Disgruntled Voice Actors – And Why You Shouldn’t Let Them Derail Your VO Journey

After many years of experience, I've come to realize that you can't fix grumpy. So stop trying.

https://youtu.be/FypMWILYqMQ?si=4rpV2xinqWOWTs7J

Grumps are gonna grump, don't let them hold you back.

Grumps are gonna grump, don't let them hold you back. -5:39

Hey guys, it's Gabby—Yeah, I know. Very aggressive intro. No clue what I was thinking. 😂

But today, I want to talk about something that’s becoming more and more common in the voiceover industry: Disgruntled voice actors.

Voice Actors Have Always Been Disgruntled—We Just See Them More Now

Let me be clear—disgruntled voice actors are not new. They’ve always existed in some form. But today, we’re just more aware of them. Why?

Because now, they have platforms—spaces to air their grievances publicly. Thanks to social media (especially Facebook), those negative voices are more present, more vocal, and sometimes, well... kinda unavoidable.

So, who are these folks? Why are they so frustrated? And why is this important for new and aspiring voice actors to understand?

Let’s break it down.

Who Are the Disgruntled Voice Actors?

You’ll see disgruntled voiceover artists from a few different camps:

1. The Former Voice Actors

These are people who used to be in the business. For one reason or another, they’re not actively working anymore—they’ve stopped booking, they’ve moved on, or they’ve just burned out.

I’m not here to judge. Life happens. But they’re often the loudest critics of the industry, especially when things didn’t turn out the way they expected.

2. The New, Frustrated Voice Talent

Then you’ve got the newbies—folks who are just getting started but are already feeling let down.

Maybe they’re dealing with a failure to launch. They’re not seeing the success they were promised. They're frustrated, they’re confused, and yeah—rightfully so, they’re upset.

3. The “Woke But Not Awake” Crowd

Ah yes. This is a category I like to call the “woke but not awake.”

Now, hear me out: their heart might be in the right place. They’re passionate about ethics, inclusivity, global issues, and moral causes. And all of that is admirable.

But…When those concerns start overlapping into the business side of voiceover, things get muddy. Not everything belongs in the booth or in a booking conversation. And sometimes, the result is more complaining than actual progress.

Why Talk About It? Don’t Let the Negativity Drag You Down

So why am I bringing this up?

Because I see how it affects new voice actors.I hear from beginners all the time who get discouraged by these voices.

They read a few Facebook threads and suddenly think:

• “Maybe now’s not the right time.”

• “The industry is too saturated.”

• “There’s no money left.”

• “It’s all downhill from here.”

And I love the people who say, "Well, if you can make a living doing voiceover, go ahead. But I tried and now I work at a gas station.”

😑 Really? That’s not how we respond to someone chasing their dream.

Want to Be a Voice Actor? Do It—But Do It Right

If voiceover is something you’ve always wanted to do, then do it.

But yes—do it right.

✅ Get proper training.✅ Learn the business.✅ Invest wisely.✅ Understand it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Is it easy? No.Is everyone going to “make it”? Also no.

But the goal isn’t to let the negativity or bitterness of others influence your path.Some of these folks are dealing with personal life challenges that have nothing to do with voiceover at all.

Turn Down the Noise (Especially Online)

One of the best things you can do for your VO mindset?

Step away from social media.

Sure, large Facebook groups and forums can be helpful—sometimes even lifesaving when you're new.

But when you start seeing excess negativity, it’s okay to walk away.

Follow the “take what you need, leave what you don’t” approach.

There’s no harm in ignoring the doom-and-gloom posts. You are not required to engage with every opinion, especially the jaded ones.

The Industry Is NOT Dying—Don’t Let Bitter Voices Fool You

Despite what some people claim, voiceover is not a dying industry. We’re not going extinct. We’re not circling the drain.

Yes, there’s misinformation. Yes, we could do better when it comes to being kind to newcomers.

Unfortunately, when older pros start to see their bottom line dip—or feel like they’re being pushed out—they can get a little... mean.

Someone who was super supportive six months ago might now be shouting “get off my lawn.”

It happens. It’s situational, and it’s not permanent.

Keep Going. Seriously—Don’t Let It Phase You.

You? You just keep doing you.

Don’t let the noise phase you. Don’t let the bitterness of others derail your dream.

If you need help, motivation, or just someone to talk to about your voiceover career, I’m here. Whether you’re stuck, struggling, or overwhelmed by the negativity...

✨ Let’s connect. Let’s clear it out. Let’s reset your mindset and move forward. ✨

Thanks so much for watching (or reading)! I hope this video—and this blog post—helped you feel more empowered.

Let’s keep pushing forward in this amazing industry.🎙️ You’ve got this.

— Gabby

704-674-8294 / GabrielleNistico.com / gabby@voiceovervixen.com

Gabrielle Nistico, Gabby Nistico, The Voiceover Vixen, The Business First VO Coach, #VoiceoverVixen #VoiceOnFire #BusinessFirstVOCoach Voiceover, Charlotte, North Carolina, criticism, thick skin, peer, growth journey, grumps, skeptics