Anyone have to retrain? Anyone here from the arts industry?

[CathTurnbull]

What on earth are we all expected to do? I’ve been out of work since March (work in live events). I get we all need to adapt and I’m actively looking for other work, but I can’t see any end to this (I know it will be over eventually).

I was looking for perspectives from others in the arts sector. I think it’s just sinking in that Covid will get worse before it gets better. Anyone have any thoughts on when things will get back to ‘normal?’.

yes my husband works in live music he too has not been to work since March doing his usual touring job. Fortunately he has found other work self employed for now but it is worrying as it’s a fraction of his usual income.

Trying to keep positive but it is a worry as to when. DP is thinking not till late next year now.

I hope you can find something to keep things ticking over too :(

Opera singer doing nursing

My lodger has spent years in hospitality and wanted to make a career in it. He's now in a call centre and glad to have the work.

Yes I had my own business for 14 years in parties and corporate events . Due to my own ill health and caring for my autistic teen son I can’t just go out looking for another job so I’m turning my gags to something different and trying to launch it as a business . This has all broken my heart . My 19 year old son is an apprentice chef at a top restaurant and I think he will crack up if they close again as it’s all he ever wanted to don😢

Hand not gags !

I’m not sure what aspects of live events you are in. I wonder if those in event management (ticketing, marketing, logistics etc) could find something in online conference events? I think as companies move online/WFH skills in managing large online meetings/training/conferences might be opportunities. So skills in online event packages (Teams, webex ? etc) potentially useful?
Good luck and I hope everyone can get back to their first preferences soon.

Me. My job straddles arts and corporate events. Everyone's being laid off. Its SO depressing!

I am not, but I have lots of friends in the industry and alot of them are trying to struggle through, many didn't have any support during lockdown and now watching their industry being fucked up.

They were hopeful when things started to open again, but I think now its all being shut down in various places, they are screwed and its not like a lot of them can work from home (think behind the scenes)

I'm not but my DP's chosen career is completely shut down (events) and he is not sure what to do next. It wasn't just the job in terms of income but the organisation he worked for was great, he was so happy in his work.

We are very tired of being told to look on the bright side! I know it could be worse but it is still a real blow.

When will this all end? ☹️

I used to work in an arts sector. I’d already left due to caring for disabled DD but was starting to think about returning.

Why is there not more live streamed stuff? Theatre, music etc I know there’ll be a simple answer. It’s not financially viable probably. But I’m desperate to see live theatre and dance especially and am frustrated that there’s not much available to be seen.

Has there ever been a more soul-crushing, dispiriting government ad poster than this one?

(I appreciate that this doesn't really help the OP)

I've spent all day applying for entry level positions a third of my old salary, all of which have had 500+ applicants, and sending begging letters for roles closer to my old level of experience (manager) which I don't have the requisite 3+ years experience for. Am so depressed.

VR seems to be poised to become a big thing, at least when the cost comes down.

My best friend is a dancer. She lost her job in April and has just got a new job in an office. She's gutted. Hoping she can get back to doing the job she trained for eventually

Dh and Dd both in the arts. Dh is ok for now (until we lockdown again) but Dd can’t find anything.
I’ve had to work overtime to support us which is fine until I burn out.

Yup in theatrical visual media. Was trying to return to work after v extended mat leave and absolutely impossible. But how to retrain when everyone else is too - I agree SpideryPlants VR looks good and I guess tv possible as at least there is an out point if you can manage to film it.