I Quit Social Media for 60 Days: How It Changed My Career as a Performer
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by social media—the endless scrolling, the comparisons, and the pressure to prove yourself as an artist?
As a musical theater performer, I found myself trapped in this cycle, seeking validation online while feeling drained emotionally, professionally, and creatively. So, I made a bold decision: I quit social media for 60 days.
The result? It completely changed my life and career.
I’m Ashlee Espinosa, a performer, educator, and career coach. I’ve spent my life in the musical theater industry, performing on stage, teaching as a college professor, and guiding other performers through their careers. Today, I want to share how stepping away from social media helped me rediscover my joy, focus on what truly matters, and move forward with confidence in an industry that often feels overwhelming.
Why Social Media Felt Like a Necessary Evil
As performers, we’re told that building a strong online presence is critical to our careers. Platforms like Instagram are supposed to showcase our talents and help casting directors “see us.” But here’s the truth: I felt embarrassed that my follower count was lower than my peers and clients.
I was comparing myself to others in the industry, spiraling down rabbit holes of “Why not me?” This obsession distracted me from what mattered most—my craft, mental health, and the passion that first brought me to this career.
Sound familiar?
The Bold Step: A 60-Day Social Media Detox
In a world that rewards visibility, stepping away from social media was terrifying. Questions swirled in my head:
Would I miss out on opportunities?
Would casting directors think I wasn’t serious about my career?
But the burnout was real. So, I deleted the apps from my phone and replaced those hours of scrolling with intentional activities:
Journaling to reflect and reconnect with my purpose
Focusing on auditions and improving my craft
Taking time to care for my mental and emotional well-being
The Results: What Happened When I Quit Social Media
The results were surprising and transformative:
I Booked More Work
During my 60-day break, I received more callbacks and bookings than I had in months. This experience proved that success doesn’t depend on followers or likes.I Stopped Comparing Myself to Others
Without the constant feed of other people’s highlights, I focused on what made me unique as a performer.I Established Healthy Boundaries
I created new habits for how and when I use social media. Now, I control my online presence rather than letting it control me.
Practical Steps for Healthy Social Media Use
Social media isn’t inherently bad, but it’s about finding what works for you. Here are the boundaries that worked for me:
Limit app use: Stick to three intentional sessions per day.
Turn off your phone: Disconnect during your nightly wind-down and morning routine.
Redefine your worth: Remember, your value as an artist isn’t tied to likes or followers.
The Freedom of Letting Go
When I first started my career, platforms like Instagram didn’t exist. We didn’t know who booked what unless we heard about it or saw the show. It was liberating to simply focus on the work.
Taking a step back reminded me of that freedom—the joy of performing and the power of choosing how I want to live and work without the noise of comparison.
Your Career Is More Than an Algorithm
Your career and mental health are more important than any algorithm or follower count. If you’ve ever felt trapped by social media, I encourage you to take a break:
Start with one or two weeks, or go all in like I did with a 60-day reset.
Reflect on what works for you and what doesn’t.
Reclaim your time, energy, and purpose.
Ready to Reclaim Your Career?
As a career coach, I help performers like you navigate the challenges of today’s industry with confidence and clarity. If this resonated with you, I encourage you to check out my Musical Theatre Monthly Challenges or my mentorship program, The Empowered Actor, to take actionable steps toward building the career you want.
Let’s move forward together—offline or online—with purpose and joy.
Share Your Experience
Have you ever considered stepping away from social media? What did you discover? Let me know in the comments below!
Ashlee Espinosa is an accomplished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. As a seasoned actress, passionate educator, and dedicated career advisor, she empowers artists to build fulfilling, purpose-driven careers defined by their unique vision of success.
