ON ILLNESS, INJURY & CONSEQUENCES IN THE PERFORMING ARTS
Navigating health challenges is difficult in any circumstance but it can be especially challenging in a freelance, contract, or gig work setting. In this industry, you often don't get paid sick days. Not showing up for work = not getting paid. In addition, not showing up is often simply not an option, because there's no budget for swings or understudies and the project depends on you.
As someone who often has to make tough choices around my health and work, I believe it’s important to acknowledge the reality that sometimes showing up so “the show can go on” actually isn’t feasible or appropriate.
So what do you do?
Get Plan B in Writing: Know your personal limitations and capabilities and build contingency plans into your contract. Always ensure an explicit agreement of terms is documented in writing and signed by all parties. I believe that everyone should have some form of cancellation/in case of illness/injury clause written into their contracts, but many agreements assume that you will show up and figure it out no matter what. Act accordingly and know your options BEFORE you start the gig!
Make the Decision (before it makes you): Our industry is notoriously underfunded, consists of many moving pieces and people, and runs on tight timelines. If you are hired for a project where injury or illness will require you to show up anyways, be prepared to do just that. If this doesn’t work for you, you have a responsibility to a) Have the tough conversation and self-advocate for your needs and/or, b) Gracefully decline the gig, preserve professional relationships, and trust that you are creating space for something else.
Offer Solutions vs. Problems: If an issue arises that’s not covered in your contract and impedes your ability to uphold your responsibilities, do your best to propose a few solutions when bringing the issue to those to whom you report to. Regardless of whether or not your proposals are accepted, this demonstrates your awareness of negative impact, care, and problem solving capabilities. Most importantly, coming forward with solutions shows that you take your role seriously and are actively dedicated to doing all you can within any limitations or challenges.
Plan for After: For those times when you simply have to show up and do the damn thing, plan for how you will care for yourself after the fact. Maybe you can clear other activities or commitments off your schedule or block off a day or two after the project wraps to lay low and recharge. Integrate as much rest as you can into your day – even a little 10-minute nap can go a long way.
Choose the Consequence: in rare and uniquely challenging scenarios, often as the very last resort, it may be necessary to accept the consequences even if bridges are burned, opportunities are lost, or payment is sacrificed. If your safety is threatened, you have asked for support (ideally with a paper trail) and there have been no changes or positive action taken, you get to decide what is the right next step.
Knowing your limitations does not make you less than or a failure. It empowers you to prioritize your health and wellbeing, alongside your goals and aspirations, as you build your career.
Consider:
Figuring out what you need to do your best work: systems, schedules, resources, and support
Where your boundaries lie: what are your hard stops and non-negotiables?
What your capacity is: what causes this to ebb and flow, how do you measure it, and what tools do you use to avoid pushing yourself beyond what is safe and doable?
The culmination of the above will help to inform the contracts you accept,or decline, and the work you choose to pursue – or don’t!
While this may mean the reality of your career in the arts looks different than what you once imagined, staying grounded in your why and continuing to actively shape your definition of success will help you create a sustainable and fulfilling career.
Breathe deep, consider your options, lean into your inner knowing, and take it one step at a time.
With kindness,
