We’ve reached the end of this series, can you believe it?
If you’ve been with me on this journey, thank you so much for your time and for your patience. By now you should know that I’m Paul, a guy from the Netherlands who carved out an unlikely career in the U.S. as a voice over artist and blogger.
I loved what I did for a living, but my voice no longer supports my profession.
Don’t feel sorry for me. I’ve had a good run. I survived a stroke against all odds, and had to learn to live within the possibilities of my limitations. And even though I won’t be recording as much anymore, I haven’t lost my voice. As long as I have a pen or a computer nearby, I will still be able to speak through my writing and hopefully touch a few lives along the way.
MY PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
In fact, that’s what I plan on doing for the next chapter of my existence. Instead of reading other people’s words, I’ll be writing my own.
Will I be successful? Who knows, but what is success anyway? Deepak Chopra defined it not as reaching a certain status, or having a lot of money in the bank. He said:
“Success is the continued expansion of happiness and the progressive realization of worthy goals. It is the ability to fulfill your desires with effortless ease.”
Right now, my main goal is to become and stay as healthy as I can be. This means leaving toxic environments and relationships. Leaving stressful situations. Taking care of myself so I’ll be here for a few more years.
I no longer lead a sedentary life. I have a spin bike in my studio which I use every day, and in the past six months I have lost 25 pounds by moving more and changing my diet. In the winter I put on my cross country skis and in the spring and summer I jump on my e-bike, or step into my kayak. I volunteer for a local museum where I’m appreciated for the pictures I take that help spread the story of this special place.
A MINIMALIST LIFE
Overall, I enjoy the quietude of my surroundings and the slower pace of life here in Vermont. We live on five acres surrounded by maple trees that are connected by sap lines. The air is clear and the night sky is filled with bright stars and fireflies. This is our happy place!
I want to enjoy every day because it could be my last. Not out of fear, but to savor the moments. The little things. The simple things that don’t cost anything but that are so valuable.
I’m taking life a little easier and I think I have earned that right, don’t you? I’m also helping my wife with her business “Pamela Taylor Music.” She teaches piano and flute online, and in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. You can look her up at pamelataylormusic.com.
THE VOICE OVER FUTURE
Now, here’s a question some of you have asked me:
Given my assessment of the situation we’re in, would I encourage those interested to pursue a career in voice overs?
To be honest: no.
I would advise against it, unless they’re uniquely talented with a background in the dramatic arts and business, and are able to invest a considerable amount of time, energy, and money in this career.
Contrary to popular opinion, this is not a get rich quick profession. It is highly competitive, and you’re up against skilled people with years of experience, tons of clients, a full blown home studio, and an impressive online presence. And even those people are struggling more and more.
AI is only getting better, and is being integrated and accepted in everyday life.
As a voice over and coach I’m a very critical listener, and I admit that I listen to computer-generated voices telling stories on sites like TikTok. I hated it at first, but then I got used to it, and now I’m okay with it. If that could happen to me, imagine all the people without my background who will happily go for cheap and “good enough” instead of for outstanding and expensive.
AGAIN: this is just MY opinion and I know plenty of people who will vehemently disagree. I guess time will tell who is right and who isn’t.
When evaluating what others have to say, please ask yourself: do these people have a vested interest in putting a positive spin on things? Do they have something to gain from trying to sell you a program, some coaching sessions, or do they want you to sign up for an online casting site?
I’m not saying you can’t trust anyone, but always check the source before signing the check!
LOOKING AHEAD
If you are currently working as a voice over artist and you’re wondering how to survive, I have lots of tips for you, and if you ask nicely, I might record a few videos for you. In fact, I already have lots of videos on my social media, so check ‘em out! And while you’re at it, this website will still be up for a while and you’ll find over six hundred articles about the business, absolutely free of charge.
By the way, you can also find a spoken version of this series on my YouTube channel, my Instagram and TikTok account, on LinkedIn and on Facebook. [as always, the bold words in blue are hyperlinks]
Now… what will happen to this blog, you may wonder…
Well, once I have signed my name under this article, I will stop blogging about the voice over industry. But I won’t stop writing. So, if you’ve enjoyed hearing from me, I hope you’ll continue to be a subscriber and stay in touch. I may publish a thing or two.
If you wish to leave, I want to thank you sincerely for spending some time with me. I hope it was worth your while.
FINAL WORDS
My last words are for all the friends I made in voice over land. You know who you are.
Just because I’m stepping aside doesn’t mean we should become strangers. Please ignore most of the things I said about the voice over community because they don’t apply to you.
I will definitely miss seeing you, and I wish you continued expansion of your happiness and the progressive realization of worthy goals.
I hope you’ll fulfill your desires with effortless ease!
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