Tab Birt: Burnout, Budgets & Building a Sustainable Creative Life
In this episode of Artistic Finance podcast, host Ethan sits down with Tab Birt, Technical Director at the Edison Theater in St. Louis, to discuss the realities of building a life and career in theater, managing finances in the arts, dealing with burnout, and navigating life transitions—plus an unexpected deep dive into glassblowing. Below is an insight into some of the topics covered in this podcast.
What’s your financial personality—are you good, bad, or neutral with money?
Neutral. I work in a low-paying industry and have an expensive hobby—glassblowing—so most of my income goes straight back into that. I took a major financial hit during the pandemic when I lost my job and had to abandon a rent-to-own home, which led to debt I’m only now recovering from.
What’s the best financial decision you’ve made?
Starting a Roth IRA. I discovered it in my mid-20s and immediately regretted not opening one sooner. It’s such a powerful tool for tax-free retirement savings. I now contribute regularly and also utilize employer retirement plans like 403(b)s with matching. I even tell students and peers about Roth IRAs as if it’s a secret weapon.
Do you budget or use any financial tools to evaluate job opportunities?
Absolutely. I use spreadsheets to estimate my monthly expenses and compare them to potential job offers—factoring in taxes by multiplying the gross by 0.69. That gives me a realistic sense of take-home pay. I also budget for my glass art side business and track income vs. expenses monthly.
What’s the worst financial decision you’ve made?
Trying to move into a house before I was financially ready. It was a rent-to-own deal that turned into a money pit during the pandemic. I had no cushion, and the timing couldn’t have been worse. I recommend young artists avoid rushing into home ownership—renting can be smarter until you’re truly ready.
How did you find your current job, and what advice do you have for others seeking work?
I actually found my job on OffStageJobs.com! Despite people saying you can’t find real jobs through boards, I applied, had a great interview, and now I’m Technical Director at a university theater. My advice: if you meet 50% of a job listing’s requirements, apply. Don’t underestimate yourself. And follow up—sometimes it just takes persistence.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Balance is Essential
Theater can be all-consuming—find joy and hobbies outside of work to avoid burnout. - Know Your Worth
Don’t accept underpaid work. Advocate for fair pay based on your actual living expenses. - Budget Smart
Use spreadsheets and multiply offers by 0.69 to estimate take-home pay after taxes. - Start a Roth IRA Early
It’s simple, tax-free in retirement, and one of the smartest long-term financial moves. - Track Everything
Keep records of all jobs and payments—missing tax forms can lead to IRS penalties later. - Monetize Your Passion
Tab’s expensive glassblowing hobby is now starting to generate income thanks to careful tracking. - Give Back
Mentor others and support causes you care about—your experience can help others thrive.
Listen to this Episode on:
Website / Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube
This episode of the Artistic Finance podcast is hosted by Ethan Steimel.
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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