Why am I so boring at my dayjob when I’m paid to be funny at night?

November 24, 2008 by vongsundara · Leave a Comment 

I went to a work outing tonight at a local pub, and I was incredibly boring. I mean, totally, completely no personality at all. It was almost exactly like I was at my dayjob. It’s strange, because I know that having personality can be quite helpful at work, and it’s not like I don’t have personality (otherwise, why would I be a stand-up comedian?).

I think my mindset comes from my inclination to compartmentalise different aspects of my life. The way I am at work is similar to how I am around my parents. The way I am on stage is similar to how I am with my friends. It would be helpful if I could find some middle ground between my ghetto personality and my boringness at work. In fact, more than a few people at work have said I need to come out of my shell (these people of course did not know much about my night life).

When I’m in a party situation, and also when I’m on stage, I have enough personality to take over an entire room. It’s basically my job to do so, and it comes rather naturally. My nickname in university was “The Vong Show,” because I basically brought the party with me wherever I went.

It’s a shame then that working in media where there are a ton of personalities, I can’t seem to express myself other than being 100 per cent business-like at all times. There’s no easy fix, as my behaviours are ingrained, but I do hope that someday I can come off as something in the middle: not boring and not the centre of attention but someone who’s interesting.

Filed under: Living, Performing, Working
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Being in Winnipeg reminds me not to be too wrapped up in myself

November 11, 2008 by vongsundara · Leave a Comment 

Being in Winnipeg the past couple of days has reminded me of how easy it is to get too wrapped up in myself. When I’m in Winnipeg, I’m a brother, I’m a son, I’m an uncle. I have responsibilities and am part of a larger community.

Now, I tend to be fairly ego-centric in nature anyhow. I’ve always been better at singles sports like badminton and tennis. My career dictates that I concentrate on myself for many hours: both for writing and for performing. That being said, it was indeed very nice to have to worry about something and someone other than myself.

My parents are very likely going to move to Guelph in the coming year. Hopefully, this will help keep me centred. Either that or I’ll have to visit Winnipeg more often.

Filed under: Living
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