I Quit Social Media for 60 Days as a Performer
Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by social media—the constant scrolling, the comparisons, the pressure to always be visible?
I did. And it was draining me emotionally, creatively, and professionally.
So I made a bold move: I quit social media for 60 days.
And it changed everything.
Hi, I’m Ashlee Espinosa—a musical theatre actress, educator, and career coach. In this post, I’m sharing the surprising truth about what happened when I stepped away from social media, how it impacted my bookings and mental health, and why taking a break could be exactly what you need.
Social Media Burnout Is Real for Performers
As performers, we’re constantly told that building a strong online presence is key to success. Casting directors should “know who we are,” right?
But the truth?
I was embarrassed by my follower count. I found myself comparing my content and career to others in the industry even my own clients. I felt like a failure.
I was spending hours online spiraling in comparison, instead of investing that energy into what truly mattered: my craft, my confidence, and my purpose.
I Was Terrified to Quit… But I Did It Anyway
I’ve been in this industry my entire life. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in musical theatre, spent nearly a decade as a college professor, and now coach performers full-time.
So you can imagine how scary it was to step away from the very platforms I’ve helped others build.
But burnout forced my hand. I knew something had to change.
So I deleted every app from my phone and started fresh.
What I Did Instead of Scrolling
With no social media apps on my phone for 60 days, I replaced that time with:
Journaling
Training
Cooking
Working Out
Reading
Daily walks with my husband and baby girl doggy Lola
Reflecting on my why as an artist
I realigned with my mission not just to be seen, but to create meaningful work and enjoy my life.
Here’s What Happened…
✅ I booked more work and received more callbacks than I had in months.
✅ I felt lighter and more grounded.
✅ I rebuilt confidence in my abilities, not my visibility.
✅ I stopped comparing my path to others.
✅ I finally felt in control of my online presence not the other way around.
When I returned to social media, it was with intention. No more mindless scrolling. Just meaningful connection and purpose-driven content.
Boundaries That Worked for Me
If you're considering a break or want to change your relationship with social media, here are a few boundaries I set (and stuck to):
📱 Only three intentional app check-ins per day
🌙 Phone off during wind-down and morning routines
❤️ Reminding myself daily: My worth is not tied to followers or likes
Social Media Doesn’t Define Your Career
When I started performing, social media wasn’t even a factor. We didn’t know who booked what until we saw the cast list or went to the show. And guess what?
It was kind of amazing.
Social media can be a great tool but it should never steal your joy or determine your value.
Your Career > The Algorithm
If you’re feeling trapped by social media, I invite you to take back your time and energy. Whether it's one week, 30 days, or the full 60 like I did—it might be the exact reset you need to reconnect with what actually matters.
You’re not falling behind.
You’re just choosing you.
Want More Ideas to Reclaim Your Time and Make Money on Your Terms?
If you're looking to diversify your income and take control of your career offstage too…
Grab my free guide: 50 Income Streams That Built My Creative Career
This resource is packed with creative, flexible income ideas specifically for performers and artists like myself.
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build bold, burnout-free creative careers onstage and off. With two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help multi-hyphenate artists grow their visibility and income without sacrificing their well-being. Through 1:1 coaching, free weekly resources, and digital tools, she helps creatives design careers that feel as good as they look — and pay them well too.
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