The Other Part-Time Job

Song of the day: Stronger Than Me by Amy Winehouse

Image by me :) - Walking home in the early hours of the morning
and got to see this beautiful view.

Well that was an interesting start. I guess the first blog post should've been a little bit more about me but it was something I really needed to get off my chest. Now that it's done I can go on with what this blog is meant to be about. I'm a twenty-something year old girl living in London. I do promo work for a living while trying to make it as a writer.
     What is promo work you ask? You see those people handing out flyers and free samples or those girls and guys working as hostesses or asking you for your details to sign up for a new app? Or people working at big events like festivals? I am one of those people. If you see a promo person, most likely they are actors, musical theatre performers, singers, artists, photographers, dancers, models, tightrope walkers (yes you read right), graphic designers and writers like me.


There are several rules to promo: -


 Rule Number One: Don't Be Afraid
You have to have the ability to talk to complete strangers on the street.

Rule Number Two: You Can't Be Shy
You have to be bubbly and smiley all the time. Basically be friendly. NO MATTER HOW BAD YOUR DAY IS.

Rule Number Three: Rejection
You will deal with a lot of rejection. People will pretend you don't even exist. You have to deal with scrunched up dirty looks from people who sometimes look at you as if you're the scum of the earth. It hurts when you first do promo but after awhile you become numb to it. Then soon enough you begin to feel sorry for those people because really you're a fucking awesome person who could one day get their big break and be famous. Plus they're missing out on the great promotional deals that you're promoting like happy hour. I mean do people not understand how expensive alcohol can be in London? So really it's their loss.

Rule Number Four: Remember That This Is Not Forever
Promo work is to help pay the bills and rent, this is not an actual career. You actually have a dream job and you are working towards it.

Rule Number Five: Black Is The New Black
Your wardrobe will be dominated by black, black and oh yes more black. That's the standard promo uniform unless stated otherwise. You will make quick little trips to Primark because those leggings you always wear? Now worn out with holes. Those black tights? Yes they're ripped. Of course it depends what company you work for. They're normally quite relaxed so sometimes you can get away with your fabulous, glamorous and colourful self.

I work for a few agencies around London in order to scrape a living. Of course it has it's downside. It's not a stable way to live unless you get regular work. Sometimes you feel like you're not getting anywhere with your other job like not making it through that audition. Men consistently coming up with cheesy one-liners and harassing us for our numbers. We have to take up several shifts in one day which means standing all day and not being able to sit down for ages. Sometimes we get mistaken as strippers or prostitutes. I mean hello I am holding flyers here. But at the end of the day you realise that you've just had a terrible day and you continue with your life. But you know something? I secretly love it. Why? Mostly because its the people I work with. They are the ones that make this crazy line of work tolerable and keep me sane. I have met some of the most unique and talented characters and beautiful friendships have blossomed. It's always a great way to network because everyone helps each other out and sometimes hilarity just ensues.

That's the overall view and I hope you continue to watch this space,

Peace Out,
xxx