Sick Days in VO: How to Stay Productive When You Can’t Record

April 7, 2025 / Tomas Villamizar

Sick Days in VO: How to Stay Productive When You Can’t Record

So, you’re sick and feel like you can’t record anything. It’s not the end of the world! While this job revolves around our voice, there’s still plenty of productive work you can do to keep your career moving forward.

First Things First: Prioritize Vocal Rest

I shouldn’t have to say this, but vocal rest should be a priority. Your health is crucial in this field, and resting properly will help speed up your recovery. I know how frustrating it can be when exciting or urgent auditions come in, and you really want to knock them out. If you think you can still deliver a strong read, go for it—but don’t push yourself too hard. Most of the time, the client doesn’t know what you sound like normally, and they may not even notice you’re sick. But if you can’t bring your A-game, it’s okay to sit this one out.

What Can You Do When You Can’t Record?

1. Focus on Marketing & Outreach

Just because you can’t record doesn’t mean you can’t build your business. This is a great time to research and reach out to potential clients.

  • Commercial VO? Look up video production companies and ad agencies.


  • Gaming? Connect with indie game developers and game studios.


  • E-learning or IVR? Find companies that specialize in these areas and see how you can help.

A common misconception in voiceover is that the industry is oversaturated. In reality, there’s so much work out there—you just have to find it.

2. Update Your Website & SEO

Keep your website fresh and relevant. Add new content, update your bio, or tweak your layout. This is also a great time to optimize your site for SEO by adding keywords that can help clients find you more easily.

3. Plan & Research Audition Opportunities

Look for VO rosters, agencies, and casting calls that you might have missed. Make a list of future audition opportunities so you’re ready to go once you’re back in the booth.

4. Work on Social Media & Networking

Engage with fellow voice actors, share content, or brainstorm ideas for future posts. Even if you don’t feel up to creating videos or posts right now, you can still build relationships and grow your presence.

5. Tackle Bookkeeping & Organization

Use this downtime to catch up on admin tasks:

  • Track your income, expenses, and bookings.


  • Review your audition stats to see if there are trends in what you’re booking.


  • Organize past auditions and demos for easy access.

6. Keep Learning & Training

Even if you can’t record, you can still grow as a voice actor.

  •  Watch YouTube videos and industry podcasts.


  • Read blog posts or books on voiceover and business strategies.


  • Listen to commercials, play video games, or study animation to pick up on trends and different voice styles.


Taking a Break is Still Productive

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing at all. Taking a step back and letting yourself recharge can actually help you come back stronger. I’ve noticed that whenever I take a break—even if it’s just a day or two—I return feeling more motivated and excited to get back to work.


Final Thoughts

Being sick doesn’t have to mean being unproductive. There’s so much you can do behind the scenes to keep your career moving forward. But most importantly, take care of yourself! Your voice is your instrument, and the better you treat it, the better it will serve you in the long run.

Now, go drink some tea, get some rest, and come back stronger than ever!