Economic hardship helps one find roots

by YankeeJim | September 6, 2010 at 04:40 am

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Here is an inspirational story about people whose occupations went bust by the economy, though who used their talent and passion to do something creative.

Being a part of the creative community of artists, writers, performers, and musicians is always a struggle. Few people in this community ever get rich, yet they are the ones who fill life’s stage will the cultural experience for everyone else, whether they pay for tickets or listen to their horn while departing the Metro.

“Economic hardship drives some to explore their long-lost dreams

By Steve Hendrix

Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 6, 2010

At an audition last week at the Kennedy Center, Philip Ruxton felt as if he must have been the only nervous person in a waiting room full of seasoned pros. He paced the floor, focused on his breathing and, finally, with two minutes left before his turn, went over his music one last time before handing it to the pianist who would accompany him. That's when he discovered the entire last page of his song was missing.

Uh-oh," he thought. "This is not good."

Unlike the others waiting to try out for the chorus of the Kennedy Center's coming production of "Follies," Ruxton is brand new to all this. A year ago, the 45-year-old commercial real estate broker's last theatrical experience had been in high school drama class. But like many struggling with the recession this Labor Day, Ruxton has found the time and incentive to explore his dream, a passion he'd stored in the back of his mind for decades.

Ruxton is far from alone in letting the acting bug sink its teeth in during this lean time at work. Career counselors say idled or anxious workers often reconnect with long-dormant dreams in a down economy. It's a time when reduced hours at work open up schedules and gloomy moods demand a little psychic pampering.

"We see a lot more people indulging their ideals in an economy like this," said Melissa Fireman, chief executive of Washington Career Services, a company offering career counseling and training.”