So, you’ve decided to get into voiceover. You bought a mic, cleared a closet, and announced to your friends that you’re now “doing VO.” Welcome, my friend — you’re officially in the club.
But before you quit your day job and start practicing your Oscar speech, let’s talk about something real: you still need that paycheck.
Voiceover is not a get-rich-quick business. You need equipment (and no, your AirPods don’t count), you need coaching, and you need time to practice until you sound like the professional you want to be. That means you’ll have expenses before you see income.
Your job funds your dream — it doesn’t block it.
Coaching isn’t optional — it’s essential. You can have the most expensive mic in the world, but if your delivery sounds like you’re reading the back of a cereal box, it won’t matter. Find a good coach who will help you develop your sound, your acting, and your business sense.
One of the best places to start is the Global Voice Acting Academy (GVAA). They’ve got fantastic classes and the rate guide that many professionals use to quote clients (yes, that’s where the pros get their numbers).
Some people will roll their eyes when you mention pay-to-play sites, but here’s the truth — they’re a great way to get started. You’ll learn how to audition, how to deal with rejection, and how to manage clients. Just treat them as practice and exposure, not your forever business model.
Voiceover takes time.
You will hear “no” more than “yes.” You’ll audition hundreds of times before you land that big gig. That’s normal. The secret? Don’t give up. Every audition is a step closer to your win.
Keep your day job, build your skills, and stay consistent. When your VO income starts outpacing your paycheck, that’s your cue to leap. Until then, practice, learn, invest, and laugh along the way.
You’re building something beautiful — and like all great things, it takes time.