FRIENDS VS. COLLEAGUES

Comedy is a very unique work environment. We are all independent contractors. There is no HR department (and no health benefits). But we work in the trenches together. We grow together and suffer sometimes together. We celebrate our friends victories and are envious of the success of peers, just like a normal office, I suppose. We unite against a common enemy (heckler) but at our water cooler, we gossip about the new star.

And just like an office, it's hard to forget that most of the people we work with are colleagues, not friends. I heard Comedian Erik Griffin say that on a podcast once and didn't fully appreciate it, till later in my career. It's hard to remember that sometimes because we are often laughing with each other or experiencing great loss together (i.e. peer's death, pandemic). For me, I try to treat others with kindness and pay it forward as a result of having amazing, more experienced peers help me on my journey. But not everyone has that same mentality.

When I gave comedians I felt were worthy, the opportunity to open for me on shows, I loved seeing there enthusiasm and I would always say (jokingly and seriously) "When you make it big, just remember this and let me open for you!" They would always agree and sometimes laugh it off, like it would never happen. It's funny 'cause some of these comedians who did open for me years ago are now doing larger venues and theaters but sadly, radio silence on letting me open for them. I also share milestones other comedians have, whether its a special or a TV role, because I think its the right thing to do and I love to see comedians, especially once I have worked with, do great things. It also gives me great pride to see their success, especially if we started together or worked together in Chicago. On some level, I feel like we are friends. Unfortunately, I did not see the same pride in my successes. We are alone. #standup #comedy #formerlawyer #careerchange