When do you actually know that it’s time to go full-time as a professional voice actor?

Voice acting can be a fun side hustle. But when is it time to take the plunge and go full-time as a voice actor? This post will look at some signs that it may be time to give your two-week notice to your em employer.

Both Jobs Are Starting to Feel Equally as Long

If you spend the full 8 hours working your day job and then dedicate an hour or two to voice acting, that’s not a big deal. But if you’re starting to land many gigs and they’re starting to overshadow your main job, this is a problem.

You should not be up all night answering emails, making recordings, and applying for new gigs. You need sleep. You need time to relax and unwind. If you try to balance both in this situation, you’re going to face burnout. Or, you may face health-related issues due to sleep deprivation.

If you’re experiencing this, it’s time to make the decision. Either you dial back your voice acting, or you go full-time with it and quit your day job.

You’re Landing Well-Paying or Consistent Gigs

You’re starting to make it as a voice actor, including landing some notable roles. Maybe you’re a prominent character in an English dub of an anime, or perhaps you’ve made it big in a popular indie game. Whatever the case, you’re starting to make decent money from that and also gain some recognition.

When you start landing more prominent roles, you will likely get more offers from potential clients. You may also be able to make convention appearances and charge for autographs and recordings from fans. If this is you, it may be time to hang up your full-time job and pursue voice talents.

Also, consistency is key. If your jobs are one-off gigs from one-time clients, it may not be time to take the plunge. But if you are getting consistent work from well-paying clients, then it may be time to quit your job.

You Are Burnt Out With Your Main Job

Your new job just isn’t sparking joy anymore. It does not challenge you. You’ve hit a wall when it comes to salary and opportunities to climb the ladder. You’ve been working too much, or perhaps your hours are cut.

Meanwhile, you’re enjoying voice acting. You love being challenged with new roles and voices. Meeting new clients and forming relationships makes you sleep well at night.

This may be a sign that it’s time to quit your full job. Not only will this reduce your burnout, but it will help improve your performance. Burnout can be tough on your physical and mental state, which can affect how you perform as a voiceover artist.

You Feel Your Full-Time Job Is Holding You Back

You’ve been getting gigs and making money as a voice talent, but you keep thinking to yourself, “If I only had more time to work on marketing.” Or, you may think that if you had a few more gigs, you could go full-time.

If something is holding you back, it’s time to break free from it. You may want to say Sayonara to your full-time job and focus on doing it full-time.

You Have the Resources to Go Full-Time

With that said, we know that bills exist. You need money to eat and have a roof over your head. If quitting your job means you risk losing your house, then you may not want to do it just yet. But if you’ve been making enough money to cover the bills, then you may want to go full-time.

Alternatively, you may be in a situation where you can take the risk even if you aren’t making money. For instance, your spouse may have a job that pays the bills. Perhaps you’re currently living with family.

As long as they’re okay with you pursuing your dreams and you’re contributing to the house in some way, you should go full-time!

Or, you may have a good financial safety net. You may have just received an inheritance that will keep you afloat for a few years. As long as you’re comfortable digging into that, you may want to give voice acting a full-time go.

Your Niche is in Hot Demand

Your niche may be one that is currently in hot demand. You may have a voice that fits many audiobooks, for example. You may be doing commercial work, and you know there are more ads than ever. If your niche is a little obscure, it may not be time to quit your day job just yet. You should expand your niche a little before you do so. But if you’re confident that your niche will land you fruitful gigs, then it may be time.

You Feel Ready for the Commitment

Voice acting can be a huge commitment. You’re a freelancer, and there will be years when you’re killing it and years when things are a little slow. You’ll have to track expenses, market yourself, and do other business tasks. After all, you’re basically going to be a full-time business owner with your voice.

Do you feel ready to do this? If so, then pursue a full-time career in voice acting. If not, then you should keep it as a side hustle.

You Have Other Passive Income Streams

Finally, you know it’s time to go full force with your voice acting career if you’ve already set up several income streams. You may have set up your own workshops or have your voice licensed to be used as stock audio. This can make you a little extra money in addition to your voice acting career.

Final Thoughts

This is a decision you should not take lightly. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row before you go full-time. But if you’re ready, this career can be a highly rewarding one that will bring you happiness and beat the 9-5 hustle.