Real-Life Decision Making
You're a dancer just starting out in your professional career. While you're
working towards your big break in dance, you also have a nine-to-five job
in a retail store for a steady source of income. Your boss at the retail store
is strict about taking time off. He does not like to give extra days off.
He also is not flexible about allowing long lunch breaks or half days.
Two weeks ago you called in sick from work. You did it to go to a music
video shoot where you danced as an extra in the background for free. Even
though you didn't make any money, the experience really added to your resume
as a professional dancer. Later that week you left work early "sick" to go
to an audition to be in a TV commercial. But you didn't get the job.
This week you were late on Monday because you were "at the doctor." But
you were actually at an audition for a dance part in a movie. You haven't
heard yet whether or not they want you for the part. There were 1,500 dancers
auditioning, so you aren't getting your hopes up.
Your boss has been really angry with you. You know he is suspicious about
all the time you've been missing at work. You are also concerned about the
hours you are missing. You are paid by the hour at the retail store. When
you don't go to work, you don't get paid. Since none of the dance auditions
have translated into paying gigs, you are short on money this month.
You are on your lunch break when your phone rings. It's another dancer
you are friendly with. She tells you to meet her right away. There is an audition
for back-up dancers who will tour with Beyonce around the world. This is one
of the best-paying contracts for a dancer. It would also be an incredible
way to build your career -- it could be the big break you were waiting for.
You also know the competition will be very tough. It could easily turn
into another rejection to add to the list this month. And you're worried your
boss is about to lose his patience with you missing work. It has been really
busy at the store. Plus you told him this morning you were feeling better.
"There are a lot of dilemmas where hard decisions have to be made," says
Jennifer Abbey. Also known as "J-Beautiful," she is primarily a hip hop dancer.
She had a role in the 2007 movie Hairspray with John Travolta and Michelle
Pfeiffer. She says it's common to have to choose between your day job and
your dance career.
What do you do?