Side Hustle: Groups Hiring RPG GMs for $75 per Hour or More!

I was running errands with Cat today and while I checked out some shops in downtown Cedar Cove, she was picking up her comic books and having a lively discussion with the comic shop owner.

We met at the car and she had something to tell me: apparently, tabletop gaming groups (though some do it via zoom-type video meetings) are starting to get together to pool their money to hire truly dedicated GMs or Game Masters (or Mistresses!) to run their roleplaying games! They pay anywhere from $50 to $100 an hour per game session, with the average being about $75 an hour.

That actually makes sense to me because of how much work goes into running a good roleplaying game! It’s time consuming and even if I love it, which I do! – it’s hard work. Most game sessions actually run 2 to 4 hours at a time, so that’s a chunk o’ change for someone who runs the game. It is VERY hard to find good GMs. People love playing and most like doing a GM thing from time to time, but few people are really GOOD at it.

I like to think I am because of an issue I have when it comes to my fictional worlds: I’m great at creating characters, settings, moods, themes, and even an over-arching plotline, but I suck at doing single stories within that framework with a middle and end. I can start stories, but then I get so enraptured with possibilities that I can’t stick to one! This type of thing makes me perfect for GMing a tabletop RPG! I set up the story possibilities and then let other people run around and make the stories! I even do personalities and voices for my NPCs (Non-player Characters) putting my acting chops to good use. =^D

Now if I’m gonna be paid $100 to $400 per game session once, twice, or more per month– that’s actually a real JOB! A decent paying job that would be completely fucking perfect for me, and would replace my alimony payments and allow me to forego Disability for a while longer. I have the time to make this type of “side hustle” practical as well. I’d just have to set up a more private space for video meetings, and procure rides for in-person meetings. Other than that, a little more practice at some different types of games would put me in a good place.

This is happening now in the Seattle area at least, and I live next to a Navy town where sailors who Game want a couple of good sessions while they’re in port, so… maybe this could be a thing for me to pursue?

I may start by asking where I can post my offer for services. I’ll charge less to begin with until I’m more practiced. (I also need to do better notes between sessions.) Next time Cat goes to the comic store, I’m coming with for a chat!