From Punchlines to Purpose: Why I’m Taking a Chance on College

You know what’s wild? I’ve been performing stand-up comedy since July 2017. That’s eight years of laughs, open mics, and unforgettable moments on stage. And the craziest part? I’ve never once looked at comedy as a job.

Sure, I’ve made some money—roughly $2,500 from shows and another $400 in merch sales. But comedy’s never been about cash for me. It’s been about joy. About telling stories. About connecting with strangers through something as simple and powerful as laughter.

For the past two years, I’ve kept it low-key: one open mic every Monday. I’ve stayed close to home in Central Alberta, mostly because I’m blind. I do have a bit of vision, but traveling across Canada solo for gigs? That’s tricky when your eyes don’t cooperate.

So what’s next?

Big Dreams, Small Business

I’ve been thinking—a lot. And I mean a lot. About where BlindGuyComedy.com could go. About the May 15, 2025 show I’m producing called The Dark and Dirty Funny Hour. About how, three weeks out, I haven’t sold a single ticket.

This isn’t me complaining—it’s me learning. I’ve realized that if I want to take Blind Guy Comedy seriously—not just as a brand, but as a business—I need to level up. I need more tools. I need education.

Back to School (With a Mic in My Backpack)

So I’m applying to Red Deer Polytechnic. If I’m accepted this fall or winter, I’ll be taking the Business and Administration diploma. It’s a two-year program, and I’m excited. Nervous, but excited.

Before comedy, I spent seven years in radio. I hosted evening shows, weekend morning shows—it was my first love. It’s what gave me the confidence to hold a mic, the comfort to speak to a room full of people, and the storytelling instincts I use in my sets today.

I believe business school will give me the next set of tools—to grow Blind Guy Comedy, to support other businesses, and maybe, just maybe, to someday build a community arts space. A place for comedians, painters, creators—run by people who get it.

Why Now?

I’ve lived my whole adult life on hard mode, thanks to ADHD. But now, after a proper diagnosis and starting medication 71 days ago, things are different.

For the first time ever, I can focus. I can see the path ahead without getting lost in the noise of a hundred thoughts. And it’s incredible.

This isn’t goodbye to comedy. It’s just a shift. If I go back to school, I’ll still perform—just less often. I’ll keep the site alive, keep the jokes flowing, and maybe even start using this blog to share what I’m learning, where I’m performing, and what it’s like to be a legally blind business student with five kids and a microphone.

Final Thoughts

I’m not turning this blog into a clickbait machine or an ad wall. I don’t even run ads unless someone offers me something wild like $2,000 (which, spoiler alert: hasn’t happened yet).

I just want to say thank you. For reading. For following along. For caring.

If nothing else, take this as a reminder to call someone you love. Let them know you’re thinking about them. Life’s too short to leave that stuff unsaid.

Take care,

J.R. (Blind Guy Comedy)