Salary: $50,000
Age: 60
Years on the job: 23
How he got started: David Felzenberg received his undergraduate degree from American University in political science. He worked for 30 years as a fundraiser for nonprofit groups, primarily those in health care. While working, he earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Maryland, College Park and became a certified fundraising executive.
Twenty-three years ago, while looking for part-time work, he took an eight-week class on clowning. He began working on weekends as a clown. Three years ago, he decided to be Bubbles the Clown full time.
"Clowning is in my blood. That's why I decided to do it full time," Felzenberg said.
Typical day: Felzenberg works primarily on weekends and books as many as three performances a day.
Most jobs are a hour long, for which he charges $200. The show includes about 30 minutes devoted to a magic show and the remaining time for making balloon animals to hand out. It also includes face painting, provided by his wife, Janice.
He's hired for birthday parties, festivals, corporate events, preschool appearances and other occasions. He often entertains at nursing homes and retirement communities.
It takes him about 30 minutes to dress up in full makeup. He drives to the events fully dressed because he never knows when the kids will be there to meet him as he pulls up.
During the week, he has one or two shows, but mostly he's marketing his business by sending out promotional mailings, making follow-up calls and updating his Web site.
His magic: Felzenberg said he's often updating, tweaking or changing his show to keep it fresh. For inspiration, he reads clowning publications, checks out Web sites, attends workshops and exchanges ideas with other entertainers.
Not scary: Although Felzenberg knows that some kids - and adults - are afraid of clowns, he said he's careful to ensure his performance is not threatening.
"You learn you have to be gentle. I don't invade their space, and a lot of times a scared child comes around."
Giving back: A year ago, he began Bubbles the Clown Education Organization, a nonprofit that teaches financial literacy and reading to children. He uses his skills as a clown to teach children about saving money, spending wisely, basic financial tools and literacy. Libraries, schools and others have hired him to present this program. He writes and sends grant proposals to corporations, foundations and organizations to seek funding for the programs.
The good: "Making people laugh," Felzenberg said. "There are not that many jobs where your reason for being is to make people laugh."
The bad: "An unruly child. It's rare, but it can start to ruin it for everybody."
Philosophy on the job: "If you make the person's child happy, then they're happy. We go there [for a performance] and make sure they don't have to worry."
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