Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF How Student Loans Nearly Ruined Comedian Joel Kim Booster's Life!
Dec 3, 2025
Joel Kim Booster, a comedian and writer known for his work on 'Fire Island' and 'Loot', shares his journey from student loan struggles to comedy success. He discusses the financial realities of live gigs, the importance of multiple income streams, and how student debt shaped his perspectives. Joel gives insight into balancing authenticity with commercial pressures, and the challenges of unpredictable income in entertainment. He also reflects on wealth inequality and offers practical advice for managing finances as a creative.
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Hobby Turned Career
- Joel Kim Booster started standup while working full-time and doing storefront theater in Chicago as a creative outlet.
- He treated early standup as a hobby, which reduced pressure and helped his material grow organically.
Standup Pay Is Unpredictable
- Standup pay varies hugely from drink tickets to club base fees and venue splits, with bonuses for selling out.
- Indie venue shows can pay more for less work, while club weeks require many shows for similar income.
Student Loans Nearly Ruined Him
- Joel accumulated high private student-loan debt for a theater degree and deferred payments, which ballooned with interest.
- An NBC sitcom paycheque ultimately let him pay off the loans, but the total cost still exceeded typical big purchases.