--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When I started out in the industry, I…" description: "\"When I started out in the industry, I felt the need to say 'yes' to everything. You wanted to be an actor, so you took acting jobs.\" — Annie Murphy" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/35d/annie-murphy-24536_acting_when-i-started-out-in-the-industry-i-fel_1864160.jpg" --- # When I started out in the industry, I felt the need to say… ![“When I started out in the industry, I felt the need to say 'yes' to everything. You wanted to be an actor, so you took acting jobs.” quote by Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/35d/annie-murphy-24536_acting_when-i-started-out-in-the-industry-i-fel_1864160.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/35d/annie-murphy-24536_acting_when-i-started-out-in-the-industry-i-fel_1864160.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/35d/annie-murphy-24536_acting_when-i-started-out-in-the-industry-i-fel_1864160.jpg) > “When I started out in the industry, I felt the need to say 'yes' to everything. You wanted to be an actor, so you took acting jobs.” [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Saying “yes” to every opportunity can dilute focus; choosing roles aligns with true aspirations. **In simple terms:** Be selective about commitments. Key Takeaway Accept projects that match your goals. Themes career choice authenticity Mood reflective motivational Type advice inspirational When to use this quote - job interviews - freelance gigs - career transitions - networking events Key Concepts decision making opportunity cost personal branding Questions to Reflect On - What criteria guide your acceptance of new work? - How can you say “no” without guilt? A Different Perspective Overcommitting may lead to burnout. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Acting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acting/) [Actor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actor/) [Theatre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theatre/) ## Related quotes > [My father came to Hyderabad to become an actor, took an acting course, and realised he was camera conscious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vijay-deverakonda/my-father-came-to-hyderabad-to-become-an-actor-took-an-acting-course/) [Vijay Deverakonda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vijay-deverakonda/) > [When I first started in the industry, there were - this is prior to the era of computer graphics and all these digital tools…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-knoll/when-i-first-started-in-the-industry-there-were-this-is-prior-to-the/) [John Knoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-knoll/) > [I started as a nobody in this industry and today I can say that I have made some sort of a name for myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kunal-khemu/i-started-as-a-nobody-in-this-industry-and-today-i-can-say-that-i/) [Kunal Khemu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kunal-khemu/) > [Retail is my game. I spend every waking hour thinking about it. I started in the industry at the age of 18 after trying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theo-paphitis/retail-is-my-game-i-spend-every-waking-hour-thinking-about-it-i/) [Theo Paphitis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theo-paphitis/) > [ I started in this industry \[television\] as a kid doing commercials. Ever since I was introduced to it, I loved it. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kofi-siriboe/i-started-in-this-industry-television-as-a-kid-doing-commercials-ever/) [Kofi Siriboe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kofi-siriboe/) > [I don't think I'd have been able to be what I am if it wasn't for my mother. 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I tried my hand in design and haven’t looked…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-miller/i-started-in-the-industry-in-public-relations-quality-assurance/) [Dan Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-miller/) > [My mom graduated from the University of Michigan, which is a great school. Then she got her Master's from NYU. She wanted to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/big-sean/my-mom-graduated-from-the-university-of-michigan-which-is-a-great/) [Big Sean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/big-sean/) > [There are two schools of thought. A manager would tell you that must make them realize you're a dedicated actor and I took a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-hamilton/there-are-two-schools-of-thought-a-manager-would-tell-you-that-must/) [George Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-hamilton/) > [Some of the supporting roles that I've done as an actor, I took them because I knew that I would get to watch some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jane/some-of-the-supporting-roles-that-i-ve-done-as-an-actor-i-took-them/) [Thomas Jane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jane/) > [Some people are born gardeners, some are politicians. I was an actor. It took a great deal of pain before I figured that out.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathleen-quinlan/some-people-are-born-gardeners-some-are-politicians-i-was-an-actor-it/) [Kathleen Quinlan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathleen-quinlan/) > [I mean, acting or stunts, doing my job means doing my job, and I'm loving it. It's fun to put my face in front…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zoe-bell/i-mean-acting-or-stunts-doing-my-job-means-doing-my-job-and-i-m/) [Zoe Bell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zoe-bell/) > [It wasn't easy at all for a qualified engineer to take the decision of giving it up, leave Punjab and try to make a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sonu-sood/it-wasn-t-easy-at-all-for-a-qualified-engineer-to-take-the-decision/) [Sonu Sood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sonu-sood/) ## More by Annie Murphy > [About two years into living in Toronto, my apartment burned to the ground. My husband and I ended up living in his grandparents' attic…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/about-two-years-into-living-in-toronto-my-apartment-burned-to-the/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [I did a web series years ago where I helped write a kind of a spoof called 'Young Love.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/i-did-a-web-series-years-ago-where-i-helped-write-a-kind-of-a-spoof/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [Write and create as much as you can, because if you're sitting around waiting for someone to give you a well-round, interesting, incredible role…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/write-and-create-as-much-as-you-can-because-if-you-re-sitting-around/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [I always wanted a sibling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/i-always-wanted-a-sibling/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [I do think that working with Canadians, there is quite a sense of humility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/i-do-think-that-working-with-canadians-there-is-quite-a-sense-of/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [As cliche as it is, I was a huge Audrey Hepburn girl growing up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/as-cliche-as-it-is-i-was-a-huge-audrey-hepburn-girl-growing-up/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [I had a very wonderful growing up. I was surrounded by loving people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/i-had-a-very-wonderful-growing-up-i-was-surrounded-by-loving-people/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [It's always funny to watch the scene that you know took a thousand takes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/it-s-always-funny-to-watch-the-scene-that-you-know-took-a-thousand/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara are two of my favorite actors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/eugene-levy-and-catherine-o-hara-are-two-of-my-favorite-actors/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [I sometimes can't be bothered, dare I say, to spend a copious amount of time on my hair and my face before I go…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/i-sometimes-can-t-be-bothered-dare-i-say-to-spend-a-copious-amount-of/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [Peas are terrible and a joke food.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/peas-are-terrible-and-a-joke-food/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [I am a city girl.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/i-am-a-city-girl/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [There is so much heartbreak and letdown in this industry. You get your heart set on something, and then you're sitting by the phone…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/there-is-so-much-heartbreak-and-letdown-in-this-industry-you-get-your/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [World peace. I know it's a big ask, but I really really really want it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/world-peace-i-know-it-s-a-big-ask-but-i-really-really-really-want-it/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) > [My folks have a cottage north of Kingston, which is literally in the middle of nowhere, and I can be there very happily for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-murphy/my-folks-have-a-cottage-north-of-kingston-which-is-literally-in-the/) [Annie Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) [Explore all 24 Annie Murphy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-murphy/) ## More Acting quotes > [I actually think acting is a form of self-hypnosis. You have to be hyper, hyper aware of what's going on around you. You have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julianne-moore/i-actually-think-acting-is-a-form-of-self-hypnosis-you-have-to-be/) [Julianne Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julianne-moore/) > [Many Republicans have always reminded me of professional WWF wrestlers. They come into the ring all pumped up and acting like they're invincible and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-feig/many-republicans-have-always-reminded-me-of-professional-wwf/) [Paul Feig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-feig/) > [I'm a big fan of all the Boston guys that are acting - Matt Damon , Ben Affleck, Mark Wahlberg - they made a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kenny-wormald/i-m-a-big-fan-of-all-the-boston-guys-that-are-acting-matt-damon-ben/) [Kenny Wormald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kenny-wormald/) > [Acting is a grind, just like music is a grind. Sometimes it takes longer than what you can give.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/big-sean/acting-is-a-grind-just-like-music-is-a-grind-sometimes-it-takes/) [Big Sean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/big-sean/) > [It was only when I started making short films in college and I was looking for girls to play the me-ish parts that I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lena-dunham/it-was-only-when-i-started-making-short-films-in-college-and-i-was/) [Lena Dunham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lena-dunham/) > [Writing is something I took up rather than anything I had an inclination toward. I like acting -delivering someone else's message - but writing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-martin/writing-is-something-i-took-up-rather-than-anything-i-had-an/) [Steve Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-martin/) > [I can still function when I don't have that balance I crave. I had a tendency to be precious about acting, thinking of it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-regan/i-can-still-function-when-i-don-t-have-that-balance-i-crave-i-had-a/) [Laura Regan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-regan/) > [Actors don't hate acting. Most people don't hate acting! Whether you're a child mucking around with your friends or a grown up being paid…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liv-hewson/actors-don-t-hate-acting-most-people-don-t-hate-acting-whether-you-re/) [Liv Hewson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liv-hewson/) > [It was only when I went to acting school that I was like, "You are absolutely such a pigheaded freak show that you thought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giles-matthey/it-was-only-when-i-went-to-acting-school-that-i-was-like-you-are/) [Giles Matthey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giles-matthey/) > [Once I committed to acting, this has been it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernie-hudson/once-i-committed-to-acting-this-has-been-it/) [Ernie Hudson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernie-hudson/) > [It definitely helps to have the acting experience going into singing, because when you're singing, you have to portray the emotion you were feeling…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-newman/it-definitely-helps-to-have-the-acting-experience-going-into-singing/) Ryan Newman > [The show was number one in the ratings, Gordon Russell was our head writer, the story lines were magnificent and the acting most exciting.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-storm/the-show-was-number-one-in-the-ratings-gordon-russell-was-our-head/) [Michael Storm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-storm/) > [I've done so many other projects where you're in a room with a reader and you're acting your lines out: 'We have to get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-cummings/i-ve-done-so-many-other-projects-where-you-re-in-a-room-with-a-reader/) [Jim Cummings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-cummings/) > [I do not believe in public shaming. I do believe that young adults go to college to learn things, and that this process will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-weingarten/i-do-not-believe-in-public-shaming-i-do-believe-that-young-adults-go/) [Gene Weingarten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-weingarten/) > [Poetry has, in a way, been my bridge to my acting career.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omari-hardwick/poetry-has-in-a-way-been-my-bridge-to-my-acting-career/) [Omari Hardwick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omari-hardwick/) [Browse all 12,062 Acting quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acting/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When I started out in the industry, I felt the need to say 'yes' to everything. 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