My dad told me once, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” My dad lied. Yes, I love what I do, but I’m still waiting for somebody to show me the money. But if I had it to do all over again, I’d choose comedy over the cubicle any day.
I did a gig recently where I was called in to be a corporate trainer. I know what you’re thinking: “Leighann, you’re a comedian, writer, actress and corporate trainer?” Sometimes, yes. Perhaps that makes me a renaissance woman, but it’s all in a day’s hustle.
On this gig I was training executives in the fine and fun-filled art of networking. I played the role of an Executive Vice President of a global wealth management firm. I got to pull my hair back, put on a power suit and pumps. Very sexy. I had a great time, I guess because I don’t have to do it every day.
I had a corporate job once. I was very good at it, but I hated it. I did it because eating on a regular basis is addictive. It took me five years to quit and go do stand-up comedy full-time. I won’t lie. It was scary. But I was more afraid to stay then I was to leave. And I never feel more sure of that choice then when I work at corporate training events.
The people I see look tense, tired and beat down. For sure some of them love their job, but others seem like they’ve been trapped into something they don’t know how to get out of. I had to leave. It felt as if the cubicle walls were closing in on me and every day at my desk was devouring a piece of my soul. So I took all the office supplies I could fit in my Coach briefcase and broke out.
Now, having a regular corporate job has its benefits and that, of course, would be having benefits: A regular paycheck, a retirement plan, employer-funded health insurance, if you’re lucky. That’s great, but is that enough? At the time when I left to do comedy, it wasn’t for me.
Sometimes I think about going back. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. The world is a scary place for an independent comedian, writer, actress and occasional corporate trainer, but I value not being tied to a desk. I love working for myself. I’m actually the toughest boss I’ve ever had. Working for me — the workaholic, control freak, perfectionist — ain’t easy but it’s worth it.
So, I started the week in an office. I will end it going out on tour once again to perform for the troops in the Middle East. I’ll let down my locks, trade my pumps for combat boots, my power suit for a flak jacket, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s fitting that this Labor Day weekend I realize how truly lucky I am to work at the labor I love. Thanks, Dad.
© 2011 Leighann Lord
A very funny lady on the stage and on the page, stand-up comedian Leighann Lord pens a weekly humor column with topics ranging from the personal to the political, from the silly to the sophisticated. Reminiscent of a modern day Erma Bombeck (famed nationally syndicated humor columnist), a fan dubbed Leighann, “The Urban Erma” and the name stuck. It’s a fun, fast read that leaves you laughing, or at least wondering why we don’t have a comprehensive mental health care plan. Follow Leighann on Twitter and be a fan on Facebook.
