Several years ago, an idiot ex-boyfriend** of mine got this book as a Christmas present and decided to adopt it as his own personal gospel. (Well, that and this book, too. He came from a very Inspirational-Book-Lovin' kind of people. I actually, literally, ripped a copy of some horrendous Dr. Laura tome that his batshit-insane mother gave me into itty, bitty pieces after we broke up. "DIY right-wing confetti!") Thus, my introduction to the wonderful world of work-related booktopia that dominates the NYT bestseller list and puts money in Penelope Trunk's pockets. *shiver*
The parachute book, though, is actually pretty good. And it can be particularly useful for the ever-increasing legion of performers who decide to give up the dream of playing the tuba/doing stand up comedy/singing rockabilly blues for a a living and hunting down a brand spankin' new career path. In other words, when you find yourself curled up in a ball on your bedroom floor, sobbing hysterically about that dreadful audition, and screaming, "What am I going to do NOW?!?!", rather than crawling into the liquor cabinet for an 8-day bender, you'd be better served staggering over to Borders and picking up a copy of What Color is Your Parachute?, and fast.
I found a thread about this very subject on the New Forum for Classical Singers, and you can find it yourself in the Main Forum. The thread is titled, "Deciding to give up... needing advice about jobs", and it's a good read, even if you're a little more Rush Hour Two and not so much Rodelinda in your performance pursuits.
Between books like Parachute, and the myriad of supportive forums and bulletin boards sprinkled throughout the internets, there are many resources for defeated performers looking to dive headfirst into permanent day job-dom. And while the thought of abandoning a career in music/acting/magic is an extremely painful one, it's something that is popping into the brains of budding performers more and more these days. (A great friend just bought tickets to and from the final round of a national competition this week. And, after making that four-figure purchase, she promptly went out and got a second job. No joke.) But after reading a book or two, or perusing boards like NFCS, at least you can come away with some sense of togetherness. You're not the only one out there weighing day jobs, audition fees, and the price of milk, Baby! It may be miserable and difficult, but you're not alone.
And I'm right there with you. It's a decision I've only recently come to grips with myself. But, more on that later this week.
**I only designate this particular ex-boyfriend as an idiot because, A) he actually, literally, was dumb as a box of broken light bulbs, and B) he's doing really, really well in his career as a professional musician, so I figure he can take it.
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