I am currently sitting in a coffee shop in Wisconsin Dells, and, after a day and a half of shaking off the "big city hustle," my introspection quickly turned into gratitude for what Voiceover work has made possible in my life.
Maybe this state-of-mind is due to the coming July 4th celebrations; the time I got to spend with some family and some Vietnam Vets; or the opportunity to see some of my Grandpa's old things (including his Union Carpentry papers, C.C.C. Badge, Navy and VFW items, 1959 World Series tickets and pictures of him on the field for batting practice, and his hunting license from 1935).
Either way, besides the gratitude I feel towards our servicemen and women, and our forefathers who built this country; I am grateful for the Financial Independence an Time Freedom that Voiceover work has afforded me.
Starting out as professional Actor, the dreams of even being Financially Stable, sometimes can feel as intangible and elusive as an actual dream.
At 23 years old, I moved back home, after a slight meltdown over a $750 cell phone bill and crushing credit card debt ($500 minimum payment per month).
After my parents talked me back from the ledge of financial panic and low self-confidence, I decided to fix my ignorance on the subject. I started reading any book I could get my hands on on the subject of personal finance, success principles, and real estate investing.
- I learned that to think abundantly, instead of from a scarcity mind-set.
- I learned that the wealthy usually tend to have integrity and invested in real estate.
- I learned that creating opportunities for yourself and others is the path to success.
- I learned to have a definite purpose in life, and have faith in its coming to fruition.
- I learned that giving to charity is not just a "nice thing to do," but a duty to my fellow man.
And on, and on, and on.
While I continue to read books on those subjects to ever increase my financial intelligence and the impact I can have on the world-at-large, it is Voiceover that accelerated the actualization of these things that seemed to be distant dreams. Because of Voiceover:
- I have been able to truly commit 10% of my income to charities and organizations focused on empowering others.
- I finally learned how to "pay myself first" by setting aside 20% of everything I make as a savings buffer.
- I use credit cards now only for airline miles and bookkeeping purposes, and pay them off every month.
- I have the self-confidence and resources to start two business endeavors this year.
- I am able to set aside 10% of everything I make for investment opportunities in real estate. In fact, the impetus to come up here this week was to look at the cabin my Grandpa built, buy it and turn it into my first investment property!
Above all, I have the stillness and peace of mind that comes with thinking abundantly.
I am grateful for the opportunities Voiceover work has opened up for me in other aspects of my life. I am grateful for the "money for time" leverage it has given me, leading to a work schedule that's more like that of a retiree or a part-timer. I am grateful that I am my own boss, respected for my skill set when I walk into a studio session, and that I can spend a lot of time each week on improving my skill set.
I am grateful that I have an abundance of free time, and choose to spend a lot of it with family and friends.
I hope Voiceover work can do the same for you, and I hope you have a wonderful Independence Day weekend, full of family and friends.
Happy Voiceover-ing! :o)