It takes many employees to run movie theaters, performing arts centers, sports arenas, amusement parks and other entertainment venues. Typically, jobs in these facilities include ushers, ticket takers and cashiers. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, entertainment attendants are one of the top 10 fastest growing occupations over the next 10 years. If you enjoy being around people and would like to help them enjoy events, a role in an entertainment venue may be the job for you! Let's explore the roles in this field and what it would take to start your career in them.

What are some entertainment attendant duties?

As an attendant, employees often greet people, help them find their seats and work in refreshment sales as needed. A position as a general attendant or crew member can help you learn more about the overall operations in entertainment facilities. There are more specialized roles such as sales associates, maintenance workers, technology assistants and more. In these jobs, your duties will be more specialized to one area. All these jobs are important for an entertainment venue to run smoothly and can lead to more advanced positions.

What education and skills are required?

Most positions in this field require a high school education. Good communication skills are also key. You will need to provide information on event times and prices and direct attendees to locations in the venue such as the restrooms and refreshment sales areas. Giving accurate information helps make the customer's experience more enjoyable.

Eventually, you may supervise other employees. For management roles, you may need training in staff scheduling, budgeting or facility operations. Some organizations provide on-the-job training, others may require more formal training.

Are entertainment attendant jobs right for you?

If you're a "people person" and want a job where you help customers regularly, this field could be for you. It helps to be a problem solver and to be able to stay calm with a dissatisfied customer. If you're able to work a flexible schedule, this is a plus. Many theaters, arenas and other facilities are open late into the night, so varied and long hours may be necessary.

Some of these roles may have physical demands that could involve sitting or standing for long periods of time. They can also be noisy and packed with people. If you're concerned about a disability making these situations difficult, you may be able to request job accommodations. For example, if you work as a ticket agent in a movie theater and standing for long periods of time is difficult, you might ask the supervisor if you can sit in a tall chair as you collect tickets. This way, you can still greet the customers and engage with them. Please visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for more information on disabilities and accommodations.

Where to find entertainment attendant jobs?

There are many online jobsites that have positions in this field. You can start with our Find a Job page. Use keywords that are specific to the jobs you would like to apply for. For example, you can use "usher," "floor staff," "ticket agent" or "guest services staff." You can also go directly to the company websites of theaters, sports arenas and concert venues to see open positions. Ask friends and family if they know of any jobs in this area as well. You never know what leads they have that may help you find a job faster.

Finding Success with Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program

Through Social Security's Ticket Program, you can receive assistance on your employment journey to entertainment attendant roles or the industry you choose. The Ticket Program is a free and voluntary program that supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64, who want to work.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

It's hard to know how to start looking for a job, especially if you don't know what you want to do. If you've never worked or if you're looking for a job in a new field, it might be helpful to take a look at the 16 National Career Clusters as identified by the National Association of Career Technical Education Consortium.

Today, we're sharing one particular career cluster: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Much of the information in today's blog post is courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster mainly focus on working with plants, animals and the environment. They include occupations like farming, veterinary medicine, forestry, conservation work, and refuse and recyclable material collection.

What type of education do you need to work in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster?

This really depends. Many jobs in this cluster require a high school diploma or equivalent, but as in any industry, some require more. Forestry and conservation workers tend to need a high school diploma or equivalent, and receive on-the-job training, whereas a veterinarian requires a doctoral degree. There are many jobs in between the two that might interest you. Not quite sure you want to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine? Maybe becoming a veterinary assistant is right for you. This job requires a high school diploma or the equivalent and had a median salary of $29,780 in 2021. [1]

Let's keep going and explore more about becoming a veterinary assistant.

What do Veterinary Assistants Do?

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers handle routine animal care and help scientists, veterinarians, and others with their daily tasks. [2] This means you might be the one to calm down an anxious puppy while the veterinarian focuses on the exam. Or you may get a treat ready for a grumpy old cat who needs some shots. You could also clean kennels, get exam rooms ready and perform other duties that help the veterinarian and veterinary technicians perform their jobs.

How can I work in this field with my disability?

If you're unsure whether you'll be able to handle a position as a veterinary assistant in the Agricultural, Food and Natural Industry career cluster, think about some reasonable accommodations. As a veterinary assistant, one of your duties may be to input the veterinarian's notes into a computer. If you have low vision, you may need a larger monitor to enlarge fonts. Job accommodations don't have to be complicated or costly.

For information about working with a disability in this career cluster, visit Agrability. The mission of this program is to enhance the quality of life for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities. You can also check out the Job Accommodation Network and search for reasonable accommodations based on your type of disability.

How Can Social Security's Ticket to Work Program Help?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work.

Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with authorized Ticket to Work service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work. Use the Ticket to Work Guided Search to find a service provider that can show you how the Ticket Program can help you on your career path, including careers in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and even connect you with local resources to get you started in this field.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

You are probably familiar with the concept of setting goals for yourself like losing weight or saving money, but what about setting goals for your job search?

Today, we'll talk about what SMART goals are, why they're essential to a productive job search and provide an example of how to apply them to your job search.

What is a SMART Goal?

A SMART goal is defined as one that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.

Let's run through an example of a SMART goal related to the job search.

What's Your SMART Goal?

There are lots of SMART goals you can set related to your job search. In today's example, we're going to discuss setting a specific goal for the number of jobs you will apply for in one week.

First, identify a number that works for you. This may be one, five or more. Setting a number makes your goal Specific and Measurable. Remember, your goal should be Attainable, so only make it what you think you can accomplish. Since your ultimate purpose is to find a job, this goal is Relevant because you will need to apply for jobs to find one! Set a deadline; allocating an amount of time like a week or a month makes it Time-bound.

It's important to be realistic about what you can accomplish. Creating SMART goals is about balancing what you'd like to get done and what you're able to do by a specific deadline. Applying for jobs can take time. You may have to fill out forms, create or update your resume and write cover letters for each position. You will also need to factor in time to prepare for and interview for jobs once you start applying. Keep all these tasks in mind when you think about how many jobs you want to apply for in a set amount of time.

Writing your goals down can help you stick to them and be accountable. Once you set a goal, keep track of your progress. If you want to apply to four jobs in a month, write down what they were and when you applied. This can also help you keep track of them and follow up if you don't hear back. You can make a tracker on your phone or computer, or just use paper and pen. The important thing is to be able to recall the details of each application.

With any goals that you set, don't forget to cross them off as you achieve them! Just this simple act can give you a sense of accomplishment and can motivate you to keep making progress. Repeat this process on a variety of job seeker tasks, you could plan to do a specific number of networking phone calls, rewrite your resume by a certain date or complete a specific training course. The power of SMART goals is the ability to apply this method to any type of task or goal you want to achieve.

How Can Social Security's Ticket to Work Program Help?

Social Security's Ticket to Work Program can guide you toward your employment goals. The Ticket Program is a free and voluntary program that supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 who want to work.

Through the Ticket Program, you work with a service provider to identify your employment goals, as well as the supports and services you need to succeed. You and your provider will develop an agreement called an Individual Work Plan (IWP), an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) or an Individual Employment Plan (IEP), depending on the type of service provider you choose. This agreement is a roadmap to success, describing specific employment services, vocational rehabilitation services and supports to help you toward financial independence. Learn more about planning your employment goals with the Ticket Program.

Navigating a new career path can be hard, but we're here to help. To learn more, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." ¹

A lot of books have been written about the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh. He has so much amazing advice; about love, loss, mindfulness and friendship. How can the wise words of the yellow bear and his friends apply to the job search?

Winnie the Pooh teaches us that if we want something, we just have to get started. Pooh sometimes has a hard time finding motivation that isn't honey-related! But he and his friends have some great advice that could be used during your job search.

No matter where you are on your journey to work, there are resources available to help you accomplish your next step. Whether you are just considering working, ready to find a service provider to help you, are looking for a job, or already working and want to keep on the road to financial independence, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can support you on your journey.

It doesn't matter where you start, or how long it takes, the most important part of your journey to financial independence is that you begin.

"Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it."

The job search can be overwhelming, and we know you probably have a lot of questions. If you decide to participate in the Ticket Program, getting started is easy! First, give the Ticket to Work Help Line a call at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Our customer service representatives will explain how the program works and answer your questions or address concerns you might have and send you a list of service providers who can help.

Ticket Program service providers can answer your questions about work and Benefits Counselors can answer your questions about how work will affect your benefits. Maybe you're unsure about what type of job you want or what type of job may be best for you. Or maybe you have questions about how to request reasonable accommodations at work or for an interview, or how to revamp your resume. You're not alone in your job search when you participate in the Ticket Program. We're here to help you find the answers to these questions.

"I must go forward where I have never been instead of backwards where I have."

We understand it can be hard to think about employment when you receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSDI/SSI). That first step toward looking for a job could feel complicated, or it could turn out better than you think.

There are so many benefits to work besides earning a paycheck. You can meet new friends, learn new skills and increase your feeling of productivity. As Pooh said, "It isn't much good having anything exciting if you can't share it with somebody."

Employment can even have a positive effect on your health. According to Mental Health America, "Working at something that is meaningful to you can bring you a sense of purpose that will anchor you. Meaningful activity expands your sense of self-worth by adding to your skills and helping you accomplish your personal goals and feel good about yourself. Meaningful activity, which includes school, volunteer work, part-time work and full-time employment, also enables you to meet new people and make friends."

"So perhaps the best thing to do is to stop writing introductions and get on with the book."

Are you ready to see if work is right for you? Here are 6 things you can do to get started.

1. Read our Frequently Asked Questions about the Ticket Program.
2. Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
3. Sign up for a free Work Incentive Seminar Event Webinar to learn more about the Ticket Program and other Work Incentives.
4. View success stories of beneficiaries who have used the Ticket Program to improve their lives and achieve financial independence.
5. Learn more about Social Security Work Incentives available to you.
6. Opt in to receive information via text about the Ticket Program by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292. You can opt out at any time.

We hope we gave you a new way to think about your job search. What is your favorite advice from Winnie the Pooh?

¹ All Winnie the Pooh quotes and graphics come from the original works of A.A. Milne, which entered the public domain in 2022.

It was a new year and Rebecca was in remission from cancer. She says she felt like a walking miracle. As she recovered her strength, she looked forward to connecting with a wider circle of people and felt ready to return to the workforce. Formerly a teacher, she wanted to try out a new field of work.

At the same time, Rebecca was uncertain about whether she could sustain work and where to begin. Not knowing if or when the cancer would come back contributed to feelings of insecurity and a reluctance to jeopardize her Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits.

Social Security's Ticket to Work Program: Here to Help

While exploring her options, Rebecca received information in the mail about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. This free and voluntary program supports career development for people with disabilities who are ready for employment. Adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) qualify.

Through the Ticket Program, service providers known as Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies offer a range of free support services to help people prepare for, find or maintain employment. Some service providers specialize in working with specific populations; others offer certain types of services, including benefits counseling, career planning and more. The program is set up to help people progress toward financial independence through work.

Setting Goals for a New Role

Together, Rebecca and her EN developed an Individual Work Plan (IWP), a detailed roadmap that identified her employment goals along with the activities that would help her achieve them. They worked together to update her resume, find and assess job leads, and sharpen her interview skills.

Rebecca accepted a new job at the American Kennel Club (AKC), inspecting kennels around the country to make sure each is compliant with AKC rules and regulations. She loves her job and appreciates the sense of stability it has restored.

Find Your New Career!

You may not believe you can start in a new field, but for many, this is a great option. Beginning a new career allows you to meet more people, learn new skills and enhance those you already have. Head over to our Find a Job page to get some  ideas about the types of jobs that are out there.

Navigating a new career path can be hard, but we're here to help. To learn more, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.
You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.