- Danielle Schultz is a professional dancer and runs her own corporate wellness business.
- Schultz is one of the many Americans who doesn’t work a typical 9-to-5 job and instead relies on side jobs to make ends meet.
Daniel Schulz begins his commute after rehearsing at the Metropolitan Opera House. 7 a.m. Philadelphia to New York City
The 36-year-old professional dancer checked her work email on the train, grabbed an egg sandwich from her favorite New York breakfast cart, and headed to her ballet class. Sometimes she doesn’t return to her house until after midnight.
Dancing is just one of Schulz’s jobs. She also runs her own startup, Triangle Sessions, which offers corporate wellness and team building events. But for her, it’s all worth it.
“I got really creative about how I could support myself,” Schultz said. “I’ve done a lot and always have the mentality to hustle to make ends meet.”
Schultz is one of the only American men to have a career outside of the traditional 9-to-5 job. 39 percent An April 2023 survey of 2,505 U.S. adults conducted by YouGov Plc on behalf of Bankrate found that a higher percentage of Americans have a second job, and half of Gen Z and Millennials have multiple sources of income. It turned out that I have.
Freelancing, side hustles, gig work, and overemployment are gaining popularity as people look to increase their income with flexible schedules.
Schulz has been dancing at the Metropolitan Opera for 10 years, working part-time in shows such as “The Magic Flute” and “Der Rosenkavalier,” while also taking regular training classes. She always had to supplement her dancing income, she said. She has done this in the past, working in restaurants, as a cruise ship performer, and as a yoga teacher.
She planned Triangle Sessions’ first event in 2019, and business took off during the pandemic as companies looked for virtual employee activities. When she’s not rehearsing dance, Schultz teaches classes at Triangle Her Sessions, which cover topics such as relaxation and building terrariums. She also helps companies plan internal retreats.
He said Triangle Sessions currently accounts for 60% to 80% of Schultz’s annual income, and his contracts with major companies such as Google, Meta and Deloitte generate a five- to six-figure annual book of business. It is said that there is Her income varies each year depending on how much time she spends dancing and doing triangle sessions.
“I learned that no experience is wasted,” Schultz said. “And sometimes, when you feel a little lost or not following the traditional path, that’s what makes your life a little richer and more interesting.”
Balancing two careers requires patience
Ms. Schulz typically knows which shows she will perform at the Metropolitan Museum of Art a year in advance, and the intensive rehearsal period usually lasts several weeks at a time, she said. She plans to work with her Triangle Sessions for the show’s season.
Schultz’s business has grown primarily through word of mouth, and companies typically hire her to lead team-building activities for their employees, both virtually and in-person. For example, Schultz recently taught a workshop that connected the history of bonsai to employee milestones.
Although Schultz sometimes hires outside contractors to teach workshops outside her field, most of the content for Triangle Sessions is created and taught by her. She has worked with insurance companies, law firms, technology companies, and healthcare providers.
She said many of the events and retreats she organizes have become popular as some companies transition from virtual to hybrid or in-office work.
“There is a universal need to connect with each other while taking care of ourselves individually,” she said.
Schultz needs to be patient with herself and the constant changes in her career, she said. But thanks to the flexibility of Triangle her sessions, she can continue to perform, spend time with her two young children, and take a break when she needs it.
“Nothing is 50-50,” she said. “There is no perfect balance, especially if you want to move forward in one direction.”
Retirement is imminent
Schultz advises those considering a non-traditional career to embrace both the busy and quiet times.
Schultz said she’s grateful to be able to continue building her business even when her schedule is packed. And when rehearsals and Triangle Sessions events slow down, she said she focuses on spending extra time with her family and keeping herself healthy.
“This will be my compass for the rest of my life,” Schultz said.
Schultz said she loves her career at the Metropolitan Museum of Art but plans to retire soon. After that, she will work full time at her Triangle Sessions. But even though Schulz is no longer on stage, she won’t stop dancing.
“I keep moving,” she said.
Do you have a career that isn’t a traditional 9-to-5 job? Can you tell us how you make and spend your money? To contact this reporter, please contact: allisonkelly@insider.com.
