Have you ever felt the itch to leave it all behind and create a life on your own terms?In today’s episode, Jerry Dugan reveals the honest, often messy truth behind walking away from a secure corporate role to chase a creative dream—becoming a full-time voiceover artist. From risking it all on gig platforms to navigating the loneliness of entrepreneurship and mastering the art of authentic storytelling, Jerry shares every raw milestone, failure, and hidden lesson.
Curiosity, hustle, and emotional grit: these are the cornerstones Jerry credits for lasting success. Whether you crave creative freedom, or simply wonder what it takes to get paid using your voice, Jerry’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention.
What You’ll Learn :
- Why traditional careers can stifle creativity—and the turning point that sparked Jerry’s leap.
- The tactical steps to break into voiceover—without a safety net (or big budget).
- How to land your first client—even when everyone says you’re not “qualified.”
- Surviving rejection, client drama, and tough transitions: inside the emotional rollercoaster.
- The power of leadership skills—how corporate lessons become creative superpowers.
Timestamps:
- 0:02:00 The Leap: Jerry’s wake-up call from corporate to creative.
- 0:04:00 First Blood: The hustle to find gigs—Upwork, Fiverr, ACX, and getting paid the first time.
- 0:07:00 Client Chemistry: Navigating relationships, tricky feedback, and finding your “groove.”
- 0:12:00 A Day in the Life: Jerry’s exact daily routine as a full-time voiceover artist.
- 0:18:00 Brutal Truths: Rejection rates, authenticity, and the persistence required to win.
- 0:27:00 Leadership Rewired: Why old business skills are the secret edge in creative work.
- 0:35:00 Dreams & Impact: Jerry’s personal project wishes—and how to turn stories into legacies.
Guest Links:
- Website: jerryduganvoice.com
- Upwork, Fiverr, Voices.com profiles linked on website
Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
