Full Time or Pro?
Quantity vs. Quality. Ah . . . the age-old debate. This month’s issue is simple and short, but is definite food for thought. Many of you may be considering going full time, and many of you mistakenly refer to that as “going pro.” Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a big difference between a full-time magician and a professional magician. The two terms are, by no means, interchangeable.
Also, in the world of magic, the term “full-time” doesn’t even really mean “full-time” in most cases. Usually it refers to someone who’s sole income is magic. It does not refer to someone who is doing magic 40 hours a week. That split hair aside, let’s use the more common definition for our discussion . . . sole income from magic.
- Is it possible to be full time and suck?
- Is it possible to be part time and not suck?
- Is it possible to be a pro (short for professional) and suck?
The answer to #1 and #2 is yes. The answer to #3 is no.
If you are a professional magician the amount of hours you perform is irrelevant. The title of “professional” is simply a reference to quality. Basically “pro” is the opposite of “suck.” Let’s remember the purpose of this column . . . it’s all about the business side of magic and not the magic side of magic. So for those of you out there who are thinking of going full-time, you need to go pro first. Take me for example. I’ve got a good act and I’m a good performer (if I can say that without sounding arrogant). In my opinion (which is certainly open for debate), I’m a professional. However . . . and a big fat however, I make the majority of my income from two other sources:
- A full time job as the internet sales manager at an accounting school. Click here and scroll to the bottom: Senior Staff.
- Freelance Web Programming
I still make a decent chunk of money from my magic business which consists of several things:
- Gigs
- Magic Products
- Lectures
So, I’m a part time magician, or more specifically, a part time professional magician. Of course part time in this case means someone who’s sole income is not magic, but is partly from magic. So what’s the point of all this? Simple. If you’re considering “going pro” as many say, you need to understand that “going pro” is all about improving your act. It’s about quality. Sometimes, however, the best way to go pro (read: improve your show) is to get more gigs. However, take it slow. I’ve gone through various phases over the past several years. This year I’ve probably had the least amount of gigs (by design) compared to previous years. However, next year I’ll be back to giggin’ again.
Take your time and stay part time until you are “pro.” Once you’re pro, then go full time. How to go full time, of course, is a whole other subject. For now, just grasp the simple concept that you need to get professional before you can go full time. Improve your act (by reading Roots and Branches every month and performing and practicing).
Also consider the fact that you don’t have to ever go full time. There’s nothing wrong with being a part time pro who has other sources of income. You don’t have to quit your job to be a professional magician. Until Next Month . . .
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