Promotion Gigs: To work or not to work?

For anyone out there who doesn't find themselves in a position to commit to a full-time, long-term job (such as travel-addicts like myself), working in promotions can be a good alternative. You don't need much more than a appearance, good "people" skills, and a pretty open schedule. I've been doing promo work for several months now, satisfied at the $17-$22/hr. pay rates, free branded t-shirts which I will never wear in public again, and the change of environment from one job to the next.

See, a "Brand Ambassador" is what they would call people like me, pushing the selling points of the newest beauty product or piercing the cold D.C. air with "Enter to win!" and "Free sample, sir?" It's something an introvert like me enjoys every now and again... kinda like playing a part.

But what else does it really take to work in promotions besides the ability to carelessly annoy people with a pretty smile and undying brand loyalty?

Well for one thing, it's pretty common to be requested to dress a certain way (supplementary to the lovely branded shirts you will be "gifted"). This can be anything from dress khakis (no flare-cuts, no side-pockets, no "painter loops", must be worn with belt and shirt tucked in), to black shoes (dressy but comfortable enough to wear standing for 8 hours at a time, no open toes, minimal heels, no other colors or trim, but no tennis shoes), to whatever else the brand specifies.

And yes, I seem to be exaggerating a bit. And no, I'm really not.

Not everyone owns these items, and most of the time they will not be reimbursed for the purchase of them. This sends people like me running to their local Target in search of anything that fits, but that will likely be worn about as often as a shirt that reads "Nokia". Equals sign... money lost.

Then there's metro fare, parking costs and travel time to take into account . Yes, these should be considered for all jobs. But for the purpose of my illustration, just humor me a bit. After all is said and done, your attractive 20 bucks an hour could widdle down to looking more like tips from a greesy spoon.

Case in point: Today I actually calculated my "earnings" from an upcoming promo gig downtown that begins at 6 am for 3 days straight, requires metro transport, a purchase of pants and shoes, and pays $17/hr. Five minutes and not much brain power later, I came to the conclusion that I'd really be making about $9 an hour for the job. And don't expect to see that money any time soon, because most promo agencies take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to cut you a check.

Now I'm not a "job snob", as I like to put it. Hell, I've scooped dog shit for a living (and LOVED that job by the way). But promo work is sometimes just not worth the trouble. The 3-week-long promo I have lined up for next month, on the other hand, is definately worth it.

Yes, I've always known it... I'm just not cut out for the 9-5, the office space or the impending doom of the corporate ladder. Fine! That's beautiful! But just because I've narrowed down my options to hourly temp. jobs does NOT mean I'm not allowed to pick and choose. Nobody says you have to take every opportunity that comes a knockin'.

And besides, branded t-shirts will never be cool. Promise.