question 212: If I'm just breaking into the biz should I quit my job?

My personal opinion is not unless you have enough contacts to hire you in the "biz." There is nothing wrong with maintaining your financial stability while building relationships. The key is to find the time to build new relationships and maintain them while in a job. You are basically using the same time management skills you'll be using once you're working regularly in the entertainment industry, and need to maintain your relationships while you're working.

If you have more questions about breaking in and who to target, let me know.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.thegreenlightcoachblog.com

question 177: What's the most humiliating job you've ever taken for supplemental income?

Uhhhhhhh... I was saving this for my first David Letterman appearance, but I suppose I can give all of you "my insiders" the first audience. I had been in Los Angeles for two years working as a waitress and decided, "That's it! If I'm going to be working and not getting auditions, I may as well be working in a place where I'm meeting people in high places."

So, I got into the temp pool at MGM/UA and began creating relationships with all of the big wigs because I was on the top floor. After almost 6 months of developing relationships with people and discussing development, production, post, publicity, marketing, and even acting, the human resources woman told me she had a special job for me, where I'd get to meet everyone in the company. I was SO excited.

CUT TO:

EXT: MGM/UA OUTDOOR PARK AREA- DAY

Me in a stupid outfit, serving birthday cake for "Leo the Lion's" first birthday party. Yes, I put on a smile as the big execs that had treated me like an up and comer for 6 months, started barking orders about wanting an "end piece" or "just a sliver because she's on a diet," or "cut the piece from the center so I can have a piece of the Lion's head." I mean really! It was utterly humiliating.

The next week I found myself in a small windowless room with 3 other temps stuffing W2 forms. I came across Brad Pitt's in my pile and shoved it in my bra for the remainder of the day before mailing it off to his accountant (with a lipstick free kiss). I suppose that's the closest Brad Pitt will ever be to my boob.

Not the most educational blog entry, though I hope it amused you and will inspire you to share your least favorite "make-a-buck-jobs-to-survive" with this person who is clearly torn about a job he may potentially take.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.thegreenlightcoachblog.com

question 132: I work an 8 to 5 job, which I feel blessed to have. But, it doesn't give me much room to go on auditions. Should I quit?

The question continues: "...others suggested I quit and look for something, but I'm not sure if this is the best choice. What do you think? I know it is a loaded question, and one that's hard to answer with little information and in an email."

It is one of those questions that I can't answer for you. However, I can give you some things to ponder over as you make your decision:

1. Do you have enough contacts that should you quit your job, you'd generate your desired number of auditions?

2. Do you have enough money saved to leave your job without another source of income?

3. The best way to get another job is through people you already know. Can't you send out an email and pursue a flexible day job while still at your current job (on your two 15-minute breaks and your 1 hour lunch break)?

4. Have you gotten yourself into the habit of spending one-hour on your career while in your current job? If not, I suggest getting into the habit first to prove to yourself that you have the discipline to go after your career with consistency.

There is nothing wrong with sticking with a reliable day-job if you're not positioned for success in your craft yet.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.thegreenlightcoachblog.com