Oh, the day job. Most of us need one in order to survive, but as actors, we need flexibility in our work schedule. This can be a challenge because it means the typical 9-5 job isn’t going to work for us. So what do we do? It means that most of us need to be resourceful and flexible to create a stable income while we audition for that guest-starring role or finally book that first national commercial. ASC has come up with some ideas for day/survival jobs that afford you the ability to go to auditions when you need and to pay your rent.
1. Standardized Patient
These kinds of day jobs pull from your acting skills. A Standardized Patient is someone who has been trained to portray, in a consistent, standardized manner, a patient in a medical situation. Being a standardized patient requires excellent memorization, and listening skills. Sounds right up our alley, right? It’s an acting gig, through and through. A standardized patient can make up to $20 an hour. You can also feel good about helping to train future doctors and medical professionals.
2. Office Temp/Virtual Assistant
The great thing about being an office temp is when you get an audition, you can either leave your job for an hour or call out for the day. There are jobs that are day-to-day, or week-to-week. This usually leaves you free to do theater at night. Being a virtual assistant gives you the opportunity to work from home and take off an hour or two for an audition. Flexibility is key.
3. Nanny
If you like kids this may be a really great job for you. These jobs can also be lucrative. There are plenty of online services that you can register with and hey, a lot of times you get paid to watch kids sleep.
4. Lyft Driver 
Rideshare car services are ideal for an actor who needs flexible hours. You need to be 21 years old, have a working android/iphone, a working vehicle, personal auto insurance and a commercial driver’s license. You also have to pass a background check and vehicle inspection. The great thing about this job is you make up your own hours. So, if you have an audition at noon, you can simply log out of work.
5. Focus Group Participant
Focus groups are a great way to make some extra cash. Most focus groups pay anywhere between $50 to $200 per session (usually about 2 hours). There are a lot of focus group companies that you can register with in Chicago. Typically they’ll send you a questionnaire and if you match the criteria they’re looking for, they’ll schedule you to participate. Typically, 6-8 people come together and discuss the product of a certain company. You’re basically paid to give your opinion.
6. Waiter/Catering
We all know the stereotype of actors working in the restaurant industry but there are actually a lot of positives to this type of work. Firstly, TIPS. Secondly, you can usually get another waitperson to cover a shift if you have an audition and on the converse, you can pick up extra shifts for some sweet cash.
7. Pet Care
If you love animals, pet care is a great job. There are lots of dog walking companies in the Chicago area who are always looking for caring humans to take care of their animal clients. Or if you would rather not go through a company you can freelance. Evening hours, early morning and weekend hours make it easy to balance your acting life with your day job.
8. Tutor/Substitute Teacher
This is another job where you can register with a staffing company. They’ll match you up with parents looking for private tutors in specific subjects. You can also Freelance as a tutor and put up flyers or post online. Being a substitute teacher requires that you take a general ed test and register with either a private school or the CPS. It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s another job that affords you flexibility.
9. Box Office
These are great day jobs if you aren’t doing a show! You primarily work in the evenings and on weekends. This means that for the most part, you never have a conflict with commercial/film/tv auditions. You’re also working in your industry which will give you the opportunity to make connections in your field.
10. Kid’s Party Character 
Entertainers at kid’s birthday parties can be surprisingly lucrative and fun. You’ll be putting your performance skills to use. Whether it’s dressing up as a princess or running a puppet show, you’ll be performing and practicing your craft. You can register with online companies who provide these kinds of services or you can promote yourself. There’s always a desire for kid’s entertainment.