Surviving Slow Summers as a Stagehand

For out of work stagehands or individuals working in the artistic industry, there are a few ways to make money during the off-season. Here is a guide to help you explore new avenues of income during slow periods:

1. Delivery Services: Consider working as a delivery driver for companies like UberEats, Postmates, or GrubHub. I personally crunch as many hours with Uber as I can. As the food delivery industry continues to grow, these companies present an opportunity to earn additional income through a flexible work schedule. All you need is a reliable vehicle or bicycle that meets the company's specifications, and you are good to go.

Being a successful delivery driver requires a combination of practical skills, professionalism, ethics, and knowledge of your delivery area. Here are some key elements to excel in this role:

A. Efficient Organization: Invest in insulated bags and containers to maintain the temperature and quality of the delivered items. This ensures that hot food stays hot and cold food stays cold, enhancing customer satisfaction.

B. Dress Professionally: Although you may not interact with customers as often as other service providers, it's essential to maintain a professional appearance. Wear clean, neat attire that reflects your commitment to the job and creates a positive impression.

C. Ethical Conduct: Uphold ethical standards by handling customer orders responsibly. Ensure accurate order fulfillment, maintain food hygiene and safety protocols, and respect customer preferences such as dietary restrictions or special requests.

D. Familiarity with Hot Spots: Develop a thorough understanding of your delivery area, including popular restaurants, businesses, residential areas, and landmarks. Knowing the hot spots enables you to optimize your routes, reduce delivery times, and enhance customer satisfaction.

E. Respectful and Courteous: Treat customers, colleagues, and anyone you interact with during deliveries with respect and courtesy. Communicate clearly, listen attentively, and demonstrate a friendly and professional demeanor. Small gestures, like greeting customers with a smile, can go a long way in building a positive reputation.

F. Time Management: Punctuality is crucial in the delivery business. Manage your time effectively, plan your routes efficiently, and strive to deliver orders promptly. Customers appreciate timely deliveries and are more likely to become repeat customers. You still to be safe, just find ways to save time like getting a wireless phone charger and knowing where to go to oick up the food.

G. Attention to Detail: Pay close attention to order details and special instructions. Confirm that you have the correct items before leaving the restaurant, and double-check any specific requirements, such as extra condiments or utensils. Attention to detail helps ensure accurate and satisfactory deliveries.

H. Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills: Be prepared to handle unexpected situations, such as traffic jams, road closures, or last-minute changes to orders. Stay calm, think on your feet, and find alternative routes or solutions to ensure smooth and successful deliveries.

I. Excellent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your dispatch team, colleagues, and customers. Provide timely updates on delivery status, address any concerns promptly, and keep customers informed about any delays or changes.

J. Customer Service Focus: Always prioritize exceptional customer service. Be friendly, polite, and accommodating, addressing any concerns or issues promptly and professionally. Going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction can lead to positive reviews, repeat business, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

By embracing these key aspects of being a delivery driver, you can enhance your performance, build a positive reputation, and contribute to the success of your delivery service.

2. Learn work from home skills: With most businesses expanding their services online, learning work from home skills such as virtual customer service or data entry can be beneficial. Websites such as Upwork provide freelance jobs that can be performed from the comfort of your home. Consider refining your creative skills with online courses or other online platforms offering creative work.

Here are some popular work-from-home jobs that often require little to no prior experience:

A. Virtual Assistant: Provide administrative support to individuals or businesses remotely, managing emails, scheduling appointments, handling data entry, and other tasks.

B. Customer Service Representative: Assist customers via phone, email, or chat, addressing their inquiries, providing product information, and resolving issues.

C. Data Entry Operator: Enter and manage data in spreadsheets, databases, or other systems. This role typically involves organizing and maintaining accurate records.

D. Transcriptionist: Convert audio or video recordings into written documents. Transcriptionists listen to recordings and accurately type out the spoken content.

E. Online Tutoring: Share your expertise in subjects like languages, math, science, or music by tutoring students online. Platforms facilitate one-on-one or group sessions.

F. Content Writer: Create written content for websites, blogs, articles, or social media platforms. Strong writing skills and knowledge of specific topics may be required.

G. Social Media Manager: Help businesses maintain a strong social media presence by creating and scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and analyzing social media metrics.

H. Online Survey Taker: Participate in online surveys or market research studies and provide feedback on products, services, or consumer trends. This job often pays on a per-survey basis.

I. Virtual Bookkeeper: Assist businesses with basic bookkeeping tasks, such as recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and generating financial reports using accounting software.

J. Freelance Graphic Designer: Create visual designs, logos, marketing materials, or website layouts for clients. Proficiency in graphic design software and a portfolio of work may be required.

K. Website Tester: Test websites or mobile apps for functionality, usability, and user experience. Provide feedback on navigation, design, and potential issues.

L. Online Moderator: Monitor and moderate online communities, forums, or social media groups, ensuring they remain safe and follow community guidelines.

M. Remote Sales Representative: Sell products or services over the phone or through online platforms. Effective communication and persuasive skills are essential.

N. E-commerce Store Owner: Set up your own online store and sell products or services through platforms like Shopify or Etsy. This option requires entrepreneurial skills and some initial investment.

Remember that while these jobs may not require extensive experience, having relevant skills or knowledge in the specific field can be beneficial. Additionally, acquiring new skills through online courses or certifications can increase your chances of landing certain remote job opportunities.

3. Part-time Jobs: Many businesses prefer part-time workers to avoid overhead costs that come with full-time employees. Consider working part-time in retail, landscaping, delivery jobs, or any other industries that offer flexibility.

Here's a list of summer construction and landscaping jobs that align with the skills of stagehands:

A. Construction Laborer: Join construction crews working on various projects such as residential or commercial buildings. Your experience with tools, physical labor, and attention to detail would be valuable in this role.

B. Stage and Set Construction: Some theaters or production companies may have summer projects or renovations, requiring assistance with building or refurbishing stages and sets. Your experience as a stagehand would be highly relevant in this position.

C. Event Setup Crew: Many outdoor events, such as festivals, concerts, or weddings, require setup crews to assemble stages, booths, fencing, and other temporary structures. Your knowledge of event logistics and equipment handling would be valuable.

D. Landscaping Technician: Join a landscaping company during the summer to help with tasks such as mowing lawns, planting flowers, trimming hedges, and general garden maintenance. Your physical stamina and attention to detail would be beneficial in this role.

E. Irrigation Specialist: Assist with the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems for residential or commercial properties. Your experience with equipment setup and troubleshooting would be applicable in this job.

F. Outdoor Lighting Installer: Help install outdoor lighting systems for landscapes, gardens, or outdoor venues. Your understanding of lighting setup and electrical connections would be valuable in this role.

G. Carpentry Assistant: Work alongside carpenters in construction or renovation projects, assisting with tasks such as measuring, cutting, and installing various wooden structures. Your familiarity with tools and construction techniques would be advantageous.

H. Pool Installation or Maintenance Technician: Join a pool installation or maintenance company during the summer to assist with the construction or upkeep of pools and related structures. Your experience in handling equipment and attention to detail would be relevant.

When applying for these jobs, emphasize your relevant experience as a stagehand, including your knowledge of construction tools, equipment handling, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team. Additionally, consider reaching out to local construction companies, landscaping firms, or event planning organizations to inquire about potential summer job opportunities.

The off-season can provide an opportunity for stagehands and individuals in the artistic industry to explore different avenues of income. With a bit of creativity and willingness to expand on skills, there are various ways to earn extra income throughout the year. Consider your strengths and interests, and choose the income generating opportunity that best suits your lifestyle and schedules. By following these tips, you can help offset the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and gain financial stability.