment. I spent countless hours teaching beginners, watching them conquer the first ascent, and watching their confidence grow. That experience taught me the value of patience, empathy, and clear communication. I found that I could channel the energy from teaching the stage to teaching the underwater world, and both felt equally rewarding.

Beyond diving, I didn’t stop developing my craft. I had been marketing for the scuba industry for over a decade, building an online presence for diving shops, equipment manufacturers, and travel agencies. In those roles, I learned the mechanics of digital marketing: SEO, content creation, social media, and email campaigns. I also discovered the importance of storytelling - creating narratives that draw people into a brand and build lasting relationships.

One of the most exciting parts of my marketing work was helping small businesses find their voice online. I built websites, wrote blog posts, and managed ad campaigns that increased traffic and sales. I learned how to use tools like Google Analytics, WordPress, and Shopify to optimize conversions. Each success reinforced that with the right knowledge, I could generate income from a skill set that wasn’t originally part of my career path.

Combining scuba diving with digital marketing gave me a unique niche. I could offer online courses for aspiring divers, produce immersive video content, and run targeted ad campaigns for dive resorts. The synergy between the two fields allowed me to create multiple streams of income that kept me afloat when theatrical gigs were scarce.

What matters most in this journey is that each certification and side project added value to my professional toolkit. I turned periods of unemployment into periods of learning, and the skills I acquired became assets that could be leveraged in any industry. The lesson here is simple: don’t fear gaps; use them to diversify and strengthen your profile. By broadening your skill set, you create a safety net that keeps you moving forward no matter how unpredictable the job market.

Building an Online Presence While Still In The Workforce

Once I had a solid foundation of scuba certifications and digital marketing experience, I began to explore how to monetize my skills online while still holding a day job. The key was to focus on areas where demand was high and my expertise could stand out.

The first step was to audit my existing assets. I looked at my website traffic, the engagement on my social media accounts, and the feedback from my previous clients. I noticed that certain topics - such as “underwater photography tips” and “how to choose the right dive gear” - generated more interest than others. These insights guided me toward creating high‑value content that met real needs.

Next, I invested time in keyword research. By using tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest, I identified phrases that people frequently searched for but were not saturated with content. For example, “beginner’s guide to underwater photography” or “how to stay safe in cold water” turned out to be low‑competition, high‑interest topics. Crafting articles around these keywords allowed me to rank higher in search results and attract organic traffic.

Alongside writing, I produced video content. Video is a powerful medium for teaching skills, and it tends to hold viewers’ attention longer than text. I recorded tutorials on setting up underwater camera rigs, choosing the right lighting, and editing footage to bring out the colors of marine life. I uploaded these videos to YouTube and embedded them on my website, creating a seamless experience for visitors.

To convert viewers into customers, I built lead magnets. These are free resources offered in exchange for an email address. I created a downloadable PDF titled “Top 10 Mistakes Every New Diver Makes” and a free 30‑minute webinar on dive safety. By collecting email addresses, I built a list of engaged prospects who could later receive offers for paid courses, coaching sessions, or equipment bundles.

Email marketing became a cornerstone of my strategy. Using an automated platform like ConvertKit or Mailchimp, I set up a welcome series that introduced my brand, shared valuable tips, and invited subscribers to join my paid community. I made sure to keep my emails concise and focused, providing actionable advice that my audience could apply immediately. Consistency was key; I sent out a newsletter every week, maintaining a steady connection with my followers.

To broaden my reach, I leveraged social media platforms beyond YouTube. I posted short tips on Instagram Reels, shared testimonials on Facebook, and interacted with niche groups on Reddit. Engaging with communities where my target audience already lived helped me establish credibility and generate organic referrals.

Monetization came from multiple sources. I offered a paid membership site where members could access exclusive videos, live Q&A sessions, and a private Discord community. I also partnered with dive gear manufacturers to sell affiliate products, earning commissions on each sale. Additionally, I offered one‑on‑one coaching for aspiring instructors, charging a premium for personalized guidance.

Throughout this process, I remained mindful of the time constraints of a day job. I scheduled content creation during evenings and weekends, using tools like Trello to keep tasks organized. I automated repetitive tasks - such as social media posting - so I could focus on strategy and creative work. This approach kept my workload manageable while still growing the online business.

By 2020, my online presence had become a reliable source of supplemental income, and my day job had become optional. I could now choose projects that mattered most, whether it was a theater production, a dive trip, or a new business venture. The experience taught me that building a digital platform while working full time is not only possible - it can transform the way you earn a living.

My journey demonstrates that between gigs, there is an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Whether you’re an actor, a teacher, or a corporate professional, the combination of continuous learning, strategic marketing, and leveraging digital tools can turn uncertainty into advantage. The next time you find yourself between gigs, remember that the pause can be a powerful catalyst for growth.